Each year during the months of January or February as the Lunar New Year approaches, Malaysians across the country will be gearing up to celebrate with family, friends, and of course, delicious food. One dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many during this festive season is Yee Sang. This colorful and flavorful salad symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and good fortune for the coming new year.
At Greenbugs, we're taking this beloved tradition to new heights by infusing it with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The Tradition of Yee Sang:
Yee Sang, also known as "Lo Hei" in Cantonese, is a quintessential dish enjoyed during Chinese New Year festivities, especially in Malaysia and Singapore.
Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a symbol of good luck and prosperity, with each component representing different blessings for the upcoming year.
Typically, Yee Sang consists of shredded vegetables, pickled ginger, fruits, various sauces, crispy crackers, and raw fish (usually salmon or abalone), all tossed together in a ceremonious manner.
Greenbugs Farm: A Sustainable Approach to Yee Sang:
At Greenbugs, we're passionate about sustainable agriculture and reducing our ecological footprint.
Our indoor farm utilizes cutting-edge technology to grow a variety of greens and herbs year-round, using minimal water, no pesticides and importantly, above average & bold taste.
We saw an opportunity to incorporate our freshly harvested greens into traditional dishes like Yee Sang, adding a unique twist to this time-honored celebration.
Crafting Our Signature Yee Sang:
This is our 2nd version of Yee Sang after the first one in year 2022!
Our team at Greenbugs carefully selects a variety of greens, including crisp lettuce, kale, carrot, radish, cucumber, purple cabbage, fruits like mandarin oranges, pineapples, pomegranate and grapefruit, aromatic herbs like sweet basil and nutritious red amaranth microgreens, to create a vibrant base for our Yee Sang.
In addition to the traditional components, we introduce our own homemade kombucha sour sauces and lime dressings, together with spices powder, roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.
For protein, we went for smoked salmon, abalone slices and jellyfishes to create a bolder taste which drew plenty of positive feedbacks and several repeat orders for different Lo Hei celebrations.
Vegetarian option (without the meat) proved to be more popular this time with more veggies based orders, providing a delicious option for vegetarian or vegan diners.
Looking Ahead:
As we entered the new year, Greenbugs remains committed to promoting sustainability and innovation in the food industry.
We look forward to continuing our journey of exploring new ways to incorporate fresh, locally grown produce into traditional dishes, bridging the gap between past and present while paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Yee Sang is more than just a dish—it's a symbol of hope, prosperity, and unity. At Greenbugs Farm, we're honored to be part of this cherished tradition, infusing it with our passion for sustainability and our commitment to quality. As we gather with loved ones to toss the salad and usher in the new year, let us remember the importance of embracing our roots while embracing innovation, creating a brighter future for generations to come. And happy birthday to everyone on this 7th day of the lunar new year, as we celebrate 人日 (Renri)! According to Chinese customs, Renri was the day human beings were created.