Anise seeds give a unique flavor to dishes and excellent anti-bloating digestive properties, which counteract abdominal discomfort. They promote well-being after meals and stimulate the appetite. They are the basis of herbal preparations that calm coughs. As aromatic and tasty seeds, they can be used in milk for breakfast, together with muesli or in a mix of dried fruit.
The Fleur de sel of the Algarve is called in Portugal the “sun cream”, and represents a very precious salt, known since the ancient Romans. It has recently been rediscovered by chefs around the world. It shows a crunchy texture, a mild flavor and an ivory white color. Very rich in magnesium and potassium, and goes well with any type of dish.
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.
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.
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