Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan)
To many of us in the west, Jiaogulan is not a name on many people’s lips. It is a traditional food and tea from China […]
Articles by smitsa
Cooking Rice From Italy: Arborio, Carnaroli & Vialone Nano
A risotto is one of the sublime dishes to come out of Italy. One of the key ingredients is rice but not any ordinary rice. […]
Italian Charcuterie: Cured Meats Of Great Excellence
The Italians have been practicing the curing and preservation of pork products for over two millennia. Here we review the many products to come from […]
Tonka Beans
If you watch MasterChef on UK television, I’m sure you will have heard tonka beans mentioned a few times. These are an exotic ingredient that […]
Foodex – Farm Shop & Deli Show – The Ingredients Show 2018
The Foodex, Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, and Ingredients exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre on the outskirts of Birmingham never […]
The Yeast Mevalonate Pathway (MVA) Is A Key Hub of Isoprenoid Biosynthesis
The mevalonate pathway, also known as the MVA pathway, is a fundamental metabolic route that plays a central role in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids. Isoprenoids […]
Saffron – A Natural Food Colouring And Flavouring
If you are lucky enough to visit Turkey or Iran, or even Saffron Walden, you might be lucky enough to see fields of purple crocus. […]
What Are The Best Pestle And Mortars For use In The Kitchen
One of the key activities in the kitchen is crushing and grinding ingredients to be added to food. It might be one of the most […]
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts have a number of health benefits, not least of all being that they are selenium-rich and have been attributed with:- improving heart health […]
Regulations On Herbal Medicinal Products In The EU
The regulations surrounding herbal medicinal products are based on scientific opinions that relate to both herbal substances and the preparations that are derived from them. […]
The Physics of Fluid Flows
Fluid flow is a fundamental aspect of physics and engineering, governing the motion of liquids and gases through various mediums. Understanding fluid flow is crucial […]
Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata)
Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) is a member of the Fabaceae family. It grows mainly in India, south Asia and Africa. It is commercially grown for […]
The Mulberry, Its Wine And Its Nutritional Benefits
Mulberries are often seen on small trees in parks and gardens. If you are lucky enough you may see them growing on wild mountain passes. […]
Cassia Bark
Cassia bark is an aromatic bark that looks rather similar to cinnamon. The bark appears darker however, is much thicker and coarser and in many […]
Longaniza Sausage
The Longaniza sausage is a Spanish pork sausage (embutido) which seems to have developed into regional varieties from other countries too, especially in South America. […]
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is ideal for sensitive skin and is also suitable for delicate baby and children’s skin. It has a slightly marzipan scented oil […]
The Health Benefits Of Okra
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable in tropical and subtropical countries. It is also known as bhindi or lady’s fingers, in […]
Vada
Vadas are doughnuts which are often served along with idlis, a coconut chutney and a sambar (sambhar). A plate of vadas is often served as […]
Preparing A Sambar
The sambar is a traditional lentil vegetable stew with tamarind. It is often served with the fluffy savoury rice and lentil pancakes called idlis, or […]