Shroooms: Enokitate Mushrooms

Scientific Name: Flammulina velutipes

Enokitate or Enoki Mushrooms grow wildly in Japan, Vietnam, China and Korea. They grow on Mulberry, Persimmon, and Hackberry trees, these mushrooms are naturally orange-brown in color but due to cultivation, they end up being white. Enoki Mushrooms have long stems that can grow up to 5 inches and the cap is usually small. They have other names such as Golden Needle Mushrooms, Lily Mushrooms, Winter Fungus and Seafood Mushrooms.

Enoki Mushrooms are often found in Asian cuisines because they are known for their anti-cancer properties, They contain large amounts of protein, niacin, iron, selenium, calcium and potassium. Scientists and doctors continue to study Enoki Mushrooms because based on laboratory tests, they found out that it can be an important ingredient in vaccines to cure cancer - and that's a great news!

Dishes like Egg Soup with Enoki Mushrooms, Sautéd Enoki Mushrooms and Enoki Mushrooms with Cheese Casserole are just three of the many recipes you can prepare using this kind of mushroom. Like any other mushrooms, this can also be added as toppings on burgers and noodles. It can also be added in sauces for pastas.

Green Minded: Broccoli

Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea

The name Broccoli comes from the Italian name broccolo, which means the flowering tuft of cabbages. They have a tree-like structure with big flower heads. The flowers are colored green and so are the stalks. Broccoli existed since 6th Century and Italians before would consider them as valuable vegetables. There are three types of Broccoli and these are:

Purple Broccoli - sold in Italy, UK and Spain, this Broccoli's tuft is purple in color and the flower buds are smaller that the regular one.

Calabrese Broccoli - the regular Broccoli that's usually deep green in color and has larger flower heads.

Sprouting Broccoli - they have thin, plenty stalks but have very large flower heads.

Eating a generous amount of Broccoli can help support cardiovascular health. It's also rich in Vitamin B Complex, this vegetable is also good for our nervous system. Eating Broccoli daily can help prevent cancer and can help digestion. 

Broccoli is prepared by trimming the "trunk" and slicing the stems, leaving clumps of flower heads which will look like tinier versions of Broccoli. These can be sautéd with butter or combined with other vegetables. One famous dish in Philippines made with Broccoli, is the Beef Broccoli. A healthy snack you should try is steaming Broccoli and drizzle some salad dressing! : )

Going Nuts: Pine Nuts

Scientific Name: Pinus pinea

Pine trees grow wildly in cold regions all over the world and they have different species. Pine trees produce flowers called Pine Cones and when these hard flowers mature and dry up, they split open to release Pine Nuts. These nuts, depending on what type of species, have a hard covering. But if you prefer using the nuts on a later date, do not take off the shell to lengthen the nuts' shelf life. Pine Nuts are often off-white to beige in color and has a buttery taste.

Pine Nuts are a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They have pinolenic acids are are very good for the heart and oleic acids to help lower cholesterol. Eating Pine Nuts regularly can also promote healthy and glowing skin because they contain a great amount of Vitamin E. Vitamin B can also be found in this nuts. Pine Nut Oil can also be found in many medicines and in beauty products.

These nuts are often used in making breads but they can also be used in salads and meaty dishes. Some of the dishes made with Pine Nuts are: Pappardelle with Spiced Butter, Lemon Cucumber Tofu Salad, Quinoa with Toasted Pine Nuts and Sautéd Broccoli Garlic Pine Nuts. This is definitely a new flavor to the palette! : )

Just at the Ripe Time: Honeydew

Scientific Name: Cucumis melo

Honeydews or Honeymelon are cultivated in France and Algeria many years ago and later was produced in China. Other names for Honeydew include: Bailan melon, Wallace melon and Winter melon (because they ripen very slow and can only be harvested during late Fall). Honeydews are round in shape, sometimes a bit oval and the flesh is colored slightly yellowish to green unlike the orange-y counterpart, which is the Canteloupe. The flesh is very sweet and this fruit is mostly used in salads and beverages.

They are very good in maintain blood pressure levels and is also rich in Vitamin C. It also contain potassium and Vitamin B-6. It's great for adding moisture to skin and help promote good digestion

Honeydews are often used in fresh fruit salads. It can be plain Hoeneydew with cream or we can do a medley salad with Canteloupe and Watermelon. Just thinking of it really makes me excited!~ Honeydews can also be made into smoothies or shakes and can be added as a flavoring for pastries. You can even add this in meat dishes just for some twisties : )

~Let's live healthy : )

From the Cupboard: Grater

     Happy October everyone! : ) A brand new month for more brand new ideas! This month is really a good month for me because I have lots of plans and I want all of those plans to work and happen accordingly. How about you, what are your plans for this month? Probably early Christmas shopping? 

Inventor: Francois Boullier, 1540's

Francois thought of inventing the Grater because some types of cheese are very hard to slice even with a sharp knife. Usually the Grater is made up of steel with different slot sizes so that you can choose how you want the cheese to be. Though Graters are used often to grate cheese, we can also use other food to produce gratings. There are different types of Graters, and the basic ones are:

Hand Grater - are hand-held Graters that you move the cheese or any food across manually to create gratings. They are usually flat and the slot size is only one.

Flat Heavy Duty Grater - are bigger than the hand-held ones. This is for bigger and heavier foods.

All Purpose Grater - these are in a form of a box or triangle with a handle and each side has a different slot size and shape. 

Multi-Purpose Grater - like the All Purpose Grater, they have different slot shape and sizes but have removable plates due to more artistic slot shapes.

Speciality Graters - these are Graters that are made for zesting nuts and fruits.

Dig Down: Taro

Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta

Taro can be found in any tropical country and can be grown in any climate. Other names for Taro are: Elephant's Ear (for the leaves), Kalo, Dasheen and Cocoyam. Taro is one of the few crops than can be grown even on flooded land because this plant loves water. They have very large heart-shaped leaves which are veiny, the stalks are fleshy and can grow up to 4 feet tall. The leaves, stalks and the root are all edible and can be cooked in various ways. Taro contains raphides which can cause itchiness for some people when eating or touching Taro.

Taro has a handful of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, zinc, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, folate, thiamin, panthotenic acid and riboflavin. The roots are low in fats but rich in protein. 

When preparing Taro, the leaves and corms should be boiled first to remove the raphides and as well us the bitterness (some species of Taro are bitter). Taro can be sautéd with meat, it can be cooked into Taro Mooncakes, Taro Fries, Taro Panckaes and even Taro Ice Cream! (using Taro powder). There are so many healthy and hearty dishes that you could make out of Taro.

Under the Sea: Clams

Scientific Name: Bivalia mollusca

Clams existed over 500 million years ago and they have many different species (oysters, mussels, scallops, to name a few) from tiny clams to giant ones. They live either in fresh or salt water, some can live only for a year while some can live more that 400 years; and they have all sorts of colors but salt water clams are more colorful than the fresh water clams. The clam's shell consists of two valves, a hinge and a ligament. This ligament functions by closing or opening the valves. Clams also have internal organs like kidneys and heart but mostly they don't have eyes.

Clams are good for the health because they can enhance the immune system; guards us against anemia; and keeps out thyroid glans in good shape. It contains riboflavin, calcium (good for the teeth and bones), zinc, potassium, selenium and iron,

There are many ways of cooking clams and two of the famous dishes made from clams are Clam Chowder and Baked Clams. Personally, I like Clam Soup once in a while. You can also make Linguine with Clams, Grilled Clams 

Something Spicy: Coriander Seeds

Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum

Coriander, also known as Cilantro, are a native to European countries and also in some parts of Asia. Evidences of the Coriander's existence were found in an ancient Egyptian tomb which tells us that Egyptians cultivated Coriander in their time. In Greece, they were also included in perfumes which was indicated in stone tablets. The name Coriander was derived from the Latin word coriandrum and the name Cilantro was actually from the Spanish. This plant can grow up to 15 inches tall or more; the leaves are green and lobed; and the flowers are white to pale pink in color.

Boiled Coriander leaves can help relieve diarrhea and can lessen the flow of menstruation for women. Fresh Coriander leaves contains high amounts or carotenoids when eaten. This contain high antibacterial properties an can improve oral health and can also relieve muscle pain and headaches. A concoction of milk, honey and Coriander Seeds can help reduce fever. It also has a good source of Vitamin C, potassium and zinc.

The fruits of the Coriander plant are also its seeds. It has a citrus flavor and often it was described to have an orange-y smell. A bit nutty, this spice can be used in any meaty dish to add flavor. This can be used in curry dishes, pasta, oven baked dishes and casseroles. 

Semolina: Rotelle

It's Friday! : ) yeey!! What are your plans for the weekend?

The name Rotelle comes from the Italian word ruote which means wheel. This pasta noddle literally looks like a wheel with six spokes and is not originated in Italy but it is very popular anywhere else because of its shape. Rotelle has always been factory made and the colors may vary if herbs and vegetables are used during the production of this pasta in order to have varieties of flavors such as spinach, carrots and squash. It was said that because of this shape, it is easier for parents to feed their children with any pasta dish because children are attracted on how it looks. Each Rotelle is about the size of a small coin approximately 2.40 centimeters.

Sauces with chunky meats are the best type of sauces to combine with Rotelle because the spokes serves as "canals" where the sauce is absorbed, causing the flavors to concentrate more. This can also be tossed with salads which also adds a unique design to it as well as in other pasta dishes.

Shroooms: Lion's Mane Mushrooms

Scientific Name: Hericium erinaceus

This strange mushroom, Lion's Mane, got its name because of how it looks like - a clump of fur which in fact are teeth-like spines that are about a centimeter long. These teeth are rubbery in texture that produces spores for reproduction. Lion's Manes grow in clumps on hardwoods during summer and are very common in Asia and Europe. Other name for this mushroom are: Bearded Hedgehog Mushroom, Pom-pom Mushroom, Satyr's Beard Mushroom and Bearded Tooth Mushroom.

Lion's Mane Mushrooms are used in medicine to treat digestive problems but they more famous for treating nerve tissues. They contain two properties: erinacines and hericenones which help stimulate nerve growth factor, which help the brain function properly.

Lion's Mane have a meaty texture, and they are best used with meat dishes, though you can sauté them along with fruits or vegetables. You can also slice and deep-fry them until brown. 

Say Cheese!: Brie Cheese

Italian Name: Brie

This white, soft cheese is named after the French region Brie, where it was first produced. Several hundreds of years ago, Brie Cheese was considered as gifts, offered to French royalties and is also named as The Queen of Cheeses. There are many different kinds of Brie Cheese today but the French only considers two types and these are: Brie de Melun and Brie de Meaux. This pale-white cheese is produced by using semi-skimmed milk where rennet is added and heated under approximately 37 degrees Celsius. The curd is then placed into molds and let it stand for several hours, then removed to be salted and aged for a few weeks. The rind turns grayish to brown.

Brie Cheese contains a lot of Vitamins B-2 and B-12. These two help protect your red blood cells and nerves from neurological and psychological deficiencies. This also contains selenium and phosphorous for antioxidant and calcium which is good for teeth and bones.

Brie Cheese is very good for dieting and can be used with any dishes. This can be added to burgers, pastas, pizzas and many more just like the regular cheese. Some of the many yummy dishes that has Brie Cheese are: Creamy Brie Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, Roasted Turkey with Brie Sandwich, Sesame Chicken Burger with Brie and Tuna Brie Casserole. 

Have you Bean There?: Borlotti Beans

Scientific Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Other names for Borlotti Beans are Roman Beans or Cranberry Beans and these were originally bred in Italy and Turkey. They are cream colored medium-sized, kidney shaped beans that have splashes of red and maroon that disappear when cooked. Bortlotti Beans can grow up to six feet in height, that's why they grow better with stalks for support. They grow better in areas with well-drained soil and warm climate.

Like many other beans and legumes, Borlotti Beans are rich in protein and dietary fiber. They also contain riboflavin, thiamin, potassium, iron and copper.

Borlotti Beans are sweet and can be added into casseroles, soups and cold desserts. You can also boil them until tender and add it with salads. To pan fry Borlotti Beans, let it simmer in water for a few minutes then remove from water to dry. In a pan, heat a little amount of oil and cook the beans until outer layer is crispy. You can add salt and spices to taste.

Green Minded: Iceberg Lettuce

Scientific Name: Lactuca Sativa (Lettuce)

There are about six different species of Lettuce and one of them is the Iceberg Lettuce. It is called Iceberg because of its white color during its first development in 1894. But originally Lettuce existed way back when the pharaohs reign Egypt and they use the Lettuce seed to produce oil. It is also considered as a scared plant and images of Lettuce can be seen carved in stones and jars. Later, Greeks and Romans further developed these plants until it was produced world wide. The color of Iceberg Lettuce is usually lighter than the other species and the texture is crunchier. Its leaves are firm; formed to a ball when mature and is easier for shipment.

Iceberg Lettuce is usually known to have the lowest nutritional value among all of the Lettuce species, so usually it is always left behind and frequently used as a bowl for salads rather than for consumption. But Iceberg Lettuce is rich in Vitamin K and that is not a bad thing because this can help your wounds heal faster and can prevent osteoporosis as a person ages.

The basic use for Iceberg Lettuce like any other Lettuce is to use them in salads. I also tried sautéing Iceberg Lettuce along toasted garlic and it's very yummy! 

Just at the Ripe Time: Bananas

Scientific Name: Musa acuminata

The Banana plant is a big herb that has very large leaves and this plant can be found in every tropical country. Bananas have a wide variety of species and the fruit when ripe, comes in different colors such as red, green, brown and the common yellow. The plant (yes, it is not a tree) grows about 10 feet tall and produces a big flower which is called "Banana Heart"  and the fruit develops from inside the flower until it grows enough to be harvested. They are in clusters forming from the "arm" which is developed in the middle of the flower then these arms has "hands" where each Banana is held. Bananas are propagated by replanting the offshoots or as they call it "corns". They grow well under full sunlight and the soil should be well watered. Each plant must be planted about 2.55 meters apart since the leaves become very large when matured.

Bananas are rich in Potassium and can be eaten daily. It also container high amounts of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants.

There are many ways to use Bananas. It can be made into cakes, smoothies and can also be added in dishes. One popular snack from my hometown made from Bananas is the Rebusao Saging (Sugar-glazed Bananas). This is made by deep frying sliced Bananas until brown then coat with caramelized sugar. Another one is the Dulce Saging (Sweet Bananas), made by simmering sliced Bananas with sugar syrup and flavoring.

Fresh or Dry: Rosemary

Scientific Name: Rosmarinus Officinalis

Rosemary is a native to the Mediterranean regions and are found on rocky mountains. Its name was derived from the Latin word ros (dew) and marinus (sea). This is a perennial bush that grows not less than seven feet with spiky, needle-like leaves and has blue-purplish flowers. The leaves are colored dark green and the texture of the stems are woody. Rosemary grows perfectly under the sun with grainy or sandy soil. It has a scent which can be compared with pines and has a strong taste. This herb is associated with the Virgin Mary because it was believed that after washing her shawl, she would spread it over a Rosemary bush to dry, then the white flowers turned blue! It was also used during the Medieval era as protection against plagues and was used in wedding ceremonies as good luck.

This herb is good for memory loss and has a rich source of antioxidants. It is good for digestion and can also help prevent cancer. But too much of this can cause vomiting. Rosemary oil can be used as scalp treatment and can also be used as pest control if used for spraying.

Rosemary is often used in kitchens as flavorings. Since it has a strong flavor, this must be used lightly. Preferably used for marinating pork and beef and also for adding flavors in soup and stocks.

From the Cupboard: Spatula

Inventor: John Spaduala

The Spatula is a broad and flat kitchen utensil with a handle. It is also called a Scraper because it is often used to scrape off food or sauces that stick to the inner surface of bowls and bottles. There are many kinds of Spatula that evolved over time. The usual Spatulas that can be seen before are the wooden ones and the metal Spatulas usually found in clinics or hospitals for medicinal use.

John Spaduala, a European man, had invented the Spatula during the late 1880 because he had an injured hand. He worked under a chef named Hans Krugar, who was ill-nature and it happened that the chef crushed John's right hand with a pot lid just because he did not added enough beet to a soup they were cooking. John's fingers broke and when it recovered, he could not move it at all. John still worked for the chef but cannot use his right hand well so he tried inventing things like small sticks to spread butter on toasts. He also used other invented tools for him to work in the kitchen easily. The first form of the Spatula was a piece of board then later on he further innovate it into a thinner board with a handle.

Today, Spatulas come in different shapes, sizes, colors and quality. There are rubber Spatulas and silicone Spatulas that can be used even in hot food. They really make cooking much easier :)

Weird and Wild: Starfish

Scientific Name: Asteroidea

There are over 2,000 species of Starfish or Sea Star. The most common is the five-arm Starfish but there are also Starfishes with 40 arms. They are closely related to sea urchins and they are not fish at all. They have hard bodies which prevent predators from eating them and they also have bright colors for camouflage. Their eyes are located at the tip of each arm and they have tubed feet which are actually gills that transports oxygen. Starfish have high sensory arms that can regenerate when cut. On some species, these arms have spines or thorns are are quite poisonous and this can be used for self defense. The mouth is located on the center which also acts as the anus. The lifespan of Starfishes depends on what type of species they are. Some reach about ten years while others live for more than 35 years.

The outer covering of Starfishes contains a kind of slime that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent which help cures fever and asthma. Scientists have been studying this slime or goo and found out that it can be added to medicines

Starfish skewers can be seen on the sidewalks of China. These are very unusual for most people but locals tend to eat it like they are eating barbeque. :)

Under the Sea: Shrimps

Scientific Name: Caridea

Shrimps, as what we call them in general, are decapod crustaceans. They have 10 legs and 10 swimmerets, thus the term deca. Shrimps are the smaller cousins of their family and their exoskeleton are thinner compared to other crustaceans. They grow about 24 centimeters in length and can be found on the seafloors. Shrimps have thin antennae, slender legs and a muscular tail. They have many different species and tropical Shrimps tend to be more colorful compared to the sea water Shrimps. The body or the tail of the Shrimp is usually grayish nearly transparent that will turn white with pink when cooked. They live about 6-7 years and they have about 16 different stages of development from egg to adulthood.

They have an excellent source of selenium, copper and astaxanthin (an anti-inflammatory carotenoid nutrient) but too much eating of Shrimps can really cause heart failure diseases.

Scampi is one of the most popular dishes that has to do with Shrimps and this is usually served in garlic butter. There are lots of different dishes that can be made using Shrimps like Creamy Shrimp Casserole, Grilled Shrimps and the famous Marinara Pasta. 

I Love Pasta~

~Hey guys! I have something so cool to talk about today and it's about a game!

I Love Pasta is an awesome game created by Pati Games which I've been playing for more than six months now. I introduced this game to my partner and he really loves it too! Pati Games is a company from South Korea where they develop and create cool games for Android and IOS gadgets. Most of the games are online (but it is so worth it!) and these are available in Google Play, Apple App Store, Kakaotalk, and Facebook, to name a few. Yes I know you might be wondering why I posted this here, knowing this is a food blog, but it's too obvious because this game is all about food and running your very own pasta restaurant :) So, let me give you a glimpse of what this awesome game is all about...

This is the Pati Games Logo

Upon tapping on the app icon this is what you will see, the loading screen. Just so you know, this loading screen happens to be a new one because during the first few months of playing, this game has a different loading screen. Selia (with the blue dress and taking her dog for a walk - she is a chef), will be one of your guides or helpers throughout the game along with Elena (on Selia's left side; she runs the market) and Melissa (on Selia's right side, smelling a rose; she is a Sommelier). This image shows it's Summer and it looks like the girls of I Love Pasta is enjoying their day off from a busy week at work.

After the loading screen, it will lead you to the game itself. You will see a popped up bulletin board on the screen, informing you on-going events, new features, some discounts (if you're using credit cards for in-app purchases), and other news. Different events are updated fortnightly and some are updated monthly. This image above is a zoomed-in picture of what my restaurant looks like on the first floor. You will get to see how I arranged my furniture, stoves, ovens and other stuff. The balloons with dishes in it tells you that a certain dish that you're cooking is already sold.

This is how the menu looks like. Each dish can be leveled up to 5 and for each star you get to add side dishes for more experience points and money.

The game gets more interesting with quests or tasks! :) Each level you are going to have sets of quests you need to accomplish so you can earn bigger experience points for leveling up; more money and when you finish them, you will get cool rewards.

This is the full view of my restaurant and my shops on the side that my friends are running for me. As you can see, you can tap on the roof for you to take a closer look what's on the second floor.

The second floor can be unlocked on a certain level. Even on the first floor, at the beginning of the game, the flooring is just small. As you go through the game and earn points enough, you can then expand.

You get to add friends from all over the world that also plays I Love Pasta. These friends help you run your shops and you get to receive daily rewards from them. You can also visit your friend's restaurants to give them a hand with their cooking.

On the upper left part of the screen you can see a gold bell. Visiting your friends daily and helping them will let you earn party points. With these points the bell will turn from grey to gold when full and this bell will be moving indicating that it's party time! Tap on the bell and the screen will shift into a different mode where you are going to paaarteeeii~. Pop as many balloons as you can before the time ends and this will help sell your dish faster. Even the production of pasta and delivery of market goods will be a bit faster too.

In running a restaurant you need ingredients and where do you get those? From the market or grocery store of course! Visit Elena if you need more stuff for your dishes :)

This is my character (you can add me up :) because I can still accommodate new friends on my list), you can basically dress up your character in any way you want him or her to be. There are so many hairstyles, facial features and clothes to choose from! As I observe, every event has a new selection of styles and I tell you they are very up-to-date with fashion. As you can see the circles just above my name, those are slots indicating the number of employees I have so far (that's about 6 now including me), and i still have one more which is still locked.

Add me and my partner! We'd love to be your friends :)
My user ID is: 20970387
My partner's user ID is: 2145841

You will also meet patrons. These are people who frequents your restaurant and you get to make friends with them. There are also level requirements for each patron and they give out lots of rewards if you talk to them frequently. Each one has a different personality so you better watch out what you say to each patron :) At level 5 they are going to reward you something very nice to display in your restaurant and also by time, they get to have transformations (class up) on the way they look.

Personally, this is my favorite part! :) You can shop at the store for kitchen ware, furniture, decorations, tiles, plants and a whole lot more. There are also some items which you need to purchase with real money through credit card though, but it's totally up to you. These items are so cool and you will be the one to decide what kind of theme your restaurant is going to have. For me the Miniature theme looks so great because it has the toy-like style but a little mix and match of items from different themes won't hurt. This will definitely test your creativity skills and your taste for interior decorating!

There are some mini games for you to earn more points, making the entire gaming experience more fun! d=(´▽｀)=b

     So that's the basics for I Love Pasta. There are so many things to do in this game and would keep you busy for the entire day! Go fishing; play bingo; do street fairs; so plenty and so much fun that's why I will recommend you to play this game. Over all, the graphics is so awesome and the music is cool perfect enough for a real restaurant. For me this is a perfect game for food lovers and for people who plans for having their very own restaurant - you can get ideas here! Do visit Pati Games website to check out more games like this one.

Shroooms: Portobello (Portabella) Mushrooms

Scientific Name: Agaricus bisporus

Did you know that Portobello Mushrooms are the matured versions of Button Mushrooms? As a matter of fact they really are! Native to Europe and North America, Button Mushrooms can grow up to 6 inches in diameter and thus becoming the Portabella Mushrooms. But why have a different name where in fact this is all along the Button Mushroom? There are many answers though but i could say one believable answer is that these mushrooms are usually found on the edges of the Portabella Road in London. The Portabello Mushroom has larger gills compared to the younger (Button Mushroom) ones. The cap tends to be browner in color, larger and a has a rough texture.

There are several ways to cook Portabello Mushrooms. You can grill them with salt and a bit of olive oil brushed on both sides or bake them with meat and vegetable stuffing. Well these are only two of the many recipes in cooking this mouthwatering mushroom :)

Going Nuts: Walnuts

Scientific Name: Juglans regia

Walnuts existed about 7000 BC and are very abundant in Nepal and in European counties. They are further exported to other countries, thus, there are many different types of species that came to be, one such is the Black Walnut. Walnut trees can grow up to more than 30 meters tall. The leaves are green, arranged alternately and the tree produces male and female flowers. The fruit is colored green and fleshy; when it ripens, it just falls off from the tree. Inside it has a seed that has a thin outer layer which eventually hardens later on. Inside the covering is the edible part of the seed - the Walnut.

Walnuts are rich in manganese, thiamin, folate, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, calcium and iron. It also has Vitamin B6 and protein. Eating Walnuts can reduce diabetes, cancer and brain health problems. It can also improve reproductive health in men.

This can be added to cake toppings, ice creams, and salads. Walnuts are great in carrot cakes, pumpkin soups, Banana-Walnut Shakes and a lot more. Also, it can be toasted and eaten right away :)

Dig Down: Cassava

Scientific Name: Manihot esculenta

Cassava is actually a root and is a native to Philippines, Paraguay and Brazil. The Spanish sometimes call it as yuca but it's different from the real yucca. The rind is brown, rough and has a wood-like texture while its flesh is yellowish to chalk-white in color. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall. Cassava existed during the Mayan period and it had been a staple for a very long time. Cassava can be either bitter or sweet depending on how it was raised and it also depends on the soil's cultivation. Chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are really not advisable to use on this plant because its roots get to absorb these chemicals and it can be very fatal to eat them. The flesh can be dried and be turned into powder called tapioca which can be used in dishes and desserts.

Cassava is starchy and like most root crops or tubers, they are gluten free. It has minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese and has calories that is twice as of potatoes. Cassava also has potassium which helps prevent neuronal damage in the brain.

It can be made into Cassava cakes which is one of the popular snacks in Philippines. Cassava can also be made into chips too.

Say Cheese!: Cheddar Cheese

Italian Name: Cheddar

Cheddar is a town name in Somerset, England. The town have caves that contains the perfect humidity for the cheese to mature. It was produced as early as the 12th century and the father of Cheddar Cheese is Joseph Harding because he was the one who mastered Cheddar Cheese production. He had some techniques and as well as the proper ways to produce the cheese perfectly. Queen Elizabeth I even said that the best makers or cheese are located in the town named Cheddar. Milk is pasteurized to kill bacteria and rennet is added to help set the milk. Then the milk is treated to produce curds and whey is drained from it. These curds are further processed and formed into blocks, stacking them so that whey is further squeezed out - Cheddaring Process. It will pass through a mill where salt will be added to help preserve the cheese. They will be further formed into smooth blocks and stored for about 3 months until it gets ready. It's color will also change from white to dark yellow during the process.

Cheddar Cheese is rich in protein and can be very filling. It contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, D and E. It also has potassium, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium and especially calcium. Cheedar Cheese is very good for vision, internal organs and bones.

Inside-out Ravioli, Chicken Lasaga, Baked Stuffed Peppers, Club House Sandwiches are only some of the many dishes or snacks that uses Cheddar Cheese. You can always experiment and see if it goes well.

Have you Bean There?: Broad Beans

Scientific Name: Vicia faba

Broad Beans or Faba beans originated in the valleys of Asia and in Mediterranean areas. They belong to the Fabaceae family and usually they are grown in gardens, This plant has whitish-pink with some dark purple hue flowers and they can grow up to more than 5 feet. The pods are about 10 cm long, green in color and turns darker when matured. Honeybees are attracted to its flowers because they smell sweet.

Broad Beans are very high in fiber and can prevent colon cancer. They are also rich in Vitamin B1, BC, riboflavin, niacin, protein, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and calcium. Broad Beans are often used in European countries for dieting and can be a form of laxative because they contain about 65% dietary fiber. So if you are planning to reduce some weight, this beans are for you :)

Like any other beans, Broad beans can be cooked in many ways. You can add them in soups and in main course dishes. They can be combined with mashed potatoes; stuffed in pork rolls or chicken; or grilled. 

Green Minded: Chinese Cabbage

Scientific Name: Brassica rapa

Chinese Cabbage is an oriental vegetable existed during the Ming Dynasty and is very easy to grow. Pechay/Pe-tsai, as what we Asians call it, has many varieties and can be planted indoors or outdoors. Chinese Cabbages tend to grow better and produce bigger leaves and stalks in sunny but cool areas. They grow about a foot high and produce whitish-yellow flowers when matured. These are usually planted using its seed that can be bought in Asian gardening shops.

Chinese Cabbage is rich in Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin A, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin C and Thiamin. That's why this veggie is almost always present in every meal of some Asian countries.

You can mix Chinese Cabbage with noodles, sauté along with pork and oyster sauce, in soups and in salads. In Philippines the most common dish for Chinese Cabbage is the Ginisang Pechay.

Just at the Ripe Time: Watermelon

Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus

Watermelons existed millions of years ago in Egypt then later on exported to China and India. It was said that this fruit was originated from Africa. Watermelon has 93% water, and that's where the name came from. It has a smooth but hard covering and usually the color ranges from light to dark green. In some species, they also come in stripes or spots. The inner part of the fruit is usually colored pink to red but there are yellow, orange and white. It is sweet and has many seeds. The stems are somewhat hairy. crawls and produce lobe-like leaves that are colored green. The flowers of Watermelon are yellow in color and this flowers are unisexual which means the plant produces male and female flowers.

Watermelon has lots of antioxidants because it is rich in Vitamin C, A and B6. It is said that eating Watermelon daily can help prevent asthma, reduce high blood pressure, indigestion and inflammation. Since it has lots of water in it, this helps hydrate the body during hot seasons.

It is often used as juice and shakes but it can also be added to salads, cakes and other pastries. Watermelon can also be grilled and served hot :) Try it! I know i will

Semolina: Tagliatelle

Tagliatelle is from the Italian word "tagliare" which means to cut. It was said that originally these pasta is cut about a half inch wide and was invented by Maestro Zafirano, a cook from a certain village in Italy during the 1400's. He invented this pasta in reference to the hairstyle of Lucrezia Borgia who was about to marry the Duke of Ferrara. Later on it was reduced to a size about a quarter of an inch, closely to the size of Fetuccine.

This type of pasta is made my combining one hundred grams of flour to one egg. Knead into a dough, flatten with a rolling pin until it's thin enough and then fold it before cutting into about 6-8 millimeters wide. The quality is at its best if you use organic eggs. You can also add herbs while kneading the dough to create vegetarian Tagliatelle pasta.

Like any other pasta, Tagliatelle can be combined with various types of sauces depending on your mood. You can make Tagliatelle Carbonara, Tagliatelle with Basil Sauce, Tomato Chicken Tagliatelle and other types of sauces. So start experimenting now!

Fresh or Dry: Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus Vulgaris

It was believed that Thyme can sure sorrow and it can be an antidote for poison in ancient Rome,  It is also used as a symbol of bravery and courage in the Middle Ages. This was mixed in alcoholic drinks and as well as in food. Thyme is a member of the Mint family and there are about 100 species of it. It is native in Greece and in Mediterranean countries, growing wildly in the mountains and hills until they were discovered and exported all over the world. Thyme has round, small leaves that are colored light-green when young then turn grayish-green when the leaves become old. Is has thin but woody stems and can grow tall depending on the climate but they grow well in sunny or hot areas. When matured, they produce clusters of purple flowers.

Thyme is also used as an ingredient in medicines to cure bronchitis and cough. One of the famous mouthwashes, Listerine, contain Thymol, an antiseptic component found in Thyme leaves. Thymol is also used in hand sanitizers, fragrance oils and liniments.

Fresh and dry leaves are used in dishes for thousands of years. Dry Thyme though is stronger than the fresh one. So when do you use dry Thyme leaves and when do you use fresh Thyme leaves? Fresh Thyme should be use when you just want to add hints of Thyme flavor to your dish right before it is done cooking. Dry Thyme is best used for overnight marination if you want the flavor to be concentrated. This is best in salad dressings, barbeque and other meaty dishes.

Something Spicy: Ginger

Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale

The origin of the name "Ginger" came from the Old English word "gingifer" in the 14th century. Ginger is widely use as medicine and as a spice. This flowering plant grows annually and is in the family of Zingiberaceae. Ginger grows naturally in China and was spread widely all over Asia then later on exported in Europe. Today, the largest producer of Ginger is India.

Other types under the Ginger family are Turmeric, Galangal, and Cardamom.

Ginger can adapt well in tropical and warm climates. They produce pinkish buds that turn yellow as it blossoms. The leaves are elongated and the stems measure about one meter or more depending on the cultivation and fertility of the soil. The rhizomes (the middle part of the plant between the upper stem and roots) which grows under the soil is harvested when the stalks are dried.

Ginger is used as medicine for centuries and up to this day. They are good for inflammation, digestion problems, nausea, pain reduction and many more. It is also used as a breath freshener before and are pounded for producing soothing balms.

In the kitchen, Ginger is a spice for many dishes such as Sweet and Sour Pork, Carrot Ginger Soup, Ginger Pineapple Fried Rice and Ginger Snap Cookies. It can also be made into candies and beverages.

From the Cupboard: Measuring Cups

Inventor: Fannie Farmer, 1896

Measuring Cups are very useful kitchen tools that you use for baking and cooking. These cups are made to make cooking life easier because they measure the amount of some ingredients needed for a certain recipe. They usually measure liquid ingredients as well as ingredients that are powdered and in granules such as flour, sugar, and the like. Measuring cups come in different types such as glass, plastics or metal. You can find these in any grocery stores particularly in the baking section, of course. : ) But personally, I prefer the glass ones because plastics melt if you happen to measure hot items and as for some metals, they do get tarnished after a while even the stainless ones.

To correctly measure liquid ingredients, you must fill the cup to the brim while if you want to measure powdered or granulated ingredients, you should pour the ingredients to the cup until full then level it with a knife to remove the excess.

The cups have different sizes which correspond to the right measurement. The biggest cup is 1C (cup), followed by 3/4C then 1/2C, 1/4C and lastly 1/8C. Some Measuring Cups comes with the 2/3C depending on the brand. The standard equivalent for 1 cup is 250 grams/ml and still it depends what type of ingredient you are measuring because not all ingredients weigh the same. A cup of sugar is totally different from a cup of basil leaves if you weigh them separately on a weighing scale which i will explain it on a later topic.