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.
The cumin plant is one of the oldest medicinal plants, it produces seeds that have a spicy flavor and a rich and singular aroma. In recent years, some research is also verifying its slimming power. The scientists involved compared the effects on overweight and blood sugar levels of the use of cumin extracts.
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.
Chia seeds have excellent quantities of good fats, fiber, proteins, calcium, magnesium etc. Among these properties, anti-colitis, anti-cholesterol and slimming properties stand out, as well as the preventive action of diabetes and osteoporosis, and the anti-inflammatory one for the gastric mucosa and rebalancing of hormones for women in pre and menopause.
The sage with a pungent and camphoric flavor can be used to flavor meat, vegetables, omelettes, soups and stews. In French recipes, sage is used for the preparation of soups and flavoring white meats and salami, while in Italy it is the protagonist of recipes such as tortelloni with butter and sage, Roman saltimbocca or in the scent of porchetta.
Thyme is a spice that makes many preparations pleasant. With an aromatic and slightly spicy taste, it can be easily used to flavor pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meat, fish and fillings. Excellent liqueurs and vinegars are also produced. Combined with wine, garlic, onion or brandy, it is used to prepare excellent sauces for meat dishes.
Gomasio is a Japanese condiment made from toasted and chopped sesame, used in cooking to flavor first and second courses, soups, salads and delicious sauces. It represents a beneficial aromatic solution, compared to common table salt: it contains less sodium and provides the body with various nutrients. The version of black gomasio includes dark sesame rich in antioxidants and minerals.
Zahatar is a mixture of spices well known and used in the Middle Eastern countries. This combination of spices is ideal for flavoring meats such as chicken and lamb, vegetables, cheeses, stewed potatoes and onions, mozzarella and tomatoes.
Laurel is also called "Laurel" or "Poets' Tree", it has been known for centuries in cooking and herbal medicine. Its dried leaves are used both to flavor dishes and as an infusion. An infusion based on bay leaves helps digestion: it avoids annoying fermentations, fights stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. Very useful in the kitchen for flavoring potatoes, stews and second courses such as white meat stew.