The Shiitake Mushroom
The shiitake [Lentinula edodes or Lentinus edodes] mushroom is one of the most popular edible mushrooms in China and other parts of East Asia. It is […]
FOOD AND DRINK
The Asian Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
If you are fortunate enough to be offered a russett looking pear in Asia, it will no doubt me a sign of honour to the […]
Determining Moisture Content In Foods
Knowing how much moisture or water in a food is a critical value with ramifications for food testing, preservation and safety, and quality. Moisture content […]
Aristolochic Acids In Some Herbal Medicines Capable Of Causing Liver Cancers As Well As Kidney Cancers
Not all Chinese medicinal herbs are safe. One group in particular causes serious kidney diseases and cancers due to a series of compounds found in […]
The Rose Apple (Syzygium jambos)
The Rose Apple, Syzygium jambos is a plant in the Myrtaceae family – the Myrtles. The plant which used to be known scientifically as Eugenia […]
The Nutritional Benefits Of Peaches
Peach, like any fruit is healthy for all of us. Recent work shows that peaches contain three anthocyanins and 14 non-coloured phenolics. All these compounds […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Glycine
Glycine is the simplest amino-acid in the body but possible one of its most important. It has a broad role in many metabolic functions:- muscle, […]
The Lowdown On Gummy Bears
Introduction Children especially love the packets of chewy, colourful and sweet gummy bears. These have a long history in modern confectionary. They were originally invented […]