This page would provide you more detailed information about ingredients used in cooking .... from around the world....
Indian :
You might want to check the names as often said in the local language - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_spices
or
http://www.spiceindiaonline.com/glossary/
or
http://www.indianfood-recipes.com/glossary_of_ingredients/glossary_of_ingredients.php
Most of the ingredients are available at the grocery stores or supermarkets. Some, though, are special and have to be obtained from the Indian stores. Substitutes may bring about changes ( varying degrees, depending on the amount and the other ingredients added) to the dish . If whole spice is not available , you may use the ground form, but the ground form is less pungent
Black cumin seeds = Royal cumin seeds = Kala jeera = Shahi jeera = Saah jeer = Caraway seeds
Indian cooks use this spice in many of their curries and tandoori dishes. It's darker and sweeter than ordinary cumin. To bring out its nutty flavor, it helps to toast the seeds briefly before using them
Substitutes: cumin (Not as sweet as black cumin.)
Dry Pomegranate seeds = Anardana = Sukha anar dana
Anardana is used in Indian and Persian cuisine as a souring agent, much like sumac or amchoor. Anardana seeds are dehydrated seeds from the pomegranate fruit
While other sour spices are best as finishing touches, anardana can enrich a sauce or braising liquid for as long as you like, and it only gets better with time
Anardana ranges from slightly pliant, like a gummy candy or a recently dried chile, to rock-hard. Softer seeds are juicier and more flavorful, though if all you can find are pebbly kinds, don't let that stop you. Some anardana is sold pre-ground, or in varying degrees of partially ground. Obviously whole seeds are best for longevity's sake, and unless you can find fine powder, you'll probably have to do some grinding at home anyway. Home grinders do have trouble with particularly tough kernels, so if you want a smooth sauce, you may want to strain out the anardana after long cooking. Or use a spice infuser that can be removed later.
You can try drying it at home , in case you are not able to get it at the local store - http://www.ehow.com/way_5267682_directions-drying-pomegranates.html
or try buying it in a powered form from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Naturals-Pomegranate-Freeze-dried-8-Ounce/dp/B001TNW23U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1308238174&sr=8-2
Medical benefits -
http://www.indiancookingguide.com/anardana-pomegranate-seed.html
http://www.indianetzone.com/41/benefits_anardana.htm
CHERRIES
The New Antioxidant "Super Fruit"
The Cherry Research Committee is seeking proposals for new cherry research studies. Submit your proposal and learn more at CherryResearch.com.
Cherries are not only good for you, but they’re also on trend as a homegrown “Super Fruit.” According to recent data, more than 9 out of 10 Americans want to know where their food comes from, nearly 80 percent say they’re purchasing “locally produced” products, and the majority is defining “local” as grown in America.1,2 And cherries deliver.
A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.
A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese, in particular when the weight is concentrated in the middle, is a major risk factor for heart disease. As nearly two out of three Americans are overweight, emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.
Click on Cardiovascular/Heart Health for more information on the role cherries may play in reducing inflammation and risk factors associated with heart disease.
While there’s no established guideline yet on how many cherries it takes to reap the benefits, experts suggest that 1-2 servings of cherries daily can help provide some of the health benefits identified in the research. Single serving size examples include:
• 1/2 cup dried
• 1 cup frozen
• 1 cup juice
• 1 ounce (or 2 Tbsp) juice concentrate
For additional information on serving sizes and tips to meet daily requirements for fruits and vegetables, visit FruitsAndVeggiesMatter.gov.
1: Survey conducted by IRI Data, 2008
2: Survey conducted by The Hartman Group, 2008
http://www.choosecherries.com/
http://fruit-crops.com/cherry/
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ALUM
Alum is both a specific chemical compound and a class of chemical compounds. The specific compound is the hydrated potassium aluminium sulfate (Potassium alum) with the formula KAl(SO4)2.12H2O
USES:
Alum may be used in depilatory waxes used for the removal of body hair, or applied to freshly waxed skin as a soothing agent.
Alum powder, found in the spice section of many grocery stores, may be used in pickling recipes as a preservative to maintain fruit and vegetable crispness.
Alum is used as the acidic component of some commercial baking powders
Detailed Notes: Refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum
Consisting of crystals of potassium aluminum sulfate, alum was commonly used in canning before it was discovered that it can cause gastric distress in some individuals. Although still considered safe in small quantities, depending on individual tolerance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) no longer recommends its use for home canning. In Chinese cuisine, alum is one of the ingredients traditionally used to make deep-fried crullers.
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TOMATO
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DANDRUFF
Health Remedies for Dandruff......Worth to read
Grind ginger root and beetroot to make a paste. Every night the hair must be massaged with this paste. Rinse in the morning. It helps control dandruff effectively in about 4 to 5 nights.
Cur
Indian :
You might want to check the names as often said in the local language - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_spices
or
http://www.spiceindiaonline.com/glossary/
or
http://www.indianfood-recipes.com/glossary_of_ingredients/glossary_of_ingredients.php
Most of the ingredients are available at the grocery stores or supermarkets. Some, though, are special and have to be obtained from the Indian stores. Substitutes may bring about changes ( varying degrees, depending on the amount and the other ingredients added) to the dish . If whole spice is not available , you may use the ground form, but the ground form is less pungent
Black cumin seeds = Royal cumin seeds = Kala jeera = Shahi jeera = Saah jeer = Caraway seeds
The seeds have an anise-like flavor and aroma that comes from essential oils, mostly carvone and limonene. They are used as a spice in breads especially rye bread, which is denser because of the yeast-killing properties of the essential oil, limonene. Caraway is also used in liquors, casseroles, and other foods, especially in Central European and Northern European cuisine, for instance sauerkraut. It is also used to add flavor to cheeses such as havarti. Akvavit and several liqueurs are also made with carawayKnown as black cumin because of the shape of the seed. Kala jeera is used in small amounts because of its exotic, flowery flavor. It is often confused with jeera (regular cumin) and kalonji
Indian cooks use this spice in many of their curries and tandoori dishes. It's darker and sweeter than ordinary cumin. To bring out its nutty flavor, it helps to toast the seeds briefly before using them
Substitutes: cumin (Not as sweet as black cumin.)
Dry Pomegranate seeds = Anardana = Sukha anar dana
Anardana is used in Indian and Persian cuisine as a souring agent, much like sumac or amchoor. Anardana seeds are dehydrated seeds from the pomegranate fruit
While other sour spices are best as finishing touches, anardana can enrich a sauce or braising liquid for as long as you like, and it only gets better with time
Anardana ranges from slightly pliant, like a gummy candy or a recently dried chile, to rock-hard. Softer seeds are juicier and more flavorful, though if all you can find are pebbly kinds, don't let that stop you. Some anardana is sold pre-ground, or in varying degrees of partially ground. Obviously whole seeds are best for longevity's sake, and unless you can find fine powder, you'll probably have to do some grinding at home anyway. Home grinders do have trouble with particularly tough kernels, so if you want a smooth sauce, you may want to strain out the anardana after long cooking. Or use a spice infuser that can be removed later.
You can try drying it at home , in case you are not able to get it at the local store - http://www.ehow.com/way_5267682_directions-drying-pomegranates.html
or try buying it in a powered form from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Naturals-Pomegranate-Freeze-dried-8-Ounce/dp/B001TNW23U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1308238174&sr=8-2
Medical benefits -
http://www.indiancookingguide.com/anardana-pomegranate-seed.html
http://www.indianetzone.com/41/benefits_anardana.htm
CHERRIES
The New Antioxidant "Super Fruit"
The Cherry Research Committee is seeking proposals for new cherry research studies. Submit your proposal and learn more at CherryResearch.com.
Cherries are not only good for you, but they’re also on trend as a homegrown “Super Fruit.” According to recent data, more than 9 out of 10 Americans want to know where their food comes from, nearly 80 percent say they’re purchasing “locally produced” products, and the majority is defining “local” as grown in America.1,2 And cherries deliver.
A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.
A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese, in particular when the weight is concentrated in the middle, is a major risk factor for heart disease. As nearly two out of three Americans are overweight, emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.
Click on Cardiovascular/Heart Health for more information on the role cherries may play in reducing inflammation and risk factors associated with heart disease.
While there’s no established guideline yet on how many cherries it takes to reap the benefits, experts suggest that 1-2 servings of cherries daily can help provide some of the health benefits identified in the research. Single serving size examples include:
• 1/2 cup dried
• 1 cup frozen
• 1 cup juice
• 1 ounce (or 2 Tbsp) juice concentrate
For additional information on serving sizes and tips to meet daily requirements for fruits and vegetables, visit FruitsAndVeggiesMatter.gov.
1: Survey conducted by IRI Data, 2008
2: Survey conducted by The Hartman Group, 2008
http://www.choosecherries.com/
http://fruit-crops.com/cherry/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ALUM
Alum is both a specific chemical compound and a class of chemical compounds. The specific compound is the hydrated potassium aluminium sulfate (Potassium alum) with the formula KAl(SO4)2.12H2O
USES:
Alum may be used in depilatory waxes used for the removal of body hair, or applied to freshly waxed skin as a soothing agent.
Alum powder, found in the spice section of many grocery stores, may be used in pickling recipes as a preservative to maintain fruit and vegetable crispness.
Alum is used as the acidic component of some commercial baking powders
Detailed Notes: Refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum
Consisting of crystals of potassium aluminum sulfate, alum was commonly used in canning before it was discovered that it can cause gastric distress in some individuals. Although still considered safe in small quantities, depending on individual tolerance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) no longer recommends its use for home canning. In Chinese cuisine, alum is one of the ingredients traditionally used to make deep-fried crullers.
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TOMATO
12 Natural Home Remedies using Tomato
The tomato is truly an amazing fruit. It is known to have many health benefits such as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower high blood pressure and reduce cancer. Tomato has high nutritiona
The tomato is truly an amazing fruit. It is known to have many health benefits such as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower high blood pressure and reduce cancer. Tomato has high nutritiona
l content. Tomato has a good source of calcium and iron. It also contains some minerals such as phosphorus, sulphur and potassium needed in our body. As many would know, tomato is rich in Vitamin C. However, many would not know that the Vitamin C increases as the fruit ripens. Tomato also has some amounts of Vitamins A and B. Besides its health benefits and nutritional value, tomatoes are used as home remedies for minor ailments.
1) Diarrhea
If you’re having diarrhea, try drinking the juice made by stirring the tomato paste from a dozen dried slices of tomato into a cup of water.
2) Bloodshot eyes
To relieve bloodshot eyes, eat 1 or 2 fresh tomatoes first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
3) Face Peels
Tomato is excellent for purifying and rejuvenating your skin. Rub off the top layer of dead skin cells with the gentle help of tomatoes. Rub tomato slices directly onto your clean skin, focusing on areas with lots of blackheads. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C which has healing powers, and an acid which eliminates dead skin and unclogs pores, making skin soft and radiant.
4) Acne Scars
Slice up a tomato and place it on your face. Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A that prevents overproduction of sebum that causes acne. Vitamin A also has antioxidant chracteristics that refreshes and renews scarred and damaged skin.
5) Dark circles under the eyes
Make a paste using 1 tsp tomato juice, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, a pinch of tumeric powder and a pinch of gram flour. Keep the paste under your eyes for 10 minutes. Dark circles will disappear after several treatments.
6) Sunburn
Soak peeled tomato slices in buttermilk before applying them directly on your sunburnt skin. The acidity closes up the pores and soothing agents present in tomatoes will relieve the pain.
7) Eczema
If you have a skin problem such as eczema and skin sensitivity to sunlight, try drinking tomato juice everyday. You will begin to see the difference after a few weeks.
8) Wounds and sores
Tribal medicine men often prescribed potions made from the leaves of wild tomatoes to heal wounds and sores. Take a slice of fresh tomato and place it on the wound. The infection will normally clear within 2-3 days.
9) Mouth ulcers
If you have mouth ulcers, gargle tomato juice 3-4 times a day.
10) Anemia
If you’re anemic, drink a mixture of apple and tomato juice. The rich iron content in the tomato will help relieve your anemia.
11) Morning sickness
If you’re suffering from morning sickness during your pregnancy, drink a glassful of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper early in the morning. It is considered to be an effective remedy for morning sickness.
12) Lose weight
Want to lose weight? Do you know that 100g of tomatoes contain only 20 calories? These calories are easily absorbed by the body. The low calorie content makes it a favorite of obese people and is often recommended in weight loss program as it provides you with some of the essential vitamins and minerals, fills your stomach and doesn’t add calories to your body.
Tomato is also known to be able to treat other ailments such as urinary tract infection, night blindness, jaundice, liver disorders, indigestion, constipation, intestinal disorders and diabetes. It is a natural antioxidant, helping the body cleanse itself of toxic coumpounds. So, start using tomatoes as your natural home remedy for these ailments.
1) Diarrhea
If you’re having diarrhea, try drinking the juice made by stirring the tomato paste from a dozen dried slices of tomato into a cup of water.
2) Bloodshot eyes
To relieve bloodshot eyes, eat 1 or 2 fresh tomatoes first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
3) Face Peels
Tomato is excellent for purifying and rejuvenating your skin. Rub off the top layer of dead skin cells with the gentle help of tomatoes. Rub tomato slices directly onto your clean skin, focusing on areas with lots of blackheads. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C which has healing powers, and an acid which eliminates dead skin and unclogs pores, making skin soft and radiant.
4) Acne Scars
Slice up a tomato and place it on your face. Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A that prevents overproduction of sebum that causes acne. Vitamin A also has antioxidant chracteristics that refreshes and renews scarred and damaged skin.
5) Dark circles under the eyes
Make a paste using 1 tsp tomato juice, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, a pinch of tumeric powder and a pinch of gram flour. Keep the paste under your eyes for 10 minutes. Dark circles will disappear after several treatments.
6) Sunburn
Soak peeled tomato slices in buttermilk before applying them directly on your sunburnt skin. The acidity closes up the pores and soothing agents present in tomatoes will relieve the pain.
7) Eczema
If you have a skin problem such as eczema and skin sensitivity to sunlight, try drinking tomato juice everyday. You will begin to see the difference after a few weeks.
8) Wounds and sores
Tribal medicine men often prescribed potions made from the leaves of wild tomatoes to heal wounds and sores. Take a slice of fresh tomato and place it on the wound. The infection will normally clear within 2-3 days.
9) Mouth ulcers
If you have mouth ulcers, gargle tomato juice 3-4 times a day.
10) Anemia
If you’re anemic, drink a mixture of apple and tomato juice. The rich iron content in the tomato will help relieve your anemia.
11) Morning sickness
If you’re suffering from morning sickness during your pregnancy, drink a glassful of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper early in the morning. It is considered to be an effective remedy for morning sickness.
12) Lose weight
Want to lose weight? Do you know that 100g of tomatoes contain only 20 calories? These calories are easily absorbed by the body. The low calorie content makes it a favorite of obese people and is often recommended in weight loss program as it provides you with some of the essential vitamins and minerals, fills your stomach and doesn’t add calories to your body.
Tomato is also known to be able to treat other ailments such as urinary tract infection, night blindness, jaundice, liver disorders, indigestion, constipation, intestinal disorders and diabetes. It is a natural antioxidant, helping the body cleanse itself of toxic coumpounds. So, start using tomatoes as your natural home remedy for these ailments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DANDRUFF
Health Remedies for Dandruff......Worth to read
Grind ginger root and beetroot to make a paste. Every night the hair must be massaged with this paste. Rinse in the morning. It helps control dandruff effectively in about 4 to 5 nights.
Cur
d (dahi) with its acidic and conditioning properties helps fight dandruff. Ferment a small amount of curd (enough to cover your scalp) for two days. Apply it and keep it for one hour. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Do this at least twice a week.
Regular henna (mehndi) application has been followed for centuries and has been known for decreasing dandruff. It has curative as well as conditioning properties. Mix henna, amla, tea powder, lemon juice in curd. Add a few drops of hair oil. Keep aside for 10-12hrs. Apply on your hair and leave it for an hour. Wash it off with a shampoo.
Aloe vera gel contains healing, antibacterial and antifungal elements properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel on scalp is another way of keeping your dandruff at bay. Keep the gel on for 30min. Wash your hair with an aloe vera based shampoo.
Fenugreek (methi) is an herb that is readily available in our kitchen. It has anti-fungal and scalp soothing properties. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water and grind to a fine paste. Apply this paste on the scalp for 30 to 45 minutes. Wash with a mild shampoo.
Gram flour (besan) is an effective cleansing agent. It removes the dirt and is handy for dandruff remedy. You can apply gram flour mixed with curd on your scalp. Rinse after 20-30min.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, it can keep your dandruff away too! It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste of equal quantity of apple and orange and apply on the scalp. Wash your hair after 20-30min with a shampoo.
Neem leaves with their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties is highly effective in controlling dandruff. Boil neem leaves in water and use this water to rinse hair.
Basil leaves (Tulsi) has been used since ages for its healing properties. Make a paste of tulsi leaves and amla powder mixed with water. Massage on the scalp. Let it remain for half an hour. Wash the hair with water.
Regular henna (mehndi) application has been followed for centuries and has been known for decreasing dandruff. It has curative as well as conditioning properties. Mix henna, amla, tea powder, lemon juice in curd. Add a few drops of hair oil. Keep aside for 10-12hrs. Apply on your hair and leave it for an hour. Wash it off with a shampoo.
Aloe vera gel contains healing, antibacterial and antifungal elements properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel on scalp is another way of keeping your dandruff at bay. Keep the gel on for 30min. Wash your hair with an aloe vera based shampoo.
Fenugreek (methi) is an herb that is readily available in our kitchen. It has anti-fungal and scalp soothing properties. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water and grind to a fine paste. Apply this paste on the scalp for 30 to 45 minutes. Wash with a mild shampoo.
Gram flour (besan) is an effective cleansing agent. It removes the dirt and is handy for dandruff remedy. You can apply gram flour mixed with curd on your scalp. Rinse after 20-30min.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, it can keep your dandruff away too! It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste of equal quantity of apple and orange and apply on the scalp. Wash your hair after 20-30min with a shampoo.
Neem leaves with their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties is highly effective in controlling dandruff. Boil neem leaves in water and use this water to rinse hair.
Basil leaves (Tulsi) has been used since ages for its healing properties. Make a paste of tulsi leaves and amla powder mixed with water. Massage on the scalp. Let it remain for half an hour. Wash the hair with water.
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