Mediterranean food style

03/08/2024

Good morning, friends! ☀️ I just brewed my first cup of coffee and am ready to tackle the day. What's in your cup this morning?

03/08/2024

28/05/2022

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as "saffron". The deep crimson stigmas and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use primarily as a spice. Saffron has long been the world's most expensive spice by weight.
The taste and smell of saffron is due to the phytochemicals picrocrocine and safranal. It also contains a carotenoid pigment, crocin, which imparts a rich golden yellow hue to dishes and fabrics. Its history is documented in an Assyrian botanical treatise from the 7th century BC. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, with a price of $5,000 per kilo or more.
A freshly picked saffron flower yields an average of 30 mg of fresh saffron or 7 mg of dried saffron; about 150 flowers yield 1 g (1.32 oz) of dried saffron strands; to produce 12 g (7⁄16 oz) of dried saffron requires 450 g (1 lb) of flowers. It takes 40 hours of labor to collect 150,000 flowers; the yield of dried spice from fresh saffron is only 13 g/kg (0.2 oz/lb), while the labor-intensive collection method requires 440,000 hand-picked saffrons per kilogram
Why Saffron is so expensive
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, costing between $500 and $5,000 per pound (450 grams).

Its high price is due to its labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes production expensive.

Saffron is hand harvested from the Crocus sativus flower, also known as the saffron crocus. The term "saffron" refers to the stigma, which are thread-like structures on the flower.

While the origin of saffron is still debated, it most likely originated in Iran. It was revered for its medicinal properties there. People ate saffron to improve their libido, mood, and memory.

Connoisseurs describe the aroma of saffron as resembling metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes, and the taste as hay-like and sweet.
Saffron also adds a luminous yellow-orange color to foods.
Saffron is popular in Persian, Indian, European, and Arab cuisines.
Saffron is frequently used in confectioneries and liquors.
Saffron is used in dishes ranging from Iran's jewelled rice and khoresh[74][75] to Italy's Milanese risotto, Spain's paella, France's bouillabaisse, and South Asia's biryani with various meat accompaniments.
One of the most prestigious applications for saffron is in the preparation of the Golden Ham, a precious dry-cured ham made with San Gimignano saffron.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a popular saffron substitute.

20/05/2022

are you taste it?

14/05/2022

Walnuts are native to Persia and spread to Asia and Europe.Spanish missionaries brought them to California in the 17th century.Today, most walnuts in the U.S. grow in California, but some grow in the Midwest
When you eat walnuts you get
Up to 3% of your daily recommended amount of calcium
Up to 10% of your daily iron
Up to 5% of your daily potassium
Up to 14% of your daily magnesium
7% of your daily folate
What walnuts do for you
Walnuts are rich in good fats-polyunsaturated fats-which are better for the body than saturated fats.They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts have also been shown to reduce the type of inflammation that leads to heart disease, and they also help reduce the risk of blood clot that lead to heart attack.Eating five servings of nuts a week can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 50%, two large studies have found.
In addition to this, walnut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.It helps prevent swelling caused by arthritis or rheumatism.
Walnut Oil has also been used in treating skin disorders such as acne.
Walnut oil is also an excellent source of vitamins A and E. It also contains polyphenols, which protect cells against oxidative damage. This makes it great for fighting free radicals, which can cause aging.
The antioxidants in walnuts fight cell damage by neutralizing free radical molecules.

09/05/2022

The Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), also known as gubinge or billygoat plum, is a small fruit found in Northern Australia's Eucalypt open woodlands.
Kakadu plums were traditionally used to treat colds, flu, and headaches. They were also used as an antiseptic or soothing limb balm.

They have recently been recognized for their high nutritional value.
Kakadu plums are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Here is the nutritional breakdown of 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of the fruit's edible part (1)

59 calories
0.8 gram protein
Carbohydrates: 17.2 g
7.1 grams of dietary fiber
0.5 gram of fat
13 mg sodium
Vitamin C: 3,230% of the Daily Value (DV)
100% of the DV is copper.
Iron: 13.3% of the daily value

06/05/2022

The premise is as simple as paint-by-numbers: choose one ingredient from each of six color food groups every day, and you'll be well on your way to getting all of the fresh produce you need for optimal health. You'll also benefit from powerful antioxidants and health-promoting phytochemicals.

06/05/2022

Shredded, raw asparagus can be added to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, serve the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata or as a side dish on their own. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it's cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.

24/04/2022

Artichokes are low in fat and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Particularly high in folate and vitamin C. They’re a great source of B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, and they’re also very low in fat. They’re a good source of potassium, and they’re a good source of fiber. Artichokes are low in fat and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Particularly high in folate and vit

22/04/2022

You probably already know that parsley is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of niacin, iron, calcium, and fiber. But did you know that there are several benefits of parsley beyond its nutritional value?
If you love the taste of parsley, chances are you’ve probably been using it for its healing properties. Parsley is an excellent home remedy for a variety of skin conditions, from acne to eczema and psoriasis. In case you didn’t know, parsley is a member of the lythrum family and contains a compound called apiol. The compound is known to have potent antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals that can cause inflammation and irritation.

21/04/2022

Have you ever had a broad bean? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no. But that’s changing, and broad beans are one of the top superfoods that are being recognized more and more. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. They are low in calories and fat and high in fiber. They are also very low in carbohydrates, making them an ideal food for people who are looking to lose weight.

20/04/2022

Tuna is high in protein, low in fat, and has zero cholesterol. It's also rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA), B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and selenium. Tuna can be eaten raw or cooked; canned tuna is best because it contains less mercury than fresh tuna.

19/04/2022

Amazing cooking skills

19/04/2022

Sardines are a wonderful fish that can be enjoyed during pregnancy as they are a great source of nutrients. These fish are packed with essential fatty acids that are beneficial to your health during pregnancy, such as DHA. They are also a great source of protein and iron. Iron is extremely important during pregnancy as it helps your baby grow and develop. Another benefit of sardines is that they are a low-calorie fish.

Including sardines in your diet will help you maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy.

Sardines are a great source of calcium, so they are good for your bones and teeth. Another great thing about sardines is that they are very easy to cook.

19/04/2022

Oily fish is rich in essential fatty acids, which is important for your overall health. It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help improve your memory and mental function, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sardines are a wonderful option if you’re looking to add more fish to your diet. They are a nutritious food with a long history of being included in the diets of healthy people around the world. Sardines are an excellent source of both calcium and vitamin D, two essential nutrients for bone health. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.