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!