Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

black

Browsing
Food

Black Burgers at Burger King

What has been hyped as a food trend in Japan for some time is now coming to Germany: the black burger! The usual Whopper content, consisting of the patty, vegetables, cheese, and sauce, is well packed between two pitch-black halves of a roll, waiting to be eaten by the fast-food lover. EAT SMARTER reveals what’s behind Burger King’s black burgers.

Scary Halloween

With its menacing color, the black burger stands out from the rest of the Burger King family. Appropriately for Halloween, this teaches burger lovers the creeps! From October 15, 2015, Burger King presents the Halloween Whopper. Served in a mummy-like packaging, it will be available for a limited time and only in selected fast-food restaurants in Germany.

Black as the night

The new black burger owes its deep black to vegetable charcoal: a coloring agent that is baked directly into the dough. The BBQ sauce is also baked into the bun dough, which also makes the Halloween Whopper something special.

New trend: black burgers

Black burgers have long been part of the trendy fast-food movement in other countries. So it’s no wonder that many consumers also want the dark buns (rolls) to go to Germany.

“Our guests were very curious about the black buns that Burger King introduced in Japan and other countries. That’s why we decided to offer our German guests a similar and above all unique taste experience,” explains Christian Bauer, Marketing Director of Burger King Germany.

Kuro Burger

Black burgers are already well known in Japan, where the Kuro burger has been available for some time. It’s not just black buns: the cheese and sauce are pitch black too. Here, however, it is colored with grated bamboo charcoal.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Do You Already Know Black Quinoa?

White quinoa is well known, but have you ever tried the dark variety? Black quinoa is so healthy!

Black quinoa existed before Burger King invented its first black burger and an Italian cheese factory invented black mozzarella: the special quinoa variety has been cultivated in the Andean highlands for 6,000 years.

Why is black quinoa so healthy?

Quinoa is considered a so-called pseudo-grain – that means it has a lot in common with real grain, but is botanically one of the goosefoot plants and is closely related to spinach, chard, and beetroot.

The pseudo-grain from South America provides a particularly large number of high-quality proteins and essential amino acids, including lysine, which is otherwise found almost exclusively in meat and fish. The relatively high content of iron and magnesium is also beneficial. Unlike real grains, quinoa does not contain gluten and is therefore also suitable for people with sprue (known as celiac disease in children). The oil contained in the seeds consists of around 70 percent unsaturated fatty acids (including omega-3 fatty acids) – good for the cardiovascular system. In addition, quinoa contains a relatively large amount of fiber, so it stimulates digestion and fills you up.

How does black quinoa taste?

Black quinoa tastes intensely nutty and is very firm to the bite. Its hearty aroma goes particularly well with sweet dishes with fruit, vegetables, and curry dishes. Some people find the aroma of black quinoa too strong as a soloist; you can pair it with white quinoa. Black quinoa looks particularly beautiful when prepared as a quinoa salad or as a colorful stir-fry.

How do you prepare black quinoa?

(Basic recipe for 200 grams/ 2 people)

  • Bring 2 1/2 times the amount of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add some salt if you like.
  • Add the black quinoa and simmer gently for 15 minutes, until the water is completely absorbed. Stir occasionally.

Blogger Simone prepared black quinoa in a slightly different way. She writes on her blog S-Kitchen: “I find this mixture of perfectly normal semolina pudding and black quinoa super tasty. In case you haven’t seen it anywhere: I came up with it quite spontaneously. For this, the quinoa is even cooked according to the instructions, Filled up with milk, and stirred in semolina. I would season it with vanilla and some cinnamon or cardamom.”

Sounds damn tasty. So: Off to the health food store or organic shop and have fun cooking and experimenting with black quinoa!

Keep Reading
By
Food

Black Pepper: Whole Grains Test Winner

Pepper is one of the most popular spices in the world. It gives every dish that certain something of spice and spiciness. But which type of pepper performs best in comparison? Stiftung Warentest took a closer look at 20 products – here are the results.

Pepper in the test

In its latest issue, Stiftung Warentest examined a total of 20 different types of black pepper in the sensory and harmful substances categories. These include 14 products (including five organic products) with whole peppercorns and six ground ones.

The result

In general, black pepper in whole grains performs better than ground products as they have a better flavor. Seven of the 20 types of pepper received the test result “Good”, five other types were only rated “Poor”. The reason for this is a very high level of pollution, as the Stiftung Warentest reports. You can find out which types of pepper have been tested here.

Pepper contaminated with mineral oil

Saturated mineral oils were detected in all black pepper varieties tested. Aromatic mineral oils were again found in four products – three of them in traces.

These oils can accumulate in the body and are suspected of promoting the development of cancer. However, since black pepper is only consumed in small quantities, this find is not harmful to health, according to Stiftung Warentest.

That’s why pepper is healthy

The stimulant in pepper, piperine, stimulates blood circulation, appetite, and salivation. It also has an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diaphoretic effect.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

Black Cumin Oil for a Healthy Life

Black cumin oil as a natural remedy ensures healthy well-being. Many natural products are becoming more and more popular these days. And are used more and more frequently even in conventional medicine. This also includes black cumin and the oil obtained from it.

Starting as a remedy for allergies, sleep disorders, and high blood pressure, to strengthen the immune system. Because black cumin oil has a very positive and lasting effect in many ways. This oil was already used 200 years ago. And especially in today’s age, the natural product can convince as a supplement, as well as the main product for a wide variety of diseases and symptoms.

The ingredients promise great things

The history of black seed is far-reaching. Because oil was discovered in the Middle East several centuries ago as a true miracle weapon. Because its ingredients represent a wonderful mixture of vital building blocks. On the one hand, there would be biotin, beta, and carotene. On the other hand, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium should be mentioned. In addition, the oil contains selenium and B vitamins 1-69. Hardly any natural product can come up with such a wide range of effective and important ingredients for the human body.

The main components of black cumin oil are unsaturated fatty acids, essential oils, and other natural substances. Although the essential oils are only about one percent in black cumin oil, their effectiveness is enormous. Especially in people with a pronounced allergy, these essential oils have had a positive effect on the course of the symptoms of the disease. However, the unsaturated fatty acids are the key solution. Because they contain up to 60 percent linoleic acid, around three percent eicosadienic acid, and around ten percent demo

Black cumin oil as a remedy

The study conducted by the University Hospital Freiburg showed a positive effect of black cumin. The results were particularly promising with regard to autoimmune diseases. Mention should be made here of rheumatic diseases or Hashimoto’s thyroid disease. There is also evidence of an anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic effect of black cumin. Although the study situation with human patients in relation to other diseases is still insufficient, animal studies indicate positive effects. That is why we have collected the following areas of application of black cumin oil for you:

1) Black seed oil for high blood pressure

If you suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension) from a medical point of view, black cumin oil is a useful remedy for high blood pressure thanks to unsaturated fatty acids, according to studies. And thus your natural home remedy for high blood pressure. Because the fatty acids can significantly lower your blood cholesterol level. This means you can lower your blood pressure and bring it back to normal. They are also found in special foods for people suffering from hypertension, such as margarine and other spreads.

2) Vitamin intake for mental well-being

The B vitamins in particular, of which we generally consume too little, are found in abundance in black cumin oil. B1, B2, and B6 are the most important carriers for nerve and brain functions. And these ensure physical and mental well-being. Because many people have an unbalanced diet, it can be difficult to get the recommended daily allowance of B vitamins. As a result, there is low resilience, tension, and serious nervousness. In addition, it can lead to susceptibility to infections of all kinds, malaise, and restlessness. Or even insomnia and back problems. Therefore, black cumin oil is a natural mood enhancer.

3) For a healthy metabolism

The important amino acids are also a component of black cumin oil. And one of the most important carriers of the protein building blocks in our body. Our enzymes, protein, and hormones need the amino acids to guarantee a smoothly functioning metabolism. If there is a lack of amino acids, it quickly becomes noticeable in the well-being. In addition, the metabolism slows down. As a result, weight gain can occur without changing your usual food intake.

4) Black Seed for Menopause Discomfort

Since one of the symptoms of menopause can be depressive moods, the black seed oil is an effective home remedy for menopause symptoms. Because it can be assumed that it promotes mental well-being. You can also use it as a good supplement if other remedies have not yet worked for you.

5) Strengthen the immune system with black cumin oil

In addition, you can use black cumin oil effectively to strengthen your immune system. Because of the ingredient thymoquinone, the healing oil has an immune-boosting effect. It is said to promote the activity of immune cells and antibody formation. And a good reason to try it as a home remedy to strengthen your immune system.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Control Small Black Midges in Potted Plants

If small black flies buzz around when you water your potted plants, then you are probably dealing with an infestation of so-called fungus gnats. Fungus gnats look very similar to fruit flies and are often confused with them. In any case, normal mosquitoes are much larger.

Fungus gnats have small black bodies, however, and are mostly found around potted plants. They multiply in the plant soil. The fungus gnat lays its eggs in the bottom of the potted plant. There the larvae hatch and feed on dead roots and leaves. Sometimes they nibble on young roots and can damage a plant.

How do you know if your plants are infested with fungus gnats?

Fungus gnats usually crawl on the surface of potted plant soil. If you move or water the plant, they buzz. The larvae can be found about 1 cm deep in the ground. They are about 5 mm long, white with a blackhead.

What to do against fungus gnat infestation?

  • Repot affected plants. This reduces larvae infestation.
  • Cover the surface of the potting soil with a 1-2 cm thick layer of quartz sand. The insects do not lay their eggs in the sand.
  • Fungus gnats love wet soil. So keep your plants as dry as possible. Always water from below.
  • Keep your plants free of fallen leaves. The insects feed on dead plant parts.
  • Lay yellow sticky paper around the infested plants. There are also yellow boards or yellow stickers available in stores. The insects are attracted to the bright color and stick to the panels.
  • For biological pest control, there are SF nematodes (Steinernema feltiae nematodes) and BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). Nematodes are tiny roundworms that feed on the sciarid larva. BTI is a bacterium that produces so-called stomach poison and kills the larvae. Both beneficial insects are harmless to humans and pets and are freely available in stores.

  • Check any newly potted plants for infestation before bringing them indoors.

Fungus gnats are annoying little pests that can spoil the fun of your potted plants. But don’t despair. With the tips and tricks above, you can get rid of the little black flies in no time at all and be able to enjoy your plant splendor again.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Insider Tip Black Garlic: What Can The Fermented Bulb do – and What Does it Taste Like?

Black garlic is an absolute insider tip for the kitchen. But how does the black tuber taste and what else can it do?

What is black garlic?

Black garlic or “Black Garlic” is a delicacy in Japan, China and Korea and belongs in every good kitchen there. But in the meantime, the black tuber has gradually become better known and, above all, more popular. However, the black bulb is not a special variety, but rather ordinary garlic (Allium sativum).

But where does the unusual color come from? The reason lies in the processing of the garlic. It is fermented for weeks in high humidity and heat. As a result, the sugar and amino acids contained in the garlic are converted into tanning substances, so-called melanoidins. The result: the tubers gradually turn black.

This fermented garlic is much easier on the stomach because it contains fewer polysaccharides. The fermentation also gives it a very special taste of vanilla, caramel or even plum and some liquorice

This is how you can ferment your garlic yourself

If you want to make your own fermented garlic yourself, you’ll need to prepare it a little differently. Because a week-long fermentation in the oven would be far too expensive. But if you can do without the black color, there are two simple production methods in particular:
With honey: peel the garlic and press it lightly. Then put it in a jar with a wire seal and pour honey over it until the jar is about 2/3 full. Keep the jar in a dark place for several weeks, turning it from time to time. Once the garlic has completely sunk in the honey, it’s done.
With salt: Make a saline solution by stirring 3 grams of salt into 100 milliliters of water. Place the peeled garlic cloves back into a mason jar and fill it 2/3 full with the brine. Now the jar is well sealed and put in the fridge for about four weeks. In the first few days you should open it briefly once a day and then close it tightly again.
Depending on your taste, you will like the sweet or salty variant of fermenting your garlic better. Try it yourself and then test your garlic in the kitchen.

Black garlic in the kitchen: the healthy black bulb goes well with it

Conventional garlic is inherently very aromatic and healthy. The little toes are antibacterial, can prevent cardiovascular diseases and are also considered a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. These are just some of the tuber’s effects. However, so-called secondary plant substances are still produced in the garlic as a result of the fermentation. They protect our cells and slow down free radicals. In addition, probiotics are produced, which protect both our intestinal flora and the immune system.

The Black Garlic is particularly popular in Asian dishes and is ideal for sauces and marinades. But in the meantime it is also becoming increasingly popular for pasta dishes. For example, you can also cook the classic spaghetti aglio e olio with black garlic. It is also ideal as “black” garlic butter. Serve them with fish, meat or potatoes, for example.

In addition to the flavor component, the black garlic is also ideal for decoration. However, you should rather use a copy from the Asian store. Like regular garlic, don’t use too much if you don’t tolerate it well or if you’re taking blood-thinning medication. Garlic can enhance the effects of such drugs. Otherwise you are doing something good for yourself, your health and your palate with black garlic!

Keep Reading
By
Food

Black Food: What’s the Truth About Black Food?

Black Food is the name of a new nutritional trend that is increasingly focusing on black foods. What’s up with this trend? But above all: What is inside the black foods?

black food? If you first think of black currywurst with black fries or black burgers in brown bread – you’re actually right.

It actually started with a charred hot dog in a black bun, the photo of which went viral on social media. There is now hardly any food that someone has not already colored black – and not necessarily by charring.

What makes food black?

Black food is primarily about the food being black. Regardless of how they got their black coloring. Because the color can be “grown up” in a natural way or added later. The most common colorings in black foods are:

Anthocyanins: These are natural plant pigments that make fruits and vegetables appear blue, purple, or almost black. Blackberries, for example, contain a lot of anthocyanins.
Iron(II) gluconate or iron(II) lactate: Both substances have an oxidizing effect and cause foodstuffs treated with them to turn a deep black. Cheap black olives are colored like this, you can recognize the subsequent coloring by additive numbers such as E579
Sepia: The dark “ink” of the squid is actually used to ward off enemies and has long colored Italian pasta specialties black.
activated charcoal
In addition to these commonly used food colorings, there are exotic variants. For example, the charcoal from burned coconuts, but from a chemical point of view this is nothing more than carbon.

What are the health benefits of black foods?

Black food is said to be healthy, so healthy in fact that even ice cream that’s been dyed black is advertised as “healthier.” Black foods are also said to detoxify, be good for the kidneys, prevent cancer and be particularly rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Activated charcoal black food

Foods colored with activated charcoal are the cheapest of the newfangled black foods. Activated charcoal is an approved food coloring (E number E153) and is added to many industrially produced foods to “pretty color” them. For example, jams and jellies with little fruit content

This does not make any product healthier – only blacker. Because activated charcoal is able to bind toxins, black food foods colored with charcoal are often advertised with additional benefits such as “detoxifying” or “detox”. However, a healthy body is already well equipped with the liver and kidneys to eliminate harmful substances.

The small amount of activated charcoal in black food doesn’t really matter – and nobody has to “detox” and “purify” anyway. In addition, activated charcoal is mainly used to make foods that are unhealthy per se “black & healthy”: French fries, currywurst and burger buns are not healthier if they are colored “raven black”.

ferrous gluconate and ferrous lactate

Olives and other foods colored black with ferrous gluconate or ferrous lactate do not confer any additional health benefit from the color. Olives colored black with ferrous gluconate (E579) are colored because they were not given time to ripen and were harvested green. You can easily recognize this by the fact that the core is still light green.

Iron(II) lactate (E585), like iron(II) gluconate, is only approved in the EU as a coloring for olives, but it is very well absorbed by the body and is therefore used to fortify foods with iron. This cannot then be recognized from the colour, because iron(II) gluconate is actually green-yellowish, the black color of the olives is only caused by oxidation. Here, too, the black color does not bring any added health value.

Natural dye sepia

Sepia, also known as “squid ink”, has now also established itself as a natural coloring agent for pasta in German kitchens. In homeopathy, sepia is used, for example, for gynecological disorders or diseases of the respiratory tract. However, there is still no scientifically proven knowledge on this.

Anyone who does not suffer from gynecological disorders or other diseases that Sepia helps against in homeopathy has no health benefit from the consumption of squid ink. On the contrary: the cream sauce that is often served with black pasta is not particularly healthy.

Incidentally, sepia does not have an E number, but it must be included in the list of ingredients because it can cause allergies.

Black food thanks to anthocyanins

Anthocyanins belong to the flavonoids, are secondary plant substances and are therefore fundamentally healthy. The more flavonoids and healthy phytochemicals we take in, the better. Anthocyanins are not only responsible for the almost black coloring of fruit and vegetables, but also for the dark red color of cherries, grapes and hibiscus blossoms.

However, there are over 8,000 flavonoids, and all of them have been said to have antioxidant effects. They all fundamentally reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases – regardless of their color. So there is no point in limiting yourself to black fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are inherently healthier than junk food and highly processed foods.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Black Pepper – Effect and Application of The Medicinal Spice

Apart from salt, no other spice is used as frequently in German cuisine as black pepper. What many people don’t know, however, is that black pepper has long been considered a remedy and has numerous health benefits.

How is black pepper different from other types of pepper?

Whether white, green, red or black pepper – all come from the same plant species, the pepper bush (Piper nigrum). Depending on the time of harvest and further processing, the peppercorns then get their specific color.

For the black pepper, the unripe, green peppercorns are harvested and stored in heaps for a few days. The grains are then dried in the sun.

The types of pepper differ not only in appearance, but also in the degree of sharpness, the taste and the composition of their components. White and black pepper are the hottest and have the highest levels of piperine — see why this ingredient is so important below.

use in the kitchen

From sweet to savory – pepper goes well with almost every dish. So it is not surprising that it is the second most used spice in German cuisine after salt. At least one type of pepper is therefore included in numerous spice mixtures.

The black pepper has a particularly hot aroma and a light citrus note. White pepper, on the other hand, is less aromatic and fruity, while green pepper is mild and has a light herbal note. The fully ripe red pepper is rarely eaten in this country due to its perishability.

Tip: Pepper that has already been ground has already lost large parts of its ingredients and aroma. Therefore, always use whole grains that you grind freshly just before use.

Black pepper – the most important active ingredients

Pepper contains over 200 different components. From a medical point of view, the most interesting is the alkaloid piperine. Numerous health-promoting effects are attributed to this ingredient. The traditional areas of application range from colds and flu to digestive problems and diabetes to rheumatic diseases and muscle pain.

Recent human studies have demonstrated its digestive, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic and antiasthmatic effects, among other things. Also, it is scientifically proven that piperine promotes the absorption of nutrients as well

antifungal
antioxidant
expectorant
anti-inflammatory
antimicrobial
works (see review from 2017). The Federal Center for Nutrition emphasizes above all the digestive effect – since piperine stimulates the saliva and gastric juice secretion. The list of potential applications is impressively long.

Other important ingredients are various essential oils, flavonoids and various piperine derivatives.
An English-language Open Access Scientific Report from India provides a comprehensive overview of the numerous active ingredients and areas of application of black pepper.

Piperine as a bioenhancer

Piperine also deserves special attention because it increases the bioavailability of various other components. Such substances are called bioenhancers. Piperine was the first bioenhancer identified in 1979 – and is still considered the most effective substance of this kind.

The most prominent partner substance whose bioavailability is increased by piperine: curcumin, the most important active ingredient in turmeric. When combined with piperine, the effectiveness of curcumin is increased by up to 20 times. That is why it is often recommended to add some black pepper to turmeric for medicinal purposes – as is done with the healing golden milk. Black pepper is also said to increase the bioavailability of selenium, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Use black pepper effectively and safely

If you want to benefit from the health effects of black pepper, you can of course add the spice to your food as usual. You should not cook the pepper at the same time, but only add it to the finished dish at the end.

However, if you want to use the black pepper specifically for colds and illnesses, you can use a higher dose. The already mentioned golden milk with a high pepper content is ideal for this. You can also add freshly ground pepper to your tea – for example in combination with fresh turmeric. Pepper is also popular with colds when combined with hot milk and honey.

possible side effects

In general, black pepper is considered very safe. However, you should never consume the ground spice individually, as the particles could get into the lungs and irritate them severely. If you suffer from acute stomach or intestinal problems, you should discuss the application with your doctor beforehand. You should also avoid large amounts of black pepper during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Black Sesame: How Healthy it is and How You Can Use it

Black sesame is rather unknown in this country. The small grains are full of nutrients. We explain to you what makes it so healthy and how you can process it.

Black sesame is mainly harvested around the Himalayas. It is considered the original form of sesame and contains a particularly large number of nutrients. People have been using it as a remedy and healthy ingredient in kitchens for thousands of years. Black sesame tastes stronger than the more familiar, white version of the seeds. You can also use black sesame oil for cooking and as a natural remedy.

What makes black sesame so healthy?

Black sesame is considered cholesterol-lowering, nutrient-rich and bone-strengthening. The many valuable ingredients in the small grains are responsible for this.

Black sesame contains a lot of calcium. With a calcium content of 800 milligrams per 100 grams, sesame contains more calcium than dairy products. It is therefore a good source of nutrients for people who follow a vegan diet or cannot consume cow’s milk for health reasons. Another plus is the high iron content of black sesame. It also contains B vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

Furthermore, black sesame is said to have an antioxidant effect. This protects the body from free radical attacks.

Black sesame is low in carbohydrates and high in plant-based protein. This makes it a reliable source of protein and attractive for strength athletes, especially for athletes who eat vegan.

The contained proteins and amino acids contribute to a healthy and strong growth of hair and nails as well as to an optimal function of cells and muscles. Because black sesame is high in fiber, it helps to regulate the intestinal flora naturally.

How to process black sesame

In order to benefit from the valuable ingredients in the granules, it is best to eat them raw. Black sesame is a delicious component in smoothies, salads and muesli. If you like, you can also eat black sesame pure. A guideline is one to two teaspoons per day. The following recipe shows you how to prepare two servings of black sesame salad. You need:
2 beetroots
2 carrots
2 hands full of green lettuce of your choice (overview of the types of lettuce)
1 onion
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp mustard
Salt
pepper
2 tbsp black sesame seeds
You should plan about 20 minutes to prepare the salad:
Peel the beets and grate them finely. Since beetroot stains heavily, we recommend wearing gloves when processing it.
Grate the carrots too.
Wash the lettuce and spin dry. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Peel the onion and cut into rings.
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to form a dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
Toast the sesame seeds in a pan for 2-3 minutes. You don’t need to add any oil. Alternatively, you can also sprinkle the raw sesame seeds over the salad.
Garnish the salad with the black sesame seeds.

Bake sesame puff pastry sticks: recipe

The puff pastry sticks are easy to prepare. They are a great accompaniment to soups and a tasty component on the party buffet. You need:
1 pack of puff pastry (or make your own)
Salt
2 tbsp black sesame seeds
Preparation:
Roll out the puff pastry and brush it with some water.
Cut the puff pastry into narrow strips.
Sprinkle the puff pastry strips with salt and sesame seeds.
Spread the strips on a baking sheet. Bake the whole thing for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees top/bottom heat. The puff pastry sticks are good when they are lightly brown in color.
You can of course vary the sticks, for example with chilli flakes, garlic or oregano.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Mulberries: Black, Red, and White Mulberries are so Healthy

Mulberries are considered a superfood because they have many beneficial properties. We explain why the red, black and white berries are so healthy.

Red, black and white mulberries

Mulberries were originally native to Asia and North America. The white mulberry trees were planted for the production of silk, since silk moths feed exclusively on the leaves of the plant.

Three varieties – red, black and white mulberries – have been known in Europe since Roman times. Here the berries are ripe in August and September. The white and red mulberries grow in Germany because they can withstand frost, in contrast to the black mulberry tree. Mulberry trees grow best in wine-growing regions, as they require similar climatic conditions as grapes.

The fruits of a plant ripen one after the other and cannot be harvested at the same time. Since they are hardly grown industrially in Germany, it is not easy to find fresh mulberries. The fresh berries are soft and spoil quickly, so they are more likely to be sold dried or processed.

Mulberries as a superfood

Mulberries are often traded as a superfood because they have many healthy nutrients. For example, the berries contain the following properties:
Vitamin C: With 100 grams of mulberries you cover about 10 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C – they contain 100 milligrams of the nutrient. While vitamin C is not uncommon, it is an all the more important vitamin that strengthens your immune system.
Potassium: Mulberries contain 260 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams. Potassium is important for blood pressure and the cardiovascular system.
Trace elements: Mulberries also contain the important trace elements zinc and iron. Ones are mainly found in the black and red mulberries.
Antioxidant resveratol: The substance is said to have numerous health-promoting properties: resveratol is said to strengthen the nerves and protect against negative influences and is used as an anti-aging product because it is said to slow down the aging process. However, the consumer advice center warns that these effects have not been sufficiently documented. Antioxidants also protect against free radicals.
Mulberries are said to have an expectorant effect. Therefore, the juice of the berries is said to be helpful for colds, for example.

Mulberries in the kitchen

You can eat fresh fruit with delicious desserts such as quark, ice cream or nice cream. You can also use mulberries – similar to blueberries – for baking muffins or a cake. Simply spread them in the finished dough before baking. Mulberries in the German trade probably do not come from overseas because they are very sensitive and do not tolerate long transport routes. However, you should make sure that the berries were not imported from another continent.

However, since mulberries are rarely found fresh in Germany, they are more often found in processed form. For example, you can find mulberry jam or jelly in the supermarket. You can buy mulberry juice to relieve colds.

The white mulberries are mainly traded dried. This variety is also available from German cultivation. White mulberries are suitable, for example, for homemade muesli or muesli bars. But they also go great in a nut mix for in between.

Keep Reading
By