Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed with a hearty main dish to a delicious side dish to a base for soups and salads. There are up to 300 species native from Siberia to southern Africa. Garden asparagus is the most like variety you will find at your local market when in season. […]
Botanically speaking, garlic is a vegetable. Any edible portion of a herbaceous plant, such as the roots, leaves, stems, and bulbs, is considered a vegetable. Garlic belongs to the onion family, alongside shallots, leeks, and chives. Facts About Garlic There are 450 varieties of garlic and it is one of the oldest food flavorings. Archeological […]
Most cuisines of the world are cooking rice in one way or another. It is one of the simplest grains to prepare and is an incredibly versatile culinary ingredient. Though, it is not difficult to make, from time to time you can in the simplest way to say it, “mess it up.” When preparing rice […]
Parsley has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. And it is native to the central Mediterranean region. It is widely used in European, Brazilian, Middle Eastern and American cuisine because of its fresh herbal flavor, quick flash of color, and versatility. The name “parsley” comes from the Greek word petroselinon, meaning rock celery, as […]
Tomatoes have always been associate with Italian cuisine, even though the tomato is not native to Italy. Tomatoes came to Italy from the New World in the 1500s. According to L’italo Americano (an Italian magazine) the first mention of tomatoes in Italy dates to 31st of October 1548. The tomato was widely expected and became […]
Fennel is indigenous to the Mediterranean. It is a flowering herbaceous plant that is related to celery, carrot and parsley. Fennel has found a place in today’s kitchens for two reasons, its interesting flavor profile and the variety of forms in which it is available.
Brussel sprouts are native to the Mediterranean region. In fact, they were first cultivated in the 13th century near Brussels, Belgium from which the little cabbages derived their name. They are a cruciferous vegetable the same as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, cabbage and kohlrabi. Brussels are typically cooked by either boiling, steaming, stir frying, […]
The book, Sweet Nature: A Cook’s Guide to Using Honey and Maple Syrup, co-written by Beth Dooley, writes about how maple syrup can completely transform a dish. She explains how maple syrup has a distinct flavor, able to add enriched flavor to a dish, being it a baked good or something savory. Like this Pork […]
Thyme is an aromatic perennial evergreen herb. It is a relative of the oregano, with both plants being mostly indigenous to the Mediterranean region.
The pecan is a species of hickory native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. The pecan tree is the only tree nut native to North America. Its sweet, crunchy texture with a rich buttery flavor and unmatched nutritional content have resulted in its growing worldwide popularity. Pecan Tree Image Credit: Cecilia Deutsch/Dreamstime.com Origins […]
