Storing Sliced Onions
Old wives' tales claim that storing sliced or chopped onions in water will help keep their pungency from intensifying, but we found the exact opposite to be the case. We stored sliced onions for two days submerged in water as well as placed directly in zip-lock bags, and then compared their odor and flavor to freshly sliced onions. The onions submerged in water were unanimously deemed to be most odorous with the sharpest flavor. It turns out that over time, water facilitates the distribution of enzymes known as allinases across the cut surface of the onion, which in turn leads to an increase in the creation of thiosulfinates that produce an onion's pungent odor and flavor. Your best bet is to simply slice or chop onions as you need them, but if you find yourself with an excess, store them in the frig in a zip-lock bag and give them a quick rinse to remove any thiosulfinates on their surface right before using.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Medicinal Uses For Herbs
Fennel
Fennel has through history been considered an appetite depressant, and as such, a weight loss aid. All parts of the Fennel plant are safe for use, and Hippocrates recommended a Tea to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Menopausal women may want to try it to ease the associated symptoms. The leaves or stems can be pounded into a paste and given to nursing mothers to relieve breast swelling.
Fennel Teas, or Fennel Water have been used throughout history to break up kidney stones, quiet hiccups, prevent nausea, aid digestion, prevent gout, purify the liver, reverse alcohol damage to the liver, and treat jaundice. For babies, it is said to to relieve colic and flatulence, and to expel worms. It may be effective when used along with conventional treatments in prostate cancer (and it is definitely worth trying, but consult with your doctor first). The tea can also be gargled as a breath freshener and applied as an eye wash. Alternatively, the leaves can be dried, pulverized into a powder, and made into Capsules for when it's not convenient to utilize a tea.
To make Fennel water, use 8 drops of Oil to 1 pint of water - take up to 8 teaspoons per day.
Fennel is disliked by fleas, and can therefore be used around the house in doorways and near pet bedding to reduce flea populations.
Fennel is a cleansing and medicating herb, and can be used for a steam facial for opening pores and rejuvenating facial skin.
Fennel has through history been considered an appetite depressant, and as such, a weight loss aid. All parts of the Fennel plant are safe for use, and Hippocrates recommended a Tea to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Menopausal women may want to try it to ease the associated symptoms. The leaves or stems can be pounded into a paste and given to nursing mothers to relieve breast swelling.
Fennel Teas, or Fennel Water have been used throughout history to break up kidney stones, quiet hiccups, prevent nausea, aid digestion, prevent gout, purify the liver, reverse alcohol damage to the liver, and treat jaundice. For babies, it is said to to relieve colic and flatulence, and to expel worms. It may be effective when used along with conventional treatments in prostate cancer (and it is definitely worth trying, but consult with your doctor first). The tea can also be gargled as a breath freshener and applied as an eye wash. Alternatively, the leaves can be dried, pulverized into a powder, and made into Capsules for when it's not convenient to utilize a tea.
To make Fennel water, use 8 drops of Oil to 1 pint of water - take up to 8 teaspoons per day.
Fennel is disliked by fleas, and can therefore be used around the house in doorways and near pet bedding to reduce flea populations.
Fennel is a cleansing and medicating herb, and can be used for a steam facial for opening pores and rejuvenating facial skin.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Medicinal Uses For Herbs
Evening Primrose
Without becoming too technical, the common Evening Primrose plant contains a high concentration of a fatty acid called GLA, and this fatty acid is largely responsible for the remarkable healing properties of the plant. In fact, Evening Primrose contains one of the highest concentrations known of this important substance and only a few other plants contain it at all. This makes Evening Primrose an important medicinal herb, and as studies continue, the list of benefits will likely become much longer.
If you are troubled by the symptoms associated with PMS, you may finally find some relief with Evening Primrose. Tests have shown that it reduces or eliminates many problems associated with PMS, including irritability, depression, bloating, and breast pain, and that taken regularly it may actually help regulate menstrual periods. It is recommended that women who have PMS take up to 3000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil all month for relief of symptoms. In Europe, Evening Primrose Oil is already established as an excellent remedy for PMS.
Other problems for which Evening Primrose Oil can be taken internally include asthma, allergies, cholesterol regulation, arteriosclerosis, chronic headaches, prostate health, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and scleroderma, complications arising from diabetes and poor circulation, cirrhosis of the liver, and drunk as a tea as a metabolic way to fight obesity.
Externally, the leaves, stems, and roots can be boiled in water for a tea that is very nourishing for the skin and is effective for use in treatment of acne, dry skin, rashes, itchiness, and for overall skin health in general.
Extracting oils from Evening Primrose is really not practical for home gardeners, but oil preparations are readily available from your local health food store.
Eating the flowers, seeds, leaves, or roots of Evening Primrose provides the same health benefits as taking commercial oil preparations, and as such, if you have Evening Primrose in the garden, you should definitely come up with creative ways to serve it at mealtime!
In general, Evening Primrose is quite safe to take with few reports of any side-effects, though people with a history of epilepsy should use caution.
Without becoming too technical, the common Evening Primrose plant contains a high concentration of a fatty acid called GLA, and this fatty acid is largely responsible for the remarkable healing properties of the plant. In fact, Evening Primrose contains one of the highest concentrations known of this important substance and only a few other plants contain it at all. This makes Evening Primrose an important medicinal herb, and as studies continue, the list of benefits will likely become much longer.
If you are troubled by the symptoms associated with PMS, you may finally find some relief with Evening Primrose. Tests have shown that it reduces or eliminates many problems associated with PMS, including irritability, depression, bloating, and breast pain, and that taken regularly it may actually help regulate menstrual periods. It is recommended that women who have PMS take up to 3000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil all month for relief of symptoms. In Europe, Evening Primrose Oil is already established as an excellent remedy for PMS.
Other problems for which Evening Primrose Oil can be taken internally include asthma, allergies, cholesterol regulation, arteriosclerosis, chronic headaches, prostate health, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and scleroderma, complications arising from diabetes and poor circulation, cirrhosis of the liver, and drunk as a tea as a metabolic way to fight obesity.
Externally, the leaves, stems, and roots can be boiled in water for a tea that is very nourishing for the skin and is effective for use in treatment of acne, dry skin, rashes, itchiness, and for overall skin health in general.
Extracting oils from Evening Primrose is really not practical for home gardeners, but oil preparations are readily available from your local health food store.
Eating the flowers, seeds, leaves, or roots of Evening Primrose provides the same health benefits as taking commercial oil preparations, and as such, if you have Evening Primrose in the garden, you should definitely come up with creative ways to serve it at mealtime!
In general, Evening Primrose is quite safe to take with few reports of any side-effects, though people with a history of epilepsy should use caution.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Helpful Hints In The Kitchen
Defrosting Sandwich Bread
A great many people freeze sandwich bread to prevent it from going stale. A question we get asked often, is: "What is the best way to defrost the bread?" Many people think that by removing the desired number of slices from the freezer and letting them thaw out at room temperature would be the best approach. This is not so. By leaving the bread at room temperature, you actually stale it. As frozen bread warms, the starch molecules begin to form crystalline regions which absorb the water in bread. The process, called retrogradation, will eventually produce a dry, stale texture. The best way to thaw frozen bread is to place the slices on a plate (uncovered) and microwave them on high power for 15-25 seconds. This will get the starch and water molecules to bread down the crystalline regions producing soft, ready to eat bread.
A great many people freeze sandwich bread to prevent it from going stale. A question we get asked often, is: "What is the best way to defrost the bread?" Many people think that by removing the desired number of slices from the freezer and letting them thaw out at room temperature would be the best approach. This is not so. By leaving the bread at room temperature, you actually stale it. As frozen bread warms, the starch molecules begin to form crystalline regions which absorb the water in bread. The process, called retrogradation, will eventually produce a dry, stale texture. The best way to thaw frozen bread is to place the slices on a plate (uncovered) and microwave them on high power for 15-25 seconds. This will get the starch and water molecules to bread down the crystalline regions producing soft, ready to eat bread.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Medicinal Uses For Herbs
Eucalyptus
Native to Australia, the Eucalyptus is a traditional Aboriginal remedy for a variety of ailments. Today, it is used worldwide in pills, liquids, inhalers, salves, and ointments for many common problems.
Internally, Eucalyptus appears to help relieve symptoms of colds, flu, chest congestion, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.
For internal use, Eucalyptus can be made into a tea or tincture. Teas can also be used as a gargle for relief of sore throat.
To make a tincture, place 200 grams of dried or 300 grams of fresh Eucalyptus leaves in a large sterilized jar. Cover completely with rum or vodka, seal, and let sit 10-14 days, shaking the jar every few days. After two weeks, place a cheesecloth or muslin cloth over the mouth of the jar and strain the contents into a new sterilized jar. Squeeze the soaked herb to get as much of the mixture as possible. Store in a dark place and take 1 teaspoon mixed with juice or water 2-3 times per day.
Externally, the antiseptic, slightly anesthetic, anti-bacterial, and warming properties of Eucalyptus make it a valuable resource treatment of burns, sores, ulcers, scrapes, boils, and wounds. Applied topically as an oil or ointment, it also helps relieve the pain of rheumatism, aching, pains, stiffness, and neuralgia. For outdoor enthusiasts, Eucalyptus rubbed into the skin seems to work well as an insect repellant, especially for mosquitoes and fleas. Rubbed into the chest, it relieves congestion and cough. Indeed, the Vick's VapoRub smell is a familiar one to most of us, and with good reason - it works!
For relief of congestion, asthma, and respiratory problems, boil Eucalyptus leaves in water in a tightly covered pot, and then remove from heat and inhale the vapors. For an antiseptic bath, place Eucalyptus leaves in a mesh bag and hang under the bath faucet as you run a hot bath.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: When not taken in excess, Eucalyptus is reasonably safe, but it does appear to be somewhat difficult to eliminate from the kidneys, so if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are pregnant, it would be best to avoid it or use in extreme moderation. Never take continuously for more than a few days at a time.
Native to Australia, the Eucalyptus is a traditional Aboriginal remedy for a variety of ailments. Today, it is used worldwide in pills, liquids, inhalers, salves, and ointments for many common problems.
Internally, Eucalyptus appears to help relieve symptoms of colds, flu, chest congestion, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.
For internal use, Eucalyptus can be made into a tea or tincture. Teas can also be used as a gargle for relief of sore throat.
To make a tincture, place 200 grams of dried or 300 grams of fresh Eucalyptus leaves in a large sterilized jar. Cover completely with rum or vodka, seal, and let sit 10-14 days, shaking the jar every few days. After two weeks, place a cheesecloth or muslin cloth over the mouth of the jar and strain the contents into a new sterilized jar. Squeeze the soaked herb to get as much of the mixture as possible. Store in a dark place and take 1 teaspoon mixed with juice or water 2-3 times per day.
Externally, the antiseptic, slightly anesthetic, anti-bacterial, and warming properties of Eucalyptus make it a valuable resource treatment of burns, sores, ulcers, scrapes, boils, and wounds. Applied topically as an oil or ointment, it also helps relieve the pain of rheumatism, aching, pains, stiffness, and neuralgia. For outdoor enthusiasts, Eucalyptus rubbed into the skin seems to work well as an insect repellant, especially for mosquitoes and fleas. Rubbed into the chest, it relieves congestion and cough. Indeed, the Vick's VapoRub smell is a familiar one to most of us, and with good reason - it works!
For relief of congestion, asthma, and respiratory problems, boil Eucalyptus leaves in water in a tightly covered pot, and then remove from heat and inhale the vapors. For an antiseptic bath, place Eucalyptus leaves in a mesh bag and hang under the bath faucet as you run a hot bath.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: When not taken in excess, Eucalyptus is reasonably safe, but it does appear to be somewhat difficult to eliminate from the kidneys, so if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are pregnant, it would be best to avoid it or use in extreme moderation. Never take continuously for more than a few days at a time.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Helpful Hints In The Kitchen
Keeping Cake Moist
The secret to keeping leftover cake moist as long as possible is very simple. You simply store the remaining portion under a cake dome along with a whole peeled apple. The moisture from the apple helps to keep the air under the dome humid and thus discourages the cake and frosting from drying out.
The secret to keeping leftover cake moist as long as possible is very simple. You simply store the remaining portion under a cake dome along with a whole peeled apple. The moisture from the apple helps to keep the air under the dome humid and thus discourages the cake and frosting from drying out.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Medicinal Uses For Herbs
Dandelion
The humble little Dandelion has remarkable nutritional value, being very high in vitamins A and C, with more beta carotine than carrots and more potassium than broccoli or spinach, not to mention healthy doses of iron and copper for good measure. Medicinally, Dandelions are considered very safe and effective as a general tonic that helps strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestines, improving bile flow and reducing inflammation in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis. Dandelions also help to dissipate gallstones and are believed to improve kidney function, thereby improving overall health and clearing skin problems.
Dandelion tea is the perfect choice for those with the above problems or those who lead relatively sedentary lifestyles and who experience discomfort associated with this, such as constipation, digestive disorders, indigestion, and general sluggishness and fatigue. Just one cup per day will yield noticeable results within the first few months. Tea may also be of benefit for many of the problems associated with diabetes and low blood sugar.
Externally, the white sap from the stems or roots can be applied directly to ease the pain of sores and bee stings, and is useful in the elimination of warts, acne, and calluses.
Dandelion coffee is made by grinding roasted roots, and makes a nice substitute for regular coffee, but without the caffeine. People who can't tolerate much coffee can drink as much as they please and reap the health benefits without any side-effects. For the sweets lover, ground root mixed with warm milk and a little sweetener makes a very tasty and nutritious creamy beverage with few calories.
The humble little Dandelion has remarkable nutritional value, being very high in vitamins A and C, with more beta carotine than carrots and more potassium than broccoli or spinach, not to mention healthy doses of iron and copper for good measure. Medicinally, Dandelions are considered very safe and effective as a general tonic that helps strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestines, improving bile flow and reducing inflammation in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis. Dandelions also help to dissipate gallstones and are believed to improve kidney function, thereby improving overall health and clearing skin problems.
Dandelion tea is the perfect choice for those with the above problems or those who lead relatively sedentary lifestyles and who experience discomfort associated with this, such as constipation, digestive disorders, indigestion, and general sluggishness and fatigue. Just one cup per day will yield noticeable results within the first few months. Tea may also be of benefit for many of the problems associated with diabetes and low blood sugar.
Externally, the white sap from the stems or roots can be applied directly to ease the pain of sores and bee stings, and is useful in the elimination of warts, acne, and calluses.
Dandelion coffee is made by grinding roasted roots, and makes a nice substitute for regular coffee, but without the caffeine. People who can't tolerate much coffee can drink as much as they please and reap the health benefits without any side-effects. For the sweets lover, ground root mixed with warm milk and a little sweetener makes a very tasty and nutritious creamy beverage with few calories.
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