White beans are one of the many varieties of common beans domesticated in North and South America.
Several types exist, though the most common are cannellini beans, which are also called white kidney beans.
Tender, with an earthy, nutty flavor, they make a great addition to soups, stews, chilis, and other dishes.
This article reviews the nutrient profile, benefits, and uses of white beans.
A frequent addition to spice cabinets, caraway seeds are actually the dried fruit of the caraway plant. Nevertheless, they're commonly referred to as seeds in the culinary world. If you've ever eaten rye bread, you no doubt tasted caraway seeds.
Chia seeds may be small, but they are incredibly rich in nutrients. A staple in the ancient Aztec and Maya diets, these seeds have been touted for their health benefits for centuries.
The nutrients in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management (1Trusted Source).
What's more, chia seeds are versatile and can be used in many recipes. Personally, I embrace their gel-like consistency by mixing them with liquid and making chia pudding.
Coriander is a spice and herb derived from the plant known as Coriandrum sativum, a member of the parsley family. The entire plant is utilised for its leaves, stems, seeds and roots. A pink-tinged or white flower develops on the plant which eventually turns into the fruits of the spice, producing small tan-coloured seeds known as coriander seeds. The stalks of the plant are cut before the seeds are fully ripe. The seeds are then removed, cleaned and dried.
Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant.
Many dishes use cumin, especially foods from its native regions of the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia.
Cumin lends its distinctive flavor to chili, tamales and various Indian curries. Its flavor has been described as earthy, nutty, spicy and warm.
Whatâ??s more, cumin has long been used in traditional medicine.
Modern studies have confirmed some of the health benefits cumin is traditionally known for, including promoting digestion and reducing food-borne infections.
Research has also revealed some new benefits, such as promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar control and cholesterol
The nutritional profile of fennel seeds
Dried fennel seeds are a storehouse of various nutrients, with low calories and high in different micro and macronutrients. Fennel seeds are mainly rich in
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Minerals Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, and Iron
Antioxidants such as polyphenol
Fibre
Organic compounds like anethole
Fenugreek is an herb long used in alternative medicine. Itâ??s a common ingredient in Indian dishes and often taken as a supplement.
This herb may have numerous health benefits.
Flaxseed is one of the world's oldest crops. There are two types, brown and golden, both of which are equally nutritious (1Trusted Source).
Just one serving provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, along with several important vitamins and minerals.
One tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed contains (2Trusted Source):
Calories: 37
Carbs: 2 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 1.3 grams
Thiamine: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 9% of the DV
Manganese: 8% of the DV
Magnesium: 7% of the DV
Phosphorus: 4% of the DV
Selenium: 3% of the DV
Zinc: 3% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 2% of the DV
Iron: 2% of the DV
Folate: 2% of the DV
Flaxseed is particularly high in thiamine, a B vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism as well as cell function. It's also a great source of copper, which is involved in brain development, immune health, and iron metabolism
People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since antiquity.
Black lemons are actually dried limes, and owe their misnomer to English translation from Arabic. They're used in the Middle East as a souring agent in chutneys, soups and stews, and even ground into flatbreads. The powder made from black lemons has a sweet-
Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Antioxidants help remove free radicals that can damage cells from the body. These nutrients can help prevent diseases and boost health and wellbeing.
Lemons are versatile and can be added to a wide variety of dishes across almost every cuisine.
Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet,[1] and one of the only two species of the genus Lawsonia, with the other being Lawsonia odorata.
Henna can also refer to the temporary body art resulting from the staining of the skin from the dyes. After henna stains reach their peak color, they hold for a few days, then gradually wear off by way of exfoliation, typically within one to three weeks.
Henna has been used since antiquity in ancient Egypt and Indian subcontinent to dye skin, hair and fingernails, as well as fabrics including silk, wool, and leather. Historically, henna was used in West Asia including the Arabian Peninsula and in Carthage, other parts of North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
The name "henna" is used in other skin and hair dyes, such as black henna and neutral henna, neither of which is derived from the henna plant.[2][3]
Moringa oleifera is a tree with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its health benefits may range from speeding up wound healing to managing blood glucose.
Also known as the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree, people have used moringa for centuries due to its health benefits.
In this article, find out what moringa is, which benefits it might offer, and possible side effects.
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
Chamomile was described in ancient medical writings and was an important medicinal herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Calendula is a marigold plant that has long been used for its skin health benefits, such as helping with wound healing.1
Calendula petals are rich in naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids. These compounds are said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.2
This article will go over how calendula is used. You will also learn about the possible side effects and risks of using calendula.
Molokhia (also known as Mulukhiya) is a leafy green vegetable called Jew's Mallow or Jute Mallow, popular in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. Its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite ingredient in Middle Eastern stews. In this recipe, we'll be using frozen molokhia leaves to create a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a satisfying and flavorful meal.
sage, (Salvia officinalis), also called common sage or garden sage, aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) cultivated for its pungent edible leaves. Sage is native to the Mediterranean region and is used fresh or dried as a flavouring in many foods, particularly in stuffings for poultry and pork and in sausages. Some varieties are also grown as ornamentals for their attractive leaves and flowers. Several other species of the genus Salvia are also known as sage.
peppermint, (Mentha piperita), strongly aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Peppermint has a strong sweetish odour and a warm pungent taste with a cooling aftertaste. The leaves are typically used fresh as a culinary herb, and the flowers are dried and used to flavour candy, desserts, beverages, salads, and other foods. Its essential oil is also widely used as a flavouring. The plant is a hybrid between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata) and is cultivated in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Sesamum is a plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India.[5] It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods. World production in 2018 was 6 million metric tons (5,900,000 long tons; 6,600,000 short tons),
Sesame seed is one of the oldest oilseed crops known, domesticated well over 3,000 years ago. Sesamum has many other species, most being wild and native to sub-Saharan Africa.[5] S. indicum, the cultivated type, originated in India.[7][5] It tolerates drought conditions well, growing where other crops fail.[8][9] Sesame has one of the highest oil contents of any seed. With a rich, nutty flavor, it is a common ingredient in cuisines around the world Like other foods, it can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
The Hibiscus plant is well-known for its brightly colored flowers, ranging from white and yellow to pink and red.
You may be familiar with Hibiscus, known as â??sour teaâ?? in Iran, a delicious and refreshing summertime drink. The flavor can vary depending on the specific species of Hibiscus, but it has a unique, citrusy, tart flavor, often described as a cross between cranberry and raspberry.
However, this pleasant-tasting herb also has beneficial health properties, specifically for those looking to support cardiovascular health.*
lemongrass, (Cymbopogon citratus), also called sweet rush, species of oil grass in the family Poaceae, often used in cooking.
At a distance, clusters of lemongrass in their native habitat look deceptively plain. Long skinny leaves of an unassuming green fan out from the stem, yet they release at a single touch a profuse lemon aroma that has made this pungent plant a staple of kitchens across South East Asia.
Mint is a popular herb that may possess potential health benefits. This may include helping with digestive health, reducing allergic symptoms, and soothing common cold symptoms
Parsley is a popular and flavourful cooking herb. Aside from its culinary uses, parsley is also highly nutritious and may also possess many health benefits.
rosemary, (Salvia rosmarinus), small evergreen plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae), the leaves of which are used to flavour foods. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary has naturalized throughout much of Europe and is widely grown in gardens in warm climates. The leaves have a pungent, slightly bitter taste and, dried or fresh, are generally used to season foods, particularly lamb, duck, chicken, sausages, seafood, stuffings, stews, soups, potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, and other vegetables, as well as beverages. The taxonomy of rosemary has been contentious, and it was formerly placed in the genus Rosmarinus as Rosmarinus officinalis. See also Salvia.
Kalonji is flavorful, boasts medicinal properties, and can even be consumed while pregnant. Supplements may benefit your health, but more research is needed.
Also known as black cumin, nigella or by its scientific name Nigella sativa, kalonji belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants.
It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.
In addition to its culinary use, kalonji is known for its medicinal properties.
In fact, its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedyTrusted Source for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea.
Also known as black cumin, nigella or by its scientific name Nigella sativa, kalonji belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants.
It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.
In addition to its culinary use, kalonji is known for its medicinal properties.
In fact, its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedyTrusted Source for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea.
This article discusses 9 of the most impressive science-backed benefits of kalonji, plus how you can add it to your diet.
Native to Eurasia and the Mediterranean, dill is most at home in warmer climates. Itâ??s an annual herb, so to create a permanent patch of dill, allow some of the plants to flower and go to seed each yearâ??youâ??ll have plenty of early dill to start the next growing season.
Dill attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and other predatory insects to your garden, and is a host plant for the caterpillar of the black swallowtail butterfly.
Dill is a versatile plant grown for both seeds and its fern-like foliage. The leaves, flowers and seeds are used for flavouring soups and stews, grilled and boiled fish, lamb, potatoes, rice and vinegar. The leaves have a mild aniseed aroma and flavour, although not as strong as fennel. Dill seeds are a noted Indian spice and are often used in curries, bread, soup and salad dressings.
Dill can be grown in the flower garden, vegetable plots / beds, patio containers or in pot on the window sill. Dill dislikes being grown in wet ,cold conditions.
Anise seeds lend a licorice flavor to baked goods and more. This spice is widely used in Middle Eastern, Italian, German, Indian, and Mexican cooking. Anise seed is used in Italian biscotti, desserts, and charcuterie. Its extract flavors alcohol including anisette and ouzo.
