Weird and Wild: Frogs

Scientific Name: Anura

Frogs are Amphibians which means that they are cold-blooded and they can live underwater or on land. They live millions of years ago and they have more than 4000 species. Young frogs evolved from tadpoles usually have small tails but later in their adult stage, it disappears. Frogs have slimy skins because their skins excretes a certain type of fluid which is very toxic especially to predators who try to eat them. Frogs have different colors based on their species and it is stated that the more colorful skin the frog has, the more poisonous it is. Frogs lay their eggs in water then turns into tadpoles when it hatches. These tadpoles have tails and gills but when these tadpoles mature and become frogs, they loose their tails. Frogs who have warts on their skin are called Toads. Most of the Frogs live in tropical rain forests and they usually eat insects.

Frogs contain Vitamin C and E. It contains antioxidants and anticancer agents.

Frog meat can be found usually in Asian countries such as Philippines, China, Thailand and Korea. Frogs can be cooked in many ways such as deep-fried, braised, boiled for soups and many more. They say that it tastes just like chicken.

The Hunting: Deer

Scientific Name: Cervidae

Deer (singular and plural) can be found all over the world except in Australia and Antarctica. The word Deer originated during the Middle Ages because this was the term used by people to describe any wild animals. But later on it was changed, male Deer are called Buck and the female Deer are called Doe. In some other parts, larger male Deer are called Stag. Deer live in tropical forests while some live on dry places depending on what  type of specie and they usually eat fruits, nuts and berries. Some of the different species of Deer includes Muntjacs, Red Deer, Brocket Deer, Pudus, White-tailed Deer, Chinese Water Deer, Moose, Elk, Caribou, Sambar. Fallow and Sika Deer. They are good swimmers, jumpers and they have a thick enamel coating on their teeth which helps them chew fruits and vegetables well since the lack canine teeth. Antlers grow from the head of mature male Deer and these fall off after mating season. Deer fur are usually whitish brown and some Deer are pure white. 

Eating Venison or Deer meat is good for the heart. It contains Vitamin B-2, B-3, B-6 and B-12 which is good for the cardiovascular system. It has many nutrients such as important minerals that can prevent other deficiencies of the body.

Venison can be made into steaks, Venison Sandwiches, Venison Burgers, Barbecued Venison, Grilled Venison, Vegetable Venison Soup and more.

Birds of the Same Feather: Ducks

Scientific Name: Anatidae anseriformes

Ducks come from the Old English word "duce" meaning divers because wild ducks can bee seen on rivers. lakes and ponds diving either for food or swimming to cool themselves during a hot weather. Ducks can be found almost anywhere in the world except in Antarctica. Ducks are long-necked but not as long as geese and swans. Their bills are broad, legs are scaled and feet are webbed which is very important for swimming. The wings are short but wide. Male Ducks are called Drakes while the female Ducks are called as it is. The female ones have brighter color feathers than the males and these colors vary among different species and.

Duck meat is very nutritious and is usually served in Chinese restaurants. Duck meat is rich in Protein and Vitamin B. It also contain Niacin helps lower cholesterol and metabolizes fats.

Peking Duck is very popular in China and is known world wide. Aside from this world famous delicacy, Duck meat can be made into Roasted Duck, Duck Stew, Roasted Duck Legs with Red Wine, Grilled Wild Duck Breast, Roasted Sherry Duck, Fried Duck and lots more.

Butcher's Knife: Sheep

Scientific Name: Ovis aeris

Sheep are one of the oldest animals that are domesticated over 9000 years for their meat, milk and wool. They are small four-legged mammals with thick crimped hair called wool. Depending on their type of species, some sheep have horns while some do not and some have long tails while others have short ones. Sheep are closely related to Goats and they do differ in appearance. They have about more than 190 breeds and each breed has their purpose like the Imroz Sheep is known for their carpet-like wool. Sheep meat has different names according to the Sheep's age: Lamb for Sheep that are one year and below, Hogget is for those that are more than one year and Mutton for the adult Sheep.

Sheep meat is considered to be the Healthy Red Meat because it contains Omega-6 which is the Arachidonic Acid thats is good for the heart. It also contains Conjugated Linolic Acid or CLA that promotes antioxidant activity inside the body. Sheep meat contains 8 important animo acids, Iron, Manganese and Copper.

Lamb meat can be made into Meatloaf, Shish Kebab, Braised Lamb Chops, Lamb Stew, and many more. Muttons can be cooked as Mutton Vegetable Soup, Mutton Dumplings, Indian Mutton Curry and lots more.

Shroooms: Button Mushrooms

Scientific Name: Agaricus bisporus

Button Mushrooms are cultivated world wide but they are a native to North America and Europe. Button Mushrooms grow on grasslands after rain during Spring and their color ranges from white, light brown to dark brown. The cap has flat, wide scales and is about 3 inches in diameter. Other species that is similar to the Button Mushroom is the Deadly Angel, which is poisonous, but this can be distinguished from each other because of its gills under the cap. The gills of the Button Mushroom is pinkish-white but as for the Deadly Angel, it is pure white.

Button Mushrooms are good for the heart because it prevents inflammation of the arterial cells of the heart. It also contains Vitamin C which contribute to a good immune system. It also contains other Vitamins such as Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Iron, Selenium and Magnesium.

Garlic Button Mushrooms, Sautéd Button Mushrooms, Button Mushrooms with Fillet Mignon, Leeks with Button Mushrooms and Chicken with Creamy Button Mushroom Sauce are some of the dishes that can be made from Button Mushrooms. These can also be added as toppings for pizzas, spaghetti and many more.

Under the Sea: Crabs

Scientific Name: Brachyura

Crabs have a very short tail which is actually hidden under its thorax. They have a hard exoskeleton and a pair of claws. They are found all over the world's tropical regions especially on rocky seashores and most of the Crabs live on freshwater. Crabs also have many colors and sizes depending on their type of species. They are found since the Jurassic ages and are believed that they exist since in the beginning of time. It is easy to distinguish between male Crabs from female Crabs because males have pointed abdomens while the females have a rounder shape. Male Crabs have larger claws or pincers compared to females. Crabs walk sideways because of the formation of the leg joints but some crabs walk forward. Crabs eat plankton, algae and sometimes they eat fungi.

Crabs have Omega-3 which is good for the heart because it contains fatty acids that helps smoothen the blood flow to prevent blood clot. Crabs also contain Insulin and Chromium that helps prevent diabetes. It contains Selenium which is an anti-cancer agent.

Crabs are often used in culinary for centuries. Crabs are made into many types of dishes such as Crab Cakes, Stuffed Crabs, Crab Dips, Baked Crabs and many more. Crab roe or eggs are also added into sushi such as Calinfornia Maki. Crabs are also made into flavorings for chips.

Have you Bean There?: Carob Beans

Scientific Name: Ceratonia siliqua

Carob Beans are species of the pea family and it is also known as St. John's Beard or Locust Bean. It is a native to the Middle East, Mediterranean regions and Micronesia. It is said that the family of the Carob tree or shrub species is starting to get extinct. It grows about 10 meters tall with thick dark brown trunk and hard branches.  The flowers are very small and blooms in clusters. Its leaves are oblong in shape and evergreen in color. The pods are dark brown that are somewhat flat and can be curved or straight. When the pods are ripe, they fall from the tree and the seeds usually scatter on the ground producing new seedlings.

Carob Beans are good for people who have high blood pressure and can prevent cancer. It contains Gallic acids that are good for treating children with polio. Gallic acid is also works as an antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant agent which is good for thew body. It contains Vitamin E and it can also prevent flu when you eat Carob Beans frequently. It can also fight osteoporosis because it contains Calcium.

Carob beans are ground then can be added as ingredients into various types of food such as cakes, breads and other pastries. The Carob Bean itself can be cooked for meals. The pods can be boiled to produce Carob Tea. Ground Carob Beans, combined with sugar and honey, can be formed into desired shapes to produce candies which can also be a substitute for Chocolates.

Going Nuts: Pistachio

Scientific Name: Pistacia vera

Pistachios originated from Iraq and Iran, and these nuts existed as early as 6900 B.C. It was said that the Pistachio Tree is found in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Pistachios are desert plants and they can tolerate soils that are high in salinity. The tree grows about 10 meters in height and the fruit which is a drupe or fleshy fruit contains a seed which can be eaten. The seed has a hard outer covering which turns whitish-yellow when the fruit matures while this hard covering splits apart and inside the hard covering shell is the Pistachio Nut.

Pistachios are a great source of fiber which is good for the digestive system. It contains Vitamin A and E which is good for the eyes, skin and it is also fights inflammation. Pistachios can prevent diabetes, boosts immune system and is also good for the nervous system.

Pistachio Nuts are used as toppings for muffins, pies and cakes. It can be made into ice creams, sauces and flavorings. These can also be incorporated into the batter mixture or dough for pastries such as breads and cakes. Pistachio Nuts can be eaten as is it plainly, roasted or glazed.

Dig Down: Sweet Potato

Scientific Name: Ipomoea Batatas

Sweet Potatoes originated from Central America over 5000 years ago. They are grown in tropical countries where there is enough water for them to grow well. In other parts of the world, Sweet Potatoes have several names such as "camote", "shakarkand", "el boniato", "kamote" and "man thet". They have semi-heart shape leaves which can be eaten and the flower is white with a purple hue in the center. The edible roots are the Sweet Potatoes itself and they have different colors such as violet, orange, pale yellow, white, red, pink, and beige. In today's generation, Sweet Potatoes are found almost anywhere in Asia, especially in Philippines, Japan and Polynesia.

Sweet Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C which is good for the immune system. It contains Magnesium which helps the nerves relax and it is believe to be a stress reliever. It contains Iron which is good for the production of blood. It has Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D good for the skin, bones and digestive system.

Sweet Potatoes are really popular in the Philippines. It can be made into yams, chips, barbecue and many more. Sweet Potatoes can be made into salads, pies, casseroles, candies, souffles, and a whole lot more.

Say Cheese!: Blue Cheese

Italian Name: Gorgonzola

The name Gorgonzola is also the name of the town where the type of cheese was produced during 879 AD and it is one of the oldest cheeses. It was later on called Blue Cheese because of its mold's color. It is either made from cow's milk, goat's milk or sheep's milk. During the process of making Blue Cheese, Penicillin mold is added that's why the product contains bluish veins or spot and it also has a smell because of the bacteria. Blue Cheeses are usually aged in caves because in caves, the temperature is controlled. It has a salty and sharp flavor.

Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola can help prevent various diseases such as bone infection and migraine. It can also help burn fat, prevent cavities or tooth decay and prevents gout.

Some recipe of Blue Cheese includes Pork Chops with Blue Cheese Gravy, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, Grilled Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Cream sauce and a whole lot more.

Green Minded: Moringa

Scientific Name: Moringa Oleifera

Moringa is widely grown in subtropical or tropical countries. It is common to Asian countries such as Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan. In China it is called "la mu" which means spicy wood, in the Philippines it is called "malunggay" and its English name is known as Horseradish Tree but it should be called as Moringa because it can be confused with Horseradish which is a different plant related to the Radish. The tree grows about 10 meters in height and it has green circular leaves growing with a pattern from each branch. The branches usually droops down so it is easy to reach for the leaves and its pods. When the tree matures, it produces pods called "drumsticks" and each drumstick contains seeds which is known for its medicinal properties.

 Moringa is rich in Calcium than milk and it contains beta-carotene which is good for the eyes. Moringa is also good for digestion. It also contains protein, zinc and potassium. It has a good source of iron which is good to prevent anemia and it also contains antioxidants.

Moringa leaves in the Philippines are used in soup dishes such as the Sinigang. In Cambodia, the drumsticks and leaves are used to make Korko, a mixed soup dish. In Bangladesh, Moringa leaves are used in curries. In Thailand, the drumsticks or pods are used in variety of dishes.

Just at the Ripe Time: Mangoes

Scientific Name: Magnifera

Mangoes are abundant in tropical countries such as Asia and is a native to the Indian subcontinents. It is one the fruits that is widely cultivated and spread throughout the world. It was first cultivated in the South Asia over thousands of years. The English word Mango is derived from the Tamil word "mankay" or "mangai". In the 18th century "Mango" means "to pickle" because during the time the Mangoes were imported to America, these are needed to be pickled since refrigerators were not yet common. The trees grow about 150 feet and the leaves are dark green or evergreen in color. The leaves are glossy when young, mostly yellowish and dark orange in color then it turns green as they mature. The flowers are white and small in size. The fruits, when ripe, vary in color such as yellow, yellow-green, reddish-orange and green. The fruit contains a pit or seed which is hairy and this can be planted.

Mangoes have antioxidant compounds that help prevent prostate, breast and colon cancer. It contains fiber and Vitamin C which helps lower cholesterol. Mangoes contains Vitamin E which is good for the skin and it also contains Vitamin A that helps promote good eyesight.

Mangoes are mostly used in beverages and desserts because of its sour to sweet nature. Mango Shakes are made from either semi-ripe Mangoes which are sour or from ripe Mangoes which are sweet. Ripe Mangoes are used in desserts and pastries such as flans, puddings, cakes, ice creams and smoothies. In the Philippines, unripe mangoes are eaten with shrimp paste or Bagoong. In other countries, Mangoes are used as ingredients in some dishes.

Semolina: Gnocchi

Gnocchi comes from the Italian word "Nocchio" which means a knot in wood or "Nocca" which means knuckle. Gnocchi are small, thick dumplings that are made from Semolina flour and existed since the Middle Ages. The process of making Gnocchi varies from region to region. In other provinces of Latium, Gnocchi are made from potatoes since the time potatoes were introduced during the 16th century. Other variety of Gnocchi are made from bread crumbs.

Gnocchi is made by combining eggs, salt, Semolina flour, mashed potatoes and olive oil. A Gnocchi board is also needed in order to have the traditional indention or you can leave it plain, pillow-like shape.

Gnocchi is cooked several ways like soups, pasta, casseroles and many more. Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce, Gnocchi with Sage and Butter, Ricotta Gnocchi and Sausage Gnocchi are some of the many recipes on how to cook Gnocchi.

Fresh or Dry: Oregano

Scientific Name: Origanum Vulgare

Oregano is a native herb to the Eurasia and Mediterranean regions. In other countries, Oregano means "mountain joy". It is an aromatic herb with hairy olive green leaves and its flowers are colored purple. The formation of the leaves are opposite to one another and the veins of the leaf is visible. It grows about 15 to 20 inches in height and prefers to grow on warm places.

Oregano is rich in Vitamin K and has a good source of antioxidants more than oranges, potatoes and blueberries contain. It contains Magnesium and other important minerals that the body needs. It also contains fiber and Omega-3.

In Turkish Cuisines, Oregano is usually used for meat. It is also used by Italians as one of the herbs in making pizzas. It can also be used in Greek Salad to add flavor. In Philippines, Oregano is used to eliminate the odor of Carabao meat.

Something Spicy: Turmeric

Scientific Name: Curcuma longa

Turmeric is part of the ginger family and is a native to India. Indians used Turmeric since ancient times during ceremonies and rituals. These plants are gathered for their root-like stem called rhizome and these rhizomes, if separated properly, can be replanted again. These rhizomes are boiled then dried in ovens and later on ground to produce a yellow-orange powder and this becomes the Turmeric spice. In Europe, Turmeric is also known as Indian Saffron which they use as a substitute for the original Saffron.

Turmeric was used as an antibacterial and antiseptic medicine by herbalist from all over the world. It is also used to prevent leukemia during  early stages and is also good to prevent breast cancer. Combining Turmeric with vegetables, this can help prevent prostate cancer.

Turmeric is often used in Indian Cuisine as well as Persian and Thai Cuisine. Turmeric is used in making Java Rice and you can definitely determine it because of its yellow-orange color and the taste. It can also be used in salads, soups, barbecue marinade, batters and in meat dishes to add color and its extraordinary taste. Usually Turmeric is combined with curry dishes. Fresh Turmeric is also added in some dishes like the Satti in Philippines. It is a beef or chicken dish wherein the meat is sliced into small squares, about half an inch, and a thin stick is inserted to three or four pieces of meat (like how you insert sticks in meat for barbecue) then this will be cooked in a special spicy sauce where Turmeric is one of the spices used.