31/05/2023

The Nostalgic Tupperware Parties

Tupperware's party is over
The iconic 77-yr-old company was founded in 1946

I remember my mother attending Tupperware parties in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She'd come back with those plastic storage containers that were frequently microwave safe and that amazing pitcher. Over the years cheap plastic food storage bins with airtight lids became pretty common, and high-quality plastic food storage bins with airtight lids went out of style. Now, decades later, Tupperware sounds insolvent and ready to go under.

In a statement, Tupperware said that its shares were in danger of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange because it had not yet filed its annual report. It also warned that it had to renegotiate its loans after already amending its loan agreements three times since August 2022. Tupperware said it was struggling with higher interest costs on its borrowings while it attempts to turn the business around.

The company said it "currently forecasts that it may not have adequate liquidity in the near term", adding that it "has therefore concluded that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern". In addition, Tupperware said that its financial results for 2021 and 2022 as well its interim figures in 2021 and the first three months of 2022 had been "misstated" due to how the firm accounted for taxes and leases.Tupperware's share p rice dropped by nearly 50% on Monday.


Tupperware: Why the household name could soon be history
'Tupperware parties' made it an icon during the 1950s and 1960s consumer revolution, and its air-tight and water-tight containers took the market by storm

The brand Tupperware has become so synonymous with food storage that many people use its name when referring to any old plastic container. But the 77-year-old US company is seeing cracks form in the once revolutionary air-tight sealing business that made it famous, with rising debts and falling sales prompting a warning it could go bust without investment. Despite attempts to freshen up its products in recent years and reposition itself to a younger audience, it has failed to stop a slide in its sales.

The firm's 'Tupperware parties' made it an icon during the 1950s and 1960s consumer revolution, and its air-tight and water-tight containers took the market by storm. But its core business model of using self-employed salespeople who sell primarily from their own homes has been going out of fashion for a while, and was retired altogether in the UK in 2003. Now company bosses have admitted that, without new funding, a brand name which has passed into common parlance could vanish from the market. "We use it (Tupperware) as a noun, which is quite unusual for a brand," said Catherine Shuttleworth, founder of retail analysis firm Savvy Marketing. "I think a lot of younger people will be surprised it is a brand in itself." While Tupperware was a "miracle product" when first sold decades ago, Ms Shuttleworth added, the market has been flooded by companies offering cheaper alternatives in recent years. A resurgence during the Covid-19 pandemic, buoyed by people taking up baking and cooking more at home, reversed sharp falls in Tupperware's share price. But the rise turned out to be temporary. Sales have slid again since then, largely because the firm has not been "innovative enough" over the past 10 to 20 years to keep up with its rivals, according to Ms Shuttleworth.

A lack of innovation is a far-cry from its early days. The company was founded in 1946 by a man, the inventor Earl Tupper, but its public face was a woman: Brownie Wise. Tupper's product was a big deal - it utilised new plastics to keep food fresh for longer - invaluable when refrigerators were still too expensive for many - but until Wise came along, it was not selling. She had already started organising events to sell the containers, meeting directly with the housewives and mothers the company wanted to reach, at gatherings which were as much about socialising as they were about business. Her innovative style - and her sales figures - caught the eye of Tupper, and she was promoted to executive level at a time when women were largely excluded from the boardroom. Wise's and Tupperware's impact is still debated by academics, but many say it played an important role in bringing women into the workforce in post-war America, and provided a source of income to other women around the world.


The Tupperware party is OVER! How DoorDash and Grubhub have pushed iconic brand to the brink of collapse
Iconic 77-year-old brand, once a mainstay in American homes, faces cash crunch & pressure from creditors

After Tupperware Brands Corporation warned it could soon go out of business, the iconic company's failure to adapt to modern trends and attract new customers is in the spotlight. Once a mainstay at American dinners and backyard barbecues, Tupperware containers shot to fame through the company's direct-sales model and 'Tupperware parties' hosted in sellers' homes. While the brand's sales briefly surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as families prepared more home-cooked meals during lockdown, the trend sharply reversed last year as restaurant dining boomed once again.

On Friday, Tupperware disclosed it has 'substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern' in the face of a cash crunch and pressure from creditors, after errors in its financial statements left it unable to timely file an annual report. Experts say financial missteps, the demise of the direct-sales model in the age of e-commerce, and the rise of cheap alternatives - including re-useable containers from food deliveries - may have all played a role in Tupperware's downfall. Linda Bolton Weiser, managing director and senior research analyst for consumer products at D.A. Davidson, told DailyMail.com that Tupperware failed to invest adequately under former CEO Rick Goings. 'They were especially deficient in IT investment,' said Bolton Weiser, noting that the company's free cash flow instead went toward high dividends for shareholders. Goings led the company from 1998 to 2018. Tupperware suspended its quarterly dividends in 2019, after paying yields as high as 8.4 percent. 'They also have failed to fix the basic fundamentals of their core direct selling business,' added Bolton Weiser, who officially dropped coverage of Tupperware's stock last week.

Launched in 1946 by entrepreneur Earl Tupper, Tupperware has long remained reliant on the direct sales model, in which individual sellers buy the product from the company, and then sell them door-to-door or at neighborhood Tupperware parties. In the 1950s and 60s, Tupperware parties and the company's iconic food containers exploded in popularity, and the company expanded internationally, selling in some 100 countries at its peak. But over the years, the direct sales model has generally suffered with the rise of e-commerce, and companies that rely on an army of individual neighborhood sellers have been forced to re-think their business model. Tupperware long stuck primarily to direct sales through neighborhood Tupperware parties, and online sales through its own website, but last June began selling on Amazon. In October, Tupperware also launched a partnership with Target to put the food containers on store shelves, but it appears the new sales channels may not be enough to save the business.


Iconic Tupperware warns it could go out of business
Shares of the iconic 77-yr-old company, founded in 1946, plunged nearly 50 per cent on April 10. PHOTO: AFP

Kitchenware staple Tupperware is teetering on the brink of collapse, with its shares plunging nearly 50 per cent on Monday, the largest drop on record, to notch an all-time low. Investors were spooked after the company said last Friday it had hired financial advisers “to help improve its capital structure and remediate its doubts regarding its ability to continue as a going concern.”

Tupperware experienced a sizzling run-up during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, with its share price soaring to US$37 as the lockdown boosted kitchenware sales. It has fallen on harder times since then, with the company blaming cash constraints caused by higher interest costs. The 77-year-old brand has struggled to shake its staid image and attract younger shoppers in the face of new competition, while demand for home products has fallen. Tupperware said it was working to find financing to stay in business, but that it wouldn’t have enough cash to fund operations if it failed to do so.

It is also working with Moelis & Co. and Kirkland & Ellis to explore options for its nearly US$700 million (S$933 million) in long-term debt. And it’s looking at its real estate portfolio for opportunities to streamline the company and have more cash on hand. BLOOMBERG

The history of Tupperware Parties, Tupperware Ladies & how they sold millions of plastic containers

Starting back in the 50s, women were encouraged to start their own businesses, hosting Tupperware parties, and demonstrating how to use those popular plastic containers. So what were these parties like? Here’s a look back:
  • One night when I saw visiting a friend in Queens, a subway ride from Times Square, my hostess took me down the street to a Tupperware Party in the home of young mother of three little girls.
  • She had invited 12 of her neighbors from her block to show them the new samples. This was a typical American suburban street of average income families and a total of 73 children.
  • The evening started with games, and all the women taking a night off from husbands, housework and children, got right into the spirit of the occasion. Only soft drinks and cookies were served — this is an unwritten law so that no one is tempted to overreach herself socially or financially.
  • Mrs Stegmaier showed the new things, discussed new ways of using them. The party lasted two hours, and when it was over, the women ordered what they needed. One of the guests announced she’d like to be a hostess next month.
  • This is the endless chain of house selling which has made an overwhelming success out of a disappointing failure.
  • Housewives are making handsome incomes from entertaining their neighbors and taking orders for household articles from a line set up by a dealer beforehand, and finishing off the evening of fun and neighborliness with coffee and cake.
  • Many first-time hostesses, or guests, become dealers themselves. They discover latent sales abilities and go on to become sales managers. Then they recruit and train more dealers, and help put on more parties.
  • At this point, the husbands often become interested. The next step is one in which the husband often gives up his regular job and joins his wife as distributor. The couple then operate their own warehouse and office to supply the dealers in their franchised territory.
  • Today, 90 of the 160 franchised distributors are husband and wife teams. Men who have held ordinary jobs, averaging perhaps $5,000 annually, and wives who have never worked outside their homes, are making $35,000 to 50,000 a year from these home parties today.
  • This should destroy the myth that all housewives lead a dull and profitless existence.

What is a Tupperware® Party?
Tupperware parties might serve buffet foods to demonstrate how the products can be used to store food

A Tupperware® party is a marketing event hosted in someone's home. The host receives certain incentives for hosting the event, and his or her guests have an opportunity to see Tupperware® products demonstrated, and to order specific products. This sales method, a form of mulilevel marketing, was developed in the 1950s by the Tupperware® company, and it is used to sell a wide variety of products by numerous companies. Online versions are also available, for hosts who prefer a more modern approach.

At a Tupperware® party, the host provides refreshments and entertainment, and secures the services of a consultant who works for the Tupperware® company. The consultant brings a variety of products to demonstrate, along with order forms, and he or she answers questions, shows guests how various products can be used, and markets the product line to encourage people to buy. The goal is to have a stack of orders from guests by the end of the party. In return for hosting a Tupperware® party, the host usually receives a discount on products, and he or she also has the opportunity to access gifts from the company. Typically the gifts are awarded on the basis of total sales, to give the host an incentive to sell as much as possible so that he or she can get the high-end rewards. While hosting a Tupperware® party can seem like a good way to make a little bit of money, it can be exhausting, and the pool of guests is only as wide as the host's friends.

The tradition of the Tupperware® party is mostly associated with women, and historically some women have used these parties as an excuse to get together with friends and have some fun. Some hosts have made careers out of hosting parties for Tupperware® and other products, investing a great deal of time and energy in expanding their marketing pool and encouraging friends to make purchases. A typical Tupperware® party centers around a particular product line, such as storage containers or kitchen implements. Some hosts organize their parties around themes, such as a tropical Tupperware® party with tropical décor, Polynesian-style snacks, and tropical drinks such as fruit punch. At a minimum, the host provides small food snacks and drinks, and he or she may also put together grab bags for guests, along with other incentives to encourage them to come and to spend money on the products being demonstrated.

Tupperware Parties: Suburban Women’s Plastic Path to Empowerment

If you peeked into a suburban living room in the 1950s, you might see a group of women in funny hats playing party games, tossing lightweight plastic bowls back and forth and chatting about their lives as they passed around an order form for Tupperware. Well stocked with punch and cookies, the daytime parties were well mannered affairs. But Tupperware parties were more than they might seem. Although they engaged in lighthearted socializing at living rooms, Tupperware party organizers were running thriving, woman-owned businesses. And the women who participated in them weren’t just stocking their homes: they were experimenting with cutting-edge technology that helped food stay fresh for longer. During the 1950s and 1960s, thousands of women started their own home businesses selling Tupperware, breaking gender stereotypes even as they reinforced them.

The Tupperware Home Parties of the 1950s and 1960s were the only way to purchase a line of polyethylene plastic storage containers that were the brainchild of Earl Tupper, a Massachusetts businessman who figured out a way to turn an industrial byproduct into an improvement on plastic he called Poly-T. Tupper introduced Tupperware after World War II. But at first, nobody understood what they were or how to use them. It would take an ambitious woman—and an army of amateur salespeople—to sell the innovative containers to America. Tupperware looked nothing like the plasticware that was in most women’s kitchens. At first, homemakers were wary of a material they associated with bad smells, a weirdly oily texture and cheap construction. The bowls’ most unique feature was also what held it back initially: the airtight lids wouldn’t seal unless they were “burped” beforehand, and that confused consumers, who returned them to stores claiming the lids didn’t fit. The businessman needed a new sales strategy, and quick. Around the time that Tupper invented Poly-T, a cleaning products company called Stanley Home had debuted the “home party,” a new method of selling products directly to housewives. Stanley Home parties were a chance for women to buy products from salespeople in their home, not their doorstep, and to do so along with their friends.

The parties were a way to connect with old friends, make new ones, and participate in a booming consumer economy. Though they took place in living rooms, the events were a way to step away (if only temporarily) from the intensive domestic labor expected of housewives in that era. They were also a way for women who were discouraged from working outside the home to make money. “Tupperware . . . took those moms out of the kitchen where they were 'supposed to be' and let them enter the workforce, and let them have something outside the home,” Lorna Boyd, whose mother Sylvia was a Tupperware dealer in the 1960s, told the Smithsonian Institution. Some Tupperware salespeople turned home parties into big business, and top sellers were rewarded with lavish gifts, like diamond rings and designer wardrobes, at the company’s annual sales meetings. Tupperware parties didn’t just flourish in the suburbs, or among white women. “Black and Hispanic women, single mothers and divorcees formed the less visible force behind Tupperware’s expansion,” notes Clarke. Though its public face was white and suburban, the company made inroads in markets that were underestimated or overlooked by other companies. Wise didn’t last at Tupperware—she was ousted after a conflict with Earl Tupper in 1958. She received no stock in the company she helped build and Tupper largely banned mentions of her from appearing in corporate literature. Shortly after Wise’s ouster, Tupper sold the company to Rexall, a drug store. But Tupperware—and Tupperware parties—live on. Today, the company is publicly traded and thrives on the global market. Sold in almost 100 countries, overseas sales produce more than half of its revenue, and its largest market is Indonesia. And though the parties may no longer be ubiquitous in the United States, they still peddle the American dream to women in the developing world.


Tupperware Heritage

Tupperware® brand products made their debut in 1946, the start of a revolutionary post-war period in history. For 60 years, Tupperware brand products have closely followed rollercoaster trends from the suburban movement to the 60's feminist revolution to '90s "cocooning" continually adding a unique organizational touch to the lives and kitchens across the nation. Just prior to its consumer introduction in 1946, inventor Earl Tupper's plastics-like materials of many manufacturers were dedicated to the war effort. The versatility and convenience of Tupper's "miracle" products helped to launch the plastics revolution of the next decade. Tupper's first consumer plastic products the Wonderlier® Bowl and Bell Tumbler offered a unique benefit that traditional food containers did not: they were lighter and less likely to break than traditional glass and crockery.

With the onset of the post-war "baby boom," women dedicated themselves to caring for their growing families. The "Tupperized" kitchen was born … a kitchen that was well organized and neat, and featured a variety of containers that replaced unsightly open packages and that kept food fresh longer. In 1946, Tupper introduced his legendary airtight seals patterned after the inverted rim on a can of paint which prevented food from drying out, wilting or losing its flavor in the now-common refrigerator. Despite their breakthrough nature, Tupper's products didn't sell well in retail outlets, primarily because consumers needed demonstrations in order to understand how they worked. In response, the first Tupperware Home Party was held in 1948, introducing an all-new way for Tupperware products to reach consumers. Demonstrations proved a dramatically effective way of communicating the benefits of the revolutionary seal. By 1951, the Tupperware Home Demonstration system was working so well that all Tupperware products were taken off store shelves to be distributed in this manner. The direct sales demonstration was a welcome diversion for women, whose involvement in the community mostly revolved around their family. Selling Tupperware products via the party sales method was an appealing career for these women, who had few career opportunities after their men returned from the war. As consumers relocated from large urban centers to homes in the suburbs, backyard barbecues became a favorite way for families and neighbors to spend leisure time. The new Tupperware products answered needs created by this popular pastime. The Party Bowl kept macaroni and egg salads fresh and cold outdoors, while The Pie Taker provided easy transportation for homemade desserts. The Dip 'N Serve™ Serving Tray functioned much the same way, making it simple to get chips and dip to and from the backyard or the picnic site.

The '60s were times of social upheaval with the family undergoing social changes. As two-income families became more common, women actively pursued career opportunities and Tupperware filled the ensuing product niche with designs like the Traveling Desk, Drawer Organizers, and the Plastic Carrying Case. The huge wave of baby boomers that began having children of their own created a need for sturdy, stimulating toys. Again Tupperware rose to the challenge, introducing an innovative line of toys like the Shape-O® toy, a fun-yet-educational design which challenged each stage of a child's development from functioning as a rattle for infants to promoting eye-hand coordination in toddlers. While the demand for specialized kitchen products soared, Tupperware kept pace with changing palates by offering storage products like the Mix 'N Stor® Container, and the Tortilla Keeper for serving ethnic dishes. Thanks to advances in medical technology, consumers were living longer than ever before, resulting in an increasing population of seniors. During this era, Tupperware introduced the Instant Seal, which catered to a mature population with not-so-nimble fingers.

Tupperware Parties
A Tupperware party advertisement from the late 1950s

Tupperware is still sold mostly through a party plan, with rewards for hosts and hostesses. In some countries like New Zealand, products can be purchased online without a salesperson. A Tupperware party is run by a Tupperware "consultant" for a host or hostess who invites friends and neighbors into their home to see the product line. Tupperware hosts and hostesses are rewarded with free products based on the level of sales made at their party. Parties also take place in workplaces, schools, and other community groups.

To stay in touch with its sales force, Tupperware published the monthly magazine Tupperware Sparks. The magazine had snapshots of saleswomen posing with awards and recognition for high sales. To avoid spending money on advertising, Tupperware created events that attracted free publicity. The multi-level marketing strategy adopted by Tupperware has been criticized as manipulative. Statistics released by Tupperware in 2018 showed that 94% of its active distributors remained on the lowest level of the pyramid, with average gross earnings of $653. In recent years, Tupperware in North America has moved to a new business model which includes more emphasis on direct marketing channels and eliminated its dependency on authorized distributorships. This transition included selling through Target stores in the US and Superstores in Canada with disappointing results. Tupperware states this hurt direct sales. In countries with a strong focus on marketing through parties (such as Germany, Australia, and New Zealand), Tupperware's market share and profitability continue to decline. In China, Tupperware products are sold through franchised "entrepreneurial shopfronts", of which there were 1,900 in 2005, due to pyramid selling laws enacted in 1998. The Chinese characters 特 百 惠 are used as the brand name and translate as "hundred benefit".

Feminist views vary regarding the Tupperware format of sales through parties and the social and economic role of women portrayed by the Tupperware model. Opposing views state that the intended gendered product and selling campaign further domesticates women and keeps their predominant focus on homemaking. The positive feminist views consider that Tupperware provided work for women who were pregnant or otherwise not guaranteed their position at work due to unequal gender laws in the workplace. The company promoted the betterment of women and the opportunities Tupperware offered women. The negative view includes the restriction of women to the domestic sphere and limiting the real separation between running the household and a career. The emergence of Tupperware in the American market created a new kind of opportunity for an underrepresented labor demographic: women, and especially suburban housewives.


Tupperware since 1946
Tupperware was developed in 1946 by Earl Tupper (1907–1983) in Leominster, Massachusetts

Tupperware is an American home products line that includes preparation, storage, and serving products for the kitchen and home. In 1942, Earl Tupper developed his first bell-shaped container; the brand products were introduced to the public in 1946. Tupperware develops, manufactures, and internationally distributes its products as a wholly owned subsidiary of its parent company Tupperware Brands; as of 2007, it was sold by means of approximately 1.9 million direct salespeople on contract.

In 2013, the top marketplace for Tupperware was Indonesia, which topped Germany as the second. Indonesia's sales in 2013 were more than $200 million. Tupperware was developed in 1946 by Earl Tupper (1907–1983) in Leominster, Massachusetts. He developed plastic containers to be used in households to contain food and keep them airtight, which featured a then-patented "burping seal". Tupper had already invented the plastic for Tupperware in 1938, but the product succeeded with the emergence of the "sale through presentation" idea, held in a party setting. Tupperware developed a direct marketing strategy to sell products known as the Tupperware party. The Tupperware party enabled women of the 1950s to earn an income while keeping their focus in the domestic domain. The "party plan" model relies on characteristics generally assumed of housewives (e.g., party planning, hosting a party, sociable relations with friends and neighbors). Brownie Wise (1913–1992) recognized Tupperware's potential as a commodity. She realized that she had to be creative and therefore started to throw these Tupperware parties. Wise, a former sales representative of Stanley Home Products, developed the strategy. As a result, Wise was made vice president of marketing in 1951. Wise soon created Tupperware Parties Inc.

During the early 1950s, Tupperware's sales and popularity exploded, thanks in large part to Wise's influence among women who sold Tupperware, and some of the famous "jubilees" celebrating the success of Tupperware ladies at lavish and outlandishly themed parties. At a time when women came back from working during World War II only to be told to "go back to the kitchen", Tupperware was known as a method of empowering women and giving them a toehold in the postwar business world. The tradition of Tupperware's "Jubilee" style events continues to this day, with rallies being held in major cities to recognize and reward top-selling and top-recruiting individuals, teams, and organizations. Tupperware spread to Europe in 1960 when Mila Pond hosted Tupperware parties in Weybridge, England, and other locations around the world. At the time, a strict dress code was required for Tupperware ladies, with skirts and stockings (tights) worn at all times, and white gloves often accompanying the outfit. A technique called "carrot calling" helped promote the parties: representatives would travel door-to-door in a neighborhood and ask housewives to "run an experiment" in which carrots would be placed in a Tupperware container and compared with "anything that you would ordinarily leave them in"; it would often result in the scheduling of a Tupperware party. Rexall, by now the owner of the Tupperware brand, sold its namesake drugstores in 1977, and renamed itself Dart Industries. Dart merged with Kraftco to form Dart & Kraft. The company demerged, with the former Dart assets renamed Premark International. Tupperware Brands was spun off from Premark in 1996; Premark was acquired by Illinois Tool Works three years later.

30/05/2023

Bak Chang since 1945 (Zongzi 粽 子)

Kim Choo Kueh Chang in Joo Chiat for since 1945

Talk about having a rich history: Kim Choo Kueh Chang, a Peranakan delicatessen, has been faithfully serving handmade Nyonya dumplings and kueh for 77 years. Located about 10 minutes on foot from Eunos MRT Station, locals and tourists alike flock to this beloved store for a taste of nostalgia and tradition.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang’s humble beginnings date back to 1945, when their founder Madam Lee Kim Choo sold her Nyonya rice dumplings under a banyan tree. Through the years, they have preserved the traditional flavours of their delicacies, serving as a bastion of Peranakan cuisine in Singapore. They were even selected to manage the Singapore Visitor Centre of Katong and Joo Chiat, because of their rich heritage and legacy.

Till today, all their rice dumplings and kueh are house-made on the premises, in the kitchen right behind their counter, where you’ll get all their products, only available for takeaway.


Kim Choo Kueh Chang

Kim Choo Kueh Chang's Nyonya rice dumplings have been a mainstay in Singapore’s diverse epicurean tapestry since 1945.

Many covet its rich taste, finely woven around the humble delicacy. But more importantly is its ability to preserve the traditional, unyielding to the hands of time and untainted by the modern.

Madam Lee Kim Choo managed a humble store under a Banyan Tree at the cross junction of Joo Chiat Place and Everitt Road in the early 1940s. Today, her name is synonymous with the precinct's rich Peranakan heritage and her Nyonya rice dumplings.


Kim Choo Dumplings

A Peranakan treasure that has been around since 1945, Kim Choo Kueh Chang’s third-generation custodians are dedicated to preserving their grandma’s recipes and the art of wrapping the well-loved triangular rice dumplings, which remain cult favourites today.

They still operate out of their original location at Joo Chiat Place, and are an integral part of the neighbourhood’s identity. They are so popular with locals and tourists alike that they also manage a Singapore Visitor Centre for the precinct of Katong & Joo Chiat. The mission is to share the Peranakan culture and its rich food heritage with all who are willing.


The Nyonya Dumplings and Kuehs of Kim Choo Kueh Chang

Kim Choo Kueh Chang has been operating out of a shophouse in Joo Chiat since 1945.  It is most famous for its Nyonya Rice Dumpling (or Nyonya chang) and Traditional Salty Dumpling (or bak chang) but it also has a wide range of Nyonya kuehs, cookies and other snacks. Kim Choo Kueh Chang may also be the subject of another food fued in the East – like the Katong Laksa saga and the mee pok war (see The Straits Times Archives for 5 famous Singapore food feuds).

When a food stall becomes very popular or famous there will always be a risk that someone else will lay claim to the heritage name. Others may also come along and use a similar name or a part of its name to ride on the goodwill or reputation acquired or to give the impression that they are connected to the original stall. It appears that Kim Choo Kueh Chang has become that popular or famous. It has taken to putting up notices and announcing on social media that


ZONGZI: CHINESE STICKY RICE DUMPLING 粽 子

Zongzi (粽 子, Chinese sticky rice dumpling) is a traditional food for celebrating Duanwu festival (端 午 节, aka Dragon boat festival) which is on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Dragon Boat Race isn’t a tradition in the North-west of China where I grew up. But Zongzi is definitely an indispensable delicacy that makes this festival very attractive and special.

Zongzi is basically glutinous rice with sweet or savoury fillings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. After being cooked in water, all the ingredients stick together and stay in a particular shape when unwrapped. It’s a sticky, aromatic and flavoursome treat that involves some very specific preparation. But it’s worth every bit of effort as it tastes so good!

There is a large variety of Zongzi across China. They differ in size, shape and filling. Growing up with sweet Zongzi stuffed with red beans and/or Chinese dates, I encountered culture shock the first time I heard of savoury ones. Having meat as the main filling is very popular in the southern regions of China such as Shanghai, Canton, etc. You may also find them filled with salted egg yolks, chestnuts, dried shrimp, etc. Obviously sweet and savoury Zongzi are very different in taste, but I think they are equally delicious! That’s why I’d like to introduce both versions in this post.


Bak chang 101: How to tell Hokkien, Nyonya, Teochew and other rice dumplings apart

Whether you call them bak chang, zongzi or glutinous rice dumpling, there is always a plethora of different types available in Singapore. Every dialect group boast their own distinct ingredients and colour in the traditional offerings, while restaurant chefs annually try to come up with modern takes and new combinations.

How to tell the difference? Here’s a list of some variations of those delicious little pyramids of sticky rice and meat wrapped in bamboo leaves – and where you can order them:
  • TEOCHEW CHANG - A good mix of sweet and savoury fillings. Usually made with marinated pork belly, mushrooms, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, chestnuts, lotus seeds and mung bean paste. The inclusion of the sweet mung bean paste (first rolled into a ball and then wrapped in caul fat) is the main ingredient that differentiates the Teochew chang from the rest.
  • HOKKIEN CHANG - Most commonly available all year round and distinctly savoury. Dark brown in colour. Usually made with pork belly, salted egg yolk, chestnuts and dried shrimps. The rice is typically fried with five-spice powder and dark soy sauce for aromatic fragrance.
  • NYONYA CHANG - Tinged with a blue tip, dyed using blue pea flower. Wrapped in pandan leaves, boasting a sweet fragrance. Usually made with lean pork, candied winter melon strips and coriander powder. Glutinous rice is made with blue pea essence. Slightly sweet.
  • HAKKA CHANG - Usually made with pork, salted egg yolk, black-eyed peas and mushrooms. Similar to Cantonese chang but the main difference is that it’s wrapped in black eyed peas (instead of green mung beans) and pork before it’s boiled. Pale in colour.
  • KEE CHANG - Prepared with yellow glutinous rice (made with lye water). Presented either plain without fillings or stuffed with red bean paste. Slightly sweet with an alkaline aftertaste. Dipped in sugar or drizzled in gula melaka for a much sweeter profile. Small in size.

TEOCHEW STICKY RICE DUMPLINGS (BAK CHANG) 潮 州 粽 子

Sticky rice dumpling, better known as zongzi 粽 子 is a traditional Chinese food eaten to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival ( 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar ) which falls on 20th June this year. It is a bamboo leaf wrapped dumpling filled with sticky rice and other ingredients. Generally speaking, there are 2 types of zong zi, namely the sweet and savoury ones. The sweet dumplings are normally filled with red bean paste and the savoury ones are filled with pork, salted eggs mushrooms, dried shrimps or chestnuts.

What is Teochew Bak Chang (Sticky Rice Dumpling)? What Are The Typical Ingredients Used? What is so special about our Teochew Sticky Rice Dumplings (Bak Chang / Bak Zhang 肉 粽) is that they are a combination of savoury and sweet. Also known as Double Flavour Zongzi (Shuang Pin Zongzi 双 拼 肉 粽 子), these are savoury as well as sweet, because of the red bean paste ball that is added together with the savoury fillings.

The typical fillings in my family’s Bak Chang are shiitake mushroom, 5 spice pork belly, chinese sausage, chestnuts, dried shrimps, salted egg yolk and the star of the dish: red bean paste ball. Traditionally, the red bean paste ball is wrapped into balls using caul fat (or pork lard netting) to keep the sweet filling apart from the savoury fillings, which also makes it much more aromatic too. My family especially loves the red bean paste in the teochew sticky rice dumplings, without which will not be complete.


Nyonya Bak Chang (Peranakan Glutinous Rice Dumpling)

This is my version of Nyonya Chang. A sweet and savoury rice dumpling with a distinct patch of blue from the blue pea flower.

It is usually wrapped in pandan leaves but as I was not able to get broad pandan leaves, bamboo leaves were used instead.

Nyonya changs are different from the rest due to the candied winter melon and coriander powder used to make the filling. Minced pork belly was also used for this recipe instead of finely diced pork.


NYONYA CHANG (NYONYA GLUTINOUS RICE DUMPLINGS)

Nyonya Chang (娘 惹 粽) is a Melaka Peranakan cuisine.

A traditional Nyonya Chang has a distinctive sweet and savory taste with a patch of blue glutinous rice, which is colored by blue pea flower juice.

This Nyonya Chang recipe is absolutely delicious and not overly sweet with a hint of spiciness. The secret to get the best flavor is to use whole coriander seeds and white pepper seeds instead of store-bought ground spices.


NYONYA CHANG GLUTINOUS RICE DUMPLINGS (NYONYA ZONGZI)

Nyonya cuisine or sometimes you will refer to as Peranakan cuisine is a hybrid between the traditional Chinese and Malay cooking. The term Nyonya or Peranakan is commonly used in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore where both Chinese and Malay influence exist. Nyonya chang is basically a variation of the traditional Chinese zong zi created by the peranakan people.

The Nyonya chang is typically characterized by its blue color on some part of the dumplings more often than not, though not always. It’s totally fine not to have the blue color too. The filling is infused with a strong Malay spice we know as coriander seeds (don’t be mistaken with coriander leaves, which is totally different in aroma and taste) or we call it ketumbar in Indonesia. Kencur (lesser galangal) is also added. These two make very distinct pleasant aromas.

Chinese zong zi is savory in taste. Nyonya chang taste more at the sweet side than savory, thanks to the candied winter melon. Coriander seeds and kencur pair well with a sweet taste.


EASY HOKKIEN BAK CHANG (ZONGZI-STICKY RICE DUMPLINGS)

I’ve never imagined making zongzi or bak cang in Hokkien dialect, on my own. I mean this was something I took for granted. Either my mom would make them or my aunt would make some or my dad would buy some. Regardless, we always had some to eat. They are also available at most Asian grocery stores too, however, I always miss the one I had at home. Zongzi is traditionally eaten at the Dragon Boat Festival on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (confused yet ? don’t worry about the day and the month, just focus on the food).

The Dragon Boat Festival is the commemoration of the death of the great poet and official of the state of Chu, Qu Yuan, during the Zhou dynasty. He wrote a great deal of poetry during his life and serve in high offices. He was accused of treason during the warring states period. He felt despair and Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo river in northern Hunan. People who admired Qu Yuan made rice parcels and threw them into the river in the hope that the fish would not consume Qu Yuan’s body and ate the rice parcels instead. Despite all the stories out there, no one really knows for sure. I just know that Zongzi is eaten all over the world, especially in Asia. Of course, as the Chinese immigrated to other countries, this culture is carried along and now is eaten in other parts of Asia and has been adapted to local taste too.

My Dad’s family is Hokkien and needless to say, Hokkien bak chang is what I grew up eating. Even though my mom’s family is Teochew, but I’ve never tasted Teochew bak chang before. Teochew bak chang has both sweet and savory filling. Hokkien bak chang is much darker in color because dark soy sauce is used and I know some has black-eyed peas added to the filling. I didn’t use that. The meat filling is also cooked in five-spice powder and chestnuts and salted egg yolk are added. The glutinous rice grain is usually stir-fried in five-spice powder and dark soy sauce for that dark appearance.


ALKALINE DUMPLINGS (KEE CHANG)

Traditional kee chang (alkaline dumplings) filled with Chinese red bean paste or plain kee chang served with palm sugar syrup or dipped in sugar. Can be cooked in Instant Pot too.

As its name suggested, the sticky rice is mixed with alkaline solution that makes the dumplings chewy and bouncy. The alkaline also turns the rice slightly yellowish brown in color.

The sticky rice is then wrapped in a cone-shaped using banana leaves and then boiled until the sticky rice literally sticks to each other into one beautiful cohesive mass. The dumplings are then hanged to let them firm up before serving.


Kee Chang 素 碱 水 粽

Kee Chang is the most traditional of all rice dumplings, as it is plain with only glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.

You can have it by dipping into authentic Gula Melaka Sauce, kaya or sugar. All our Kee Chang are cooked slowly over charcoal fire for the best taste coupled and we use only the best organic glutinous rice! Every purchase of our Kee Chang comes with our homemade Gula Melaka Sauce provided.

Please Note that For any rice dumplings, they are kept frozen and can last for 1 month upon received. You can thaw and steam it for 20 mins under high heat before consumption.

29/05/2023

Teochew 潮州 Kaki Nang Dialect


Learning the Teochew (Chaozhou) Dialect
Map of major dialect groups of Chinese, with Teochew circled. Teochew is part of the Min branch of Chinese

Lately I’ve been learning my girlfriend’s dialect of Chinese, called the Teochew dialect.  Teochew is spoken in the eastern part of the Guangdong province by about 15 million people, including the cities of Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang. It is part of the Min Nan (闽南) branch of Chinese languages.

Although the different varieties of Chinese are usually refer to as “dialects”, linguists consider them different languages as they are not mutually intelligible. Teochew is not intelligible to either Mandarin or Cantonese speakers. Teochew and Mandarin diverged about 2000 years ago, so today they are about as similar as French is to Portuguese. Interestingly, linguists claim that Teochew is one of the most conservative Chinese dialects, preserving many archaic words and features from Old Chinese.

Since I like learning languages, naturally I started learning my girlfriend’s native tongue soon after we started dating. It helped that I spoke Mandarin, but Teochew is not close enough to simply pick up by osmosis, it still requires deliberate study. Compared to other languages I’ve learned, Teochew is challenging because very few people try to learn it as a foreign language, thus there are few language-learning resources for it.


Teochews in Singapore

The 20th century produced many successful overseas Teochew businessmen, who always devoted their energy and wealth towards the education and other fields of philanthropy. Watch the late Lien Ying Chow of Overseas Union Bank and other Teochews in Singapore share their stories and the philosophy behind their selfless contributions towards the larger society in this documentary produced by Shantou Television in 1997.


Singaporean woman on how she found her way back to her Teochew roots
Her then-three-year-old daughter’s fixation on Teochew opera led Eileen Hair on a path to rediscovering her roots

For younger Chinese Singaporeans, joining a clan association is something not many would consider. Especially taking into account that many of us can barely hold a conversation in our dialect.

But for Eileen Hair, who is the section head of the event management course at ITE College Central, joining the Teochew clan association in 2018 was like fulfilling her calling. However, what prompted the 43-year-old’s quest for membership at Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan wasn’t because she was encouraged to do so by her grandparents, nor was it out of a need to network with other businessmen in the clan.

It was her then-three-year-old daughter’s unexpected interest in Teochew opera at the 2016 Teochew Festival that encouraged Hair to dig deeper into her roots.

28/05/2023

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023


Menstrual Hygiene Day theme 2023

On Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, we're working to break the silence around periods, tackle the stigma often associated with them, and raise awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene for women, girls and people who menstruate around the world.

When is Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, and what is it? Menstrual Hygiene Day takes place on 28 May every year. It's a chance to highlight the importance of menstrual care, and raise awareness about the issues faced by those who don't have access to sanitary products. Access to sanitary products, safe, hygienic spaces in which to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma, is essential for anyone who menstruates. But for too many, that's not the reality.

The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 is: making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030. The overarching goal is to build a world where no one is held back because they menstruate by 2030.


International Day of Action for Women’s Health

On May 28, the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, activists around the world will take action, mobilize, and highlight demands towards the fulfillment of women’s right to health. This year, we call on everyone to #ResistAndPersist amid crises and global uncertainty and to continue to assert that #WomensHealthMatters and #SRHRisEssential. 

Within the context of the post-pandemic recovery, we continue to hold governments accountable to the gendered impacts of the pandemic that remain unaddressed to date. Some of these impacts include loss of livelihood, increased unpaid care burdens on women and girls, heightened risks to gender-based violence, and barriers to accessing essential sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion and post-abortion care.

We also escalate the need for accountability at the global level as we recognize that the multiple crises we face – economic, political, humanitarian, climate, disinformation crises – require no less than concerted global effort to be adequately addressed.


Menstrual Hygiene Day

For some, menstruation may be an inconvenience they don’t give much thought to. But for millions of others, this most natural of reproductive cycle functions can equate to abuse (the onset of menstruation can signal that a girl is ready for marriage and childbearing, even if she is still a child herself); stigma (banished to menstruation huts; barred from sharing meals); missed opportunity (skipping school because of pain and/or lack of personal hygiene products); and loss of dignity (lack of supplies and sanitation in humanitarian settings where even basics like soap and water can be scarce or unavailable.)

Among initiatives to support menstrual health and hygiene, UNFPA reaches people who menstruate with education, safe sanitation facilities, including in displacement camps, and with dignity kits containing essentials like soap, menstrual supplies and underwear. Recently, UNFPA has distributed thousands of kits in humanitarian settings as a result of conflict (Ukraine and Moldova, northern Ethiopia) and natural disasters (Haiti, the Philippines, Tonga, Malawi and Mozambique).

The day is observed on 28 May because menstrual cycles average 28 days in length and people menstruate an average of five days each month. (May is the fifth month of the year.) It is meant to advance menstruation as a biological process so that people can menstruate without being cast out or missing out, without feeling fear or shame and without being treated like less or exposed to more vulnerabilities. It also raises awareness of period poverty, or the inability to afford the menstrual supplies needed to manage health and hygiene with dignity.


Menstrual Hygiene Day: Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030

Today, millions of women and girls* around the world are stigmatised, excluded and discriminated against simply because they menstruate. It’s not acceptable that because of a natural bodily function women and girls continue to be prevented from getting an education, earning an income and fully and equally participating in everyday life.

While Menstrual Hygiene Day is on 28 May, our team and our partners work all year round to:
  • Break the taboos and end the stigma surrounding menstruation
  • Raise awareness about the challenges regarding access to menstrual products, education about menstruation and period-friendly sanitation facilities
  • Mobilise the funding required for action at scale

All of this contributes to our overarching goal: to build a world where no one is held back because they menstruate by 2030. Join the global day of action.


From Pads to Tampons: How women dealt with periods long before sanitary pads and tampons
Long before the sanitary pad got its wings, it was meant to help men cope with another kind of bleeding. Ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28

Did you know that the first disposable sanitary pads were made for men, not women? In the 1700s, the idea of creating a highly absorbent pad that could be discarded after use was thought up by US president Benjamin Franklin, who wanted to help wounded soldiers control bleeding of a different kind.

Of course, women were menstruating before the 1700s and were known to use some form of menstrual protection. One of the earliest records was of a 4th-century Greek mathematician, who resorted to throwing her menstrual rag at a persistent admirer after everything else she did failed to fob him off. Other than rags, women also lined their underwear with whatever was cheap and in abundance. In China, women were thought to have made period pads by putting sand in a cloth pouch and wrapping it tightly. When the pad was wet, the sand would be discarded and the pouch washed for the next cycle.

Elsewhere, women were said to have used moss or grass, though we wonder if they also had to grapple with frequent infections down there. It isn't clear why menstrual rags weren't used by some women from the 1700s to the 1900s in Europe or America. It could be the extreme poverty that the majority of the population lived through. For whatever reason, women did not use anything to catch their menstrual flow. Those who could afford to would use knitted "pads", sheep's wool, or rabbit fur. 


How women have managed periods throughout history

Women have been managing their periods for millennia, but the way they do so has changed as menstruation has become more and less stigmatised over time. From rags to tampons, menstrual cups and free-bleeding, take a tour of the history of period products on this Menstrual Hygiene Day.

For most of human history, menstruation was very poorly understood. In ancient times, it was often thought of negatively, the blood considered impure and periods thought to be a curse. From the 15th century, "women would apply remedies, for example enemas, perform physical exercise or take emmenagogue plants", which helped regulate menstruation cycles, French historian Nahema Hanafi told AFP. It was the job of the women in a teenager's family or community to inform her about periods. But they also discussed how it worked with men.

"In medieval and modern times, people talk about menstruation because it is a crucial health issue that concerns the whole family," Hanafi said. Noble women, for example, would catalogue their periods in correspondence with their father or uncle. However menstruation became taboo in the 19th century Europe with the rise of the middle class, which brought about new social norms, the historian said. Modesty became a feminine virtue. "In this movement, everything related to the body and sexuality was kept from women's sight, which prevented them from being informed about these subjects -- and from talking about them," Hanafi said.


Choosing the Right Sanitary Pad

When you have your period, you need the assurance that your sanitary pad provides you reliable absorbency with no leakages. After all, what could be more embarrassing than having a period stain on your skirt? Comfort is of upmost importance, make sure your pad is comfortable and doesn’t cause you any itchiness or irritation. Here are three important things to note when choosing a sanitary pad:
  • Good Absorbency - One of the most important elements of a good sanitary pad is the ability to absorb a large volume of blood in a short span of time. Blood absorbed should also be locked into the centre core, eliminating the chance of backflow when pressure is applied to the pad (for example when sitting down). One way to tell whether the discharged blood is absorbed to the centre core is to observe the colour of the blood on the pad surface. The brighter or fresher the colour, the nearer the blood is to the surface, potentially leading to backflow and dampness. Conversely, if the colour appears a duller red, this means that blood has been effectively absorbed so that you feel dry, confident and are able to go about your daily activities without worrying about any leakage!
  • Length and Flow - Blood discharge is usually heavier at the start of your period, so it is essential to choose a pad that can quickly and effectively absorb your flow. Sanitary pads are classified as Day or Night, with Day pads being shorter (ranging from 17cm to 25cm) and Night pads going all the way to 35cm or more. The longer the pad, the more fluids it can absorb. Night pads also come with added features like wide hip guards to effectively prevent back leakages as you lie down. Some pads also come with side gathers to fit your body contours; this is to prevent side leakage throughout the night.
  • Material Comfort - Sanitary pads are either made of cotton or plastic netted. Everyone’s skin is different, thus the comfort levels with certain materials differ as well. Some girls prefer a soft touch whilst others may prefer a netted top layer. The type of material also affects its breathability. According to a survey conducted by Kao Laboratories in Japan, when you put on a sanitary pad, humidity levels in that area of your body elevates to 85% or higher. This change could make the skin damp, tender and very sensitive. The menstrual flow itself could lead to your discomfort. On light flow days, moisture levels are lower but the constant rubbing of your skin against the sanitary pad can give rise to abrasions, making your skin red and itchy. A common misconception among women is that having rashes in their pubic area is something all women have to go through during their period. The truth is, the problem may quite easily be alleviated by simply changing to cotton-type sanitary pads!


Menstrual pads

A menstrual pad, or simply pad, (also known as a sanitary pad, sanitary towel, sanitary napkin or feminine napkin) is an absorbent item worn by women in their underwear when menstruating, bleeding after giving birth, recovering from gynecologic surgery, experiencing a miscarriage or abortion, or in any other situation where it is necessary to absorb a flow of blood from the vagina.

A menstrual pad is a type of menstrual hygiene product that is worn externally, unlike tampons and menstrual cups, which are worn inside the vagina. Pads are generally changed by being stripped off the pants and panties, taking out the old pad, sticking the new one on the inside of the panties and pulling them back on. Pads are recommended to be changed every 3–4 hours to avoid certain bacteria that can fester in blood; this time also may differ depending on the kind worn, flow, and the time it is worn.

Menstrual pads are made from a range of materials, differing depending on style, country of origin, and brand. The pads are not the same as incontinence pads, which generally have higher absorbency and are worn by those who have urinary incontinence problems. Although menstrual pads are not made for this use, some use them for this purpose.


Tampons
Tampon inserted

A tampon is a menstrual product designed to absorb blood and vaginal secretions by insertion into the vagina during menstruation. Unlike a pad, it is placed internally, inside of the vaginal canal. Once inserted correctly, a tampon is held in place by the vagina and expands as it soaks up menstrual blood. However, in addition to menstrual blood, the tampon also absorbs the vagina's natural lubrication and bacteria, which can change the normal pH, increasing the risk of infections from the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but life-threatening infection that requires immediate medical attention.

The majority of tampons sold are made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton, along with synthetic fibers. Some tampons are made out of organic cotton. Tampons are available in several absorbency ratings. Brands include (but are not limited to) Kotex, Playtex, Tampax (Always), O.B., Cora, Lola, Sustain, Honest Company, Seventh Generation, Solimo, and Rael Tampons. Several countries regulate tampons as medical devices. In the United States, they are considered to be a Class II medical device by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Tampon design varies between companies and across product lines in order to offer a variety of applicators, materials and absorbencies. There are two main categories of tampons based on the way of insertion - digital tampons inserted by finger, and applicator tampons. Tampon applicators may be made of plastic or cardboard, and are similar in design to a syringe. The applicator consists of two tubes, an "outer", or barrel, and "inner", or plunger. The outer tube has a smooth surface to aid insertion and sometimes comes with a rounded end that is petaled. Differences exist in the way tampons expand when in use: applicator tampons generally expand axially (increase in length), while digital tampons will expand radially (increase in diameter). Most tampons have a cord or string for removal. The majority of tampons sold are made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton. Organic cotton tampons are made from only 100% cotton. Tampons may also come in scented or unscented varieties


Menstrual cups
A properly inserted menstrual cup (blue) will form a seal against the vaginal walls, as shown. Blood flow from the uterus (red) is captured in the cup

A menstrual cup is a menstrual hygiene device which is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Its purpose is to collect menstrual fluid (blood from the uterine lining mixed with other fluids). Menstrual cups are usually made of flexible medical grade silicone, latex, or a thermoplastic isomer. They are shaped like a bell with a stem or a ring. The stem is used for insertion and removal, and the bell-shaped cup seals against the vaginal wall just below the cervix and collects menstrual fluid. This is unlike tampons and menstrual pads, which absorb the fluid instead.

Every 4–12 hours (depending on the amount of flow), the cup is removed, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted. After each period, the cup requires cleaning. One cup may be reusable for up to 10 years, making their long-term cost lower than that of disposable tampons or pads, though the initial cost is higher. As menstrual cups are reusable, they generate less solid waste than tampons and pads, both from the products themselves and from their packaging. Most menstrual cup brands sell a smaller and a larger size. Some menstrual cups are sold colorless and translucent, but several brands also offer colored cups. Menstrual cups typically do not leak if used properly, though incorrect placement or inadequate cup size can cause some women to experience leakage. Menstrual cups are a safe alternative to other menstrual products; risk of toxic shock syndrome infection is similar or less with menstrual cups compared to pads or tampons

The menstrual cup is first folded or pinched and then inserted into the vagina. It will normally unfold automatically and create a light seal against the cervix. In some cases, the user may need to twist the cup or flex the vaginal muscles to ensure the cup is fully open. If correctly inserted, the cup should not leak or cause any discomfort. The stem should be completely inside the vagina. If it is not, the stem can be trimmed. There are various folding techniques for insertion; common folds include the c-fold, as well as the punch-down fold. If lubrication is necessary for insertion, it should be water-based, as silicone lubricant can be damaging to the silicone. After 4–12 hours of use (depending on the amount of flow), the cup is removed by reaching up to its stem to find the base. Simply pulling on the stem is not recommended to remove the cup, as this can create suction. The base of the cup is pinched to release the seal, and the cup is removed. After emptying, a menstrual cup should be rinsed or wiped and reinserted. It can be washed with a mild soap, and sterilized in boiling water for a few minutes at the end of the cycle. Alternatively, sterilizing solutions (usually developed for baby bottles and breast pump equipment) may be used to soak the cup. Specific cleaning instructions vary by brand.