It comes from the salt lakes of Larnaca and Limassol, which owe their strong saline concentration to the nearby sea, which filters the extremely porous soil. The Cyprus salt is enriched with charcoal obtained from the combustion of softwood barks such as lime, birch and willow - which give it its typical dark color.
The white Cyprus salt is shown in the pyramidal shape with its sea salt crystals in flakes. The crystals are characterized by a savory flavor, but sweeter than common table salt. The white Cyprus salt is appreciated in the kitchen both in the preparation phase of the dishes and in the seasoning of the moment, directly on the plate.
Green pepper is used to flavor fish and meat dishes (chicken, turkey, pork, beef). The recipe for fillet with green pepper is famous. It is particularly appreciated for its spicy, fresh and delicately herbaceous flavour. Green pepper also goes well with other spices, including nutmeg, coriander and juniper.
Cinnamon in bark is the spice preferred by cooks to give a particular flavor to their recipes. In healthy terms, cinnamon helps keep blood sugar in balance, helps prevent cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, triglycerides and ulcers. Tip: do not cook it too long, it can become bitter.
To make the most of the properties of this plant, the fruits of Garcinia are prepared for a herbal tea with beneficial and slimming properties. Garcinia is a herb known as a fat burner, which can facilitate weight loss, counteract hyperglycemia, and reduce appetite. It is also an herbal tea with antioxidant properties, which gives energy during the day and helps a good mood.
Ingredients: garcinia cambogia Botanical name: garcinia cambogia Gaertn. Desr Origin: Far East
Cassia ground cinnamon has an intense flavor that goes well with salty foods and flavors meat. In the Middle East it accompanies stews, lamb, goose and duck meat; in Thailand pork and dried fruit; in Morocco it is combined with pigeon pastilla; in Yorkshire it is excellent in braised ham. A pinch of cinnamon is perfect in mashed potatoes, ravioli and pumpkin risotto. It gives a unique aroma to vegetable pies or natural yoghurt.
Malagueta pepper or Guinea pepper is particularly rich in essential oils. Its scent is reminiscent of ginger, but notes of cardamom can also be perceived, so much so that it is often used or recommended as a substitute for the latter in recipes. It is used to flavor stews and some grains of this spice are added to the traditional drink based on kola nut typical of Sicily.
Orange blossoms can be used alone for a calming herbal tea, or added together with a blend of medicinal herbs, as desired. They possess expectorant properties against colds, thanks to vitamin C, and promote proper digestion. The relaxing characteristics of orange blossom are useful in cases of insomnia, anxiety and stress.
Ingredients: orange blossom Botanical name: Citrus aurantium Origin: Middle East
Chinese five spice powder is a traditional spice blend, used in Chinese cuisine. This mix gives the dishes a light hint of minty taste, which still includes all the five flavors in cooking: sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter. A special taste to flavor meat and fish dishes, marinades and exotic sauces.
Ingredients:
star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, fennel.
The cumin plant, is one of the oldest medicinal plants, it produces seeds that have a spicy flavor and a rich and singular aroma. Some research is also testing its slimming power. The scientists involved compared the effects of using cumin extracts on overweight and blood sugar.
Formosa honey black tea is famous in Taiwan. The leaves of these tea trees would produce sweetness like honey after the reaction of some insect bites. The more insects gnaw on the tea leaves, the more noticeable the honey flavor of the tea will be. Hence growers avoid using pesticides to make this tea natural and good-tasting, sweet and refreshing.
Herbs of Provence are a blend of fresh or dried aromatic plants. Unmissable in the recipes of local cuisine, these herbs are used to give the final touch in vegetable-based dishes, in stews, sauces, ragu and in grilled fish and meat, such as that of Sisteron lamb.