Tag

correctly

Browsing

Pesticides are hazardous to health and should not be absorbed into our bodies if possible. That’s why you should always clean fruit and vegetables properly – even if you don’t eat the peel.

Pesticides on fruits and vegetables: where are they used?

These are various chemical-synthetic substances that are toxic to very specific organisms. Herbicides are used against weeds, fungicides are used against fungi and so-called insecticides are used against insects. In Europe alone, around 290 different substances are permitted. Of course, in conventional agriculture there are strict regulations regarding the amount and type of use of pesticides.

These are EU maximum values ​​that must not be exceeded. Therefore, most fruits and vegetables contain only small amounts of residues, but in which combination and with what effects on the body remains questionable.

In order to avoid the intake of harmful substances as much as possible, you should always remove pesticides from your fruit and vegetables.

How do you properly remove pesticides?

If you want to thoroughly rid your fruits and vegetables of pesticides, there are two simple methods:
Wash fruits and vegetables carefully under running water and rub them well with a cloth. This removes even more residue. Also wash varieties with skin that we don’t eat (citrus fruits, melons, pumpkins, bananas), because when you cut them up, residues and dirt can get straight from the skin to the inside of the pulp and be eaten.
However, the most effective method is provided by an American study from 2017: Scientists from the University of Massachusetts found that you can use water mixed with baking soda or baking soda for cleaning. It is much more thorough and removes almost all pesticides. However, you will need to leave your fruit and veg in the solution for about 15 minutes. Here are the exact instructions: Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 200 ml of tap water. Mix both together briefly and add the fruit.

The safest way to avoid using pesticides is to buy organic fruits and vegetables. Organically grown vegetables and fruits can be eaten with their skins without hesitation, as chemical-synthetic pesticides are generally not permitted in organic farming.

For many of us, the dishwasher runs almost every day. But what is really allowed in the machine and what is not?

The dishwasher is a device that is used almost every day in the home. Annoying rinsing by hand is usually no longer necessary. However, there are a number of things that should not be entrusted to the dishwasher. These include hand-painted or printed glasses. These could flake off or become cloudy during the rinse cycle. In addition, particularly thin glasses can easily break. The same applies to porcelain. The crockery often has small imprints or hand paintings and may also have a gold rim that could be destroyed by frequent washing in the dishwasher.

Even cutlery may not go in the dishwasher. This includes, for example, cutlery with wood and plastic handles. Because the hot water ensures that the glue with which the handles are attached can dissolve. Even with silver cutlery

But you should not only be careful with glasses, cutlery and crockery, there are other things that definitely do not belong in the dishwasher.

With almost all pots and pans, it makes sense to wash them by hand. This is due to the non-stick coatings, which are made of aluminum, for example. The coatings are very sensitive and can be attacked and damaged by harsh dishwasher detergents. If the coating of the pan finally comes off, toxic substances can be released when frying and cooking with the pans, which can enter the body via the food. But that’s not all. The pans can also be scratched if they collide with cutlery or other dishes.

It is best to clean them with dish soap and warm water. Clay pots or terracotta vessels also do not belong in the dishwasher. They can scratch quickly and become dull over time.

And what else?

Wooden boards get cracks and warp due to the heat of the water. You should also have quality kitchen knives

What about insulated mugs and thermoses? The dishwasher is not a good recommendation for these things either. The vacuum seal is damaged by the salts in the dishwasher tabs and the large amount of water. This can damage the ISO effect and the drinks are no longer kept warm.

Bottom line: if you take good care of them when you wash them, all your items will have a longer lifespan. Of course, washing up by hand can be a little annoying, but it’s worth it! So that your hands are not attacked too much, there are skin-sensitive and environmentally friendly detergents*. This way you protect your hands and you will also have sharp knives and intact glasses in the future.

Perhaps you haven’t eaten persimmons all too often? The orange fruit is still relatively unknown but is becoming more and more popular. Whether in smoothies, oatmeal, or as a fruity side dish in warm pan dishes, persimmons can be used in many ways. With its sweet taste, it gives every dish a light, fruity note. But how do you prepare the persimmons properly and can you eat the skin of a persimmon?

What actually is a persimmon?

The orange fruit has its origins in Asia and is also known as persimmon or persimmon. The persimmon that you can find in fruit displays these days is a refined form of persimmon and is called Sharon. The skin of the Sharon is thinner and the fruit does not contain any seeds. The persimmon cultivar is grown in all countries with a warmer climate, such as Italy or Spain. The size and shape of the persimmon are very similar to that of an apple. The riper a persimmon is, the sweeter its delicious taste. You can find more information about the ingredients and nutritional values ​​of a persimmon here in our product information on persimmons.

How do you eat persimmon?

The skin of the refined persimmon cultivar can be eaten without any problems. However, you should first wash them thoroughly under cold water and gently rub them dry. Like an apple, cut the persimmon lengthwise in half and remove the green stalk. Depending on the intended use, the fruit can now be quartered or diced. The persimmons can also be sliced ​​and served as a fruity topping for cream cheese on breakfast bread. The fruity-sweet note of the orange fruit is also ideal for baking.

Smoke detectors are an important protective measure. But in which rooms do you have to attach them and what do you have to consider?

Where do you put smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors must be installed in the children’s rooms, bedrooms and in the corridors that serve as escape routes.

What do you have to look out for with smoke detectors?

Where the smoke detectors are attached is well regulated, but there are also a few things to consider when attaching them:
You should always place the devices in the middle of the room, as the smoke that is produced will always rise and spread to the ceiling. The air collects in the corners and does not disperse, so smoke detectors should under no circumstances be installed in corners.
Furthermore, you should install a smoke detector in every area of ​​larger rooms from 60 square meters so that you can really be warned of the alarm in good time.
When assembling, follow the operating instructions exactly and do not place the devices near air ducts or strong drafts. Even that can be a false alarm
If you want to paint your ceiling, then under no circumstances paint over the smoke detector, as this may mean that not enough smoke can get into the device and the alarm will not be triggered in an emergency.

Finally, it is important to test smoke detectors regularly. There is a test button that only gives an alarm when it is pressed. When you release the button, the alarm stops immediately. It is best to test your devices immediately after installation and then once a year. Then you can go to sleep with peace of mind.

Humans communicate constantly – with words, but above all with body language. This says a lot about us. You can pay attention to this when interpreting body language.

Understand body language – why?

Why should you deal with your own body language? Dr knows that Simon Breil from the University of Munster. He researches the connection between non-verbal language and personality perception. It has been proven that the perception of personalities is very strongly influenced by how we present ourselves, “before we have even spoken a word to each other,” says Breil.

It is well known that first impressions count. And this is derived 95% from our body language and only 5% from what we say. Other people form an image of us based on our body language. Precisely because we find it difficult to consciously control our facial expressions and gestures, it often speaks the truth about what we are actually thinking and feeling.

Is my counterpart telling the truth, is he comfortable? Understanding what your own body language and that of those around you is signaling can help you better understand others. communication becomes easier. In addition, a healthy posture can also have a positive effect on the inner body feeling.

What clear signals are there?

The movements in our face sometimes say a lot about our inner being. A frown can symbolize confusion or anger. A real smile is easy to tell apart from an artificial one. Do the cheeks lift, do small wrinkles appear next to the eyes? Body language is difficult to deceive. Another important aspect of facial expressions is eye contact, which can be used in many different ways. When two eyes cross each other on the dance floor, it’s an expression of mutual interest. You pay attention by looking. But be careful: Eye contact that lasts too long can also be uncomfortable or offensive. If the other person avoids eye contact, they don’t seem interested in you or are embarrassed.

It is also important what we do with our arms, legs and hands. There are gestures that are almost universally understood: raising your hand to greet someone, waving goodbye. If you like something, give it a thumbs up. But our body subconsciously controls many gestures. Anyone who has ever tried to keep their hands still while talking will quickly realize that this is almost impossible. Because the centers for speech and hand movements are close together in the brain. Man gestures to visually support what is being said.

Whether it’s for job interviews, lectures or on a first date – a confident posture is convincing. Anyone who walks and stands upright appears self-confident. A dynamic gait and relaxed arms support this impression. A sunken attitude, however, reflects insecurity, possibly also sadness. Anyone who carries their arms close to their body and takes small steps when walking appears tense. During conversations, you should lean forward a little to pay attention to the other person.

This is how you convince with your own body language

Not everyone has the same prerequisites for correctly assessing facial expressions, gestures and posture. However, being able to interpret signals is a first step in working on your own body language. Here it helps, for example, to observe other people, they can be friends, but also strangers. What gestures and facial expressions do they use to underline their words? How does their behavior appear to the outside world? It is also particularly interesting to do the same with politicians. Because they have often gone through coaching.

Politicians appear determined and self-confident through their body language. The same applies here: not everyone is a natural talent. Insecure people can practice body language in front of the mirror. The social psychologist Amy Cuddy developed the concept of “power poses”. Various exercises should help to radiate self-confidence. To expand the chest area, the hands can be crossed behind the head. Hands on the hips and hands on the front edge of the desk should also convey a confident impression.

You want to permanently change your body language? Rhetoric courses, drama, pantomime or dance can also help. The language of the body is constantly being used here. But ultimately, you shouldn’t force anything. Only those who feel comfortable in their own bodies appear authentic.

The man sticks out his chest, the woman crosses her legs

Typical behavior patterns of men or women indicate differences in their body language. The man sticks out his chest, the woman crosses her legs. You should even be able to tell from the gait whether a female or a male is walking in front of us.

Crossing the legs of women can have various external effects. On the one hand, this gesture is a sign of elegance, on the other hand, it can reflect a reserved and insecure character. The latter also applies when women play with their hair.

Men, on the other hand, tend to make sweeping gestures. They take up a lot of space, for example when sitting with your legs apart. This makes them appear more present. However, it is clear that posture is more a question of type and personality than gender.

Different countries, different customs – different body language

If the next holiday in distant countries is pending, you should also be careful when it comes to body language. Many gestures and facial expressions are culturally influenced and cannot be used universally. While for us a head shake means “no”, in Bulgaria and India a slow shake of the head means “yes”.

Eye contact, which is considered friendly in Germany, encroaches on the private sphere of the Japanese. Crossing legs is considered offensive to Arabs and Asians because it shows the soles of the shoes.

And you should also be careful with the popular “thumbs up” gesture. In Sardinia, Colombia and the Middle East, this sign can be interpreted as indecent.

Can kitchen towels go in the organic waste? And what about meat? You can find out here what actually belongs in the biowaste and what absolutely shouldn’t be in there.

Organic waste: This can be disposed of in it

The following may go in the organic waste:
food leftovers
eggshells
Dairy products
Meat, sausage and fish leftovers
Fruit waste (also citrus fruits)
vegetable waste
Bread and pastry leftovers
coffee and tea filters
nutshells
fallen obs
cut flowers
potting soil
weed
Grass and shrub cutting
leaves
small branches
Plants attacked by pests
Biodegradable small animal litter
small animal excrement

Newspaper in organic waste: is that allowed?

Paper kitchen towels, newspaper or commercially available paper bags can usually be used to wrap the organic waste. Since there are no longer any heavy metals in printing ink, newspaper and printed cardboard can also be composted without any problems and can therefore be disposed of with organic waste.

That doesn’t belong in the compost bin

packaged food
Flower pots (also biodegradable)
Disposable plastic crockery and cutlery
Excrement from carnivorous domestic animals
candle remains
leather scraps
chipboard wood
textiles
cotton
Meat, fish and sausage leftovers (depending on the municipality)
The wastes listed are examples and are not binding, since the various waste products depend on the recycling possibilities of the plants on site.

Where can I get a green or brown residual waste bin?

The way residual waste containers are distributed varies from region to region. In many cities or districts, you can already apply for the bins using an online form. Otherwise, you can usually find the right contact person for waste disposal in your municipality. When it comes to volume, you can often choose between a few sizes, depending on how much waste is generated. In some districts, however, you also pay for any size of residual waste volume and you also get a bio-waste bin with the same volume.

If you plan your move properly, you can avoid mistakes and save a lot of time at the same time!

Good planning: Here’s how!

Remember the address changes. These affect banks, insurance companies, but also friends and family. The residents’ registration office and the kindergartens and schools must also be informed and all people who move must be re-registered. In addition, you should plan many things several weeks before the move so that there is no stress later.

If you organize the following things some time before you move, you are guaranteed to be on the safe side and you can move into your new apartment completely relaxed:
Do you need a moving truck? Rent it in good time and find out about the prices.
Get enough moving boxes and packing materials. You can gradually collect newspaper or organize it with friends and family.
Pack a bag with a toothbrush, a change of clothes and deodorant so that you can get to the most important things immediately after the move without having to search.
Organize enough helpers for the moving day early on! It is often difficult to carry the heavy furniture alone or in pairs.
Compare and find out more about moving companies. These can sometimes be very expensive.
Plan enough time for the renovation of your old apartment. Painting, cleaning and handing over the apartment often take a lot of time.

You can avoid these mistakes

In addition to good planning, you can also avoid some mistakes when moving:
Don’t pack too heavy! Many make this mistake. You would like to fill the boxes as full as possible, but then you can hardly lift them or they even break on the ground. Therefore, always pack light and heavy things mixed up in a box and check whether you can still lift it.
Don’t use bags to pack: Bags are often difficult to carry and not really fit much. It is best to pack everything that is possible in boxes.
Do not forget to label: If you do not label the boxes correctly, you will have to spend a lot of time and nerves afterwards to put everything back in the right place. Make it easy for you and your helpers and label everything well, with room information and content. So you always have an overview.
Don’t forget your helpers! A moving day can be long and tiring. Don’t forget to provide your helpers with enough food and drinks. It doesn’t matter whether you order a pizza for everyone or make something yourself.
If you pay attention to these things, you will certainly have a relaxed move without any big surprises! Good planning and organization are the decisive factors.

“Home Office”, “Remote” or “Mobile Office”: In an interview, a lawyer explains what the terms mean and whether they even exist under labor law.

Important for applicants: What is the difference between home office, remote and mobile office?

The terms ‘home office’ and ‘mobile work’ or ‘mobile office’ are often used synonymously, as lawyer Christian Solmecke explains: “But the legislature knows neither one nor the other, only so-called ‘telework’.” “Remote” also has no employment law meaning.

“According to the Workplace Ordinance, ‘telework’ means computer workstations set up and equipped by the employer in the employee’s home,” says Solmecke. This is based on a corresponding contractual agreement in which the details are regulated. However, general usage also allows for non-regulated forms of working outside the company.

“Accordingly, ‘home office’ means the possibility of doing the work in one’s own apartment,” explains the lawyer. Mobile working is also part of the non-regulated special form of work. “However, unlike the ‘home office’, the spatial dimension is missing.” Mobile working is characterized solely by the provision of work outside of the company at changing work locations. “This can also include your own apartment, but also traveling by train or staying in a hotel,” says Solmecke.

Home Office: What does that mean in terms of labor law?

Christian Solmecke sees the same legal requirements for all formulations. However, there is a distinction, for example with regard to the scope and reach of the employer’s obligations under labor law. “If there is a so-called teleworkplace, the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Ordinance must be observed. If, on the other hand, there is home office in the actual sense or mobile work, the Workplace Ordinance does not apply,” explains the lawyer.

However, occupational safety measures must still be observed. Because the insurance protection applies when working at home or on the go as well as in the company. “As long as someone is doing an activity that serves the company and suffers an accident, they enjoy statutory accident protection,” says Solmecke. However, it must be determined in each individual case whether the accident happened during a business or private activity. The lawyer advises every company that offers home office to define binding framework conditions, whether in a company agreement or through individual agreements.

“Home Office”, “Remote” and “Mobile Office” are not labor law terms and do not differ significantly. Legislative requirements are blurred. If a company wants to be really legal, it should offer telecommuting. However, the regulations must then be strictly observed.

Thanks to their finely mild spiciness, many use the vegetable as an all-round talent. Find out here how best to cut the spring onions.

Wash and cut spring onions properly – that’s how it works

With their mild, spicy taste, spring onions can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Before eating and slicing the spring onions, it is important to wash the vegetables carefully so that they do not grind uncomfortably between the teeth when eating. Both the green leaves and the white bulbs of the spring onion can be eaten. With the right cutting technique and the right steps, you can get the most out of the mild onion.

Before actually slicing, remove the outer leaves of the onion. These are often a bit dried out and therefore not quite as fresh. To do this, cut the sheet lengthways and then pull it off. Then you remove the root end, because this is the only part of the spring onion that is not used in the kitchen. In this step you can also remove the dried leaf tips. Depending on how wilted the upper end of the petioles is, you should generously cut off the dried, partly wilted areas.
In order to avoid a gritty, unpleasant feeling when eating the spring onions, we now have to wash them thoroughly. Rinse the scallions under cold water, removing any dirt or sand. The dirt is mainly on the lower tubers. Now all you have to do is shake the onions dry – and we’re ready to use them.
Now you can cut the scallions into thin rings or sticks, depending on your preference. This works particularly well with a sharp kitchen knife.
Good to know: If you notice a transparent slime when cutting the spring onion, there is no need to worry. The gelled plant juice is even a sign that the vegetables are particularly fresh. You can easily wash it off and process the onions further.

How healthy are spring onions?

The onion vegetable not only impresses with its fresh taste, but is also a true superfood. In particular, the essential and sulphurous oils contained in spring onions make them so healthy. Allicin has an anti-inflammatory effect and even promotes digestion – but this plant substance is the reason for the tears when chopping onions. The spring onion can also score points in terms of vitamin C, with 26 milligrams per 100 grams they already cover a quarter of our daily requirement. Spring onions also score points with their comparatively mild taste and, according to the Federal Center for Nutrition, are easier to digest than classic onions.

Tips and tricks for spring onions

When buying, you should make sure that the onions have light green, crisp and pointed leaves. The roots should also not be too long.
Spring onions have a significantly shorter shelf life than onions. They will keep in the fridge for about a week, but the cold will quickly make them damp and soft. Wrapping them in a damp cloth will keep them fresher for longer.
Did you know that spring onions are related to daffodils? The ultimate tip for keeping onion vegetables fresh for as long as possible is derived from this knowledge: place them in water like a bouquet of flowers. It is important to preserve the root, as the plant absorbs the liquid through it. If you change the water every two days, nothing stands in the way of optimal storage.
You can even freeze scallions. To do this, prepare the vegetables as described above, remove dry spots and root balls and store them in a freezer box. The onions can be kept in the freezer for up to a year and can be thawed and processed at any time.

Delicious recipes – spring onions are so versatile

Spring onions are not only healthy, but also a real all-round talent in the kitchen. They are used especially in Asian cuisine, such as in curries or woks. They are also excellent in salads or dips. So that it doesn’t lose its typical, fresh aroma, you should be careful not to heat it up too much and to keep the cooking time short

For a delicious sour cream you need 200g sour cream, 100g sour cream, 100g quark (40%), some sugar, salt, pepper and of course spring onions. Hopefully you now know how to prepare them perfectly with the help of our tips. For the sour cream, mix the ingredients in a bowl, add spices to taste and some garlic for an extra kick. Finally, the finely chopped spring onions and you’re done!

Important rules and a simple guide to the fridge will help you to avoid common fridge mistakes. As a result, storing food properly saves you time and money. You can also find out what absolutely shouldn’t be in the fridge and what fridge size is right for you.

Proper storage of food is important

If you follow a few simple tips when storing the fridge correctly, you will not only save time that would be spent searching but also money. Because the food has a longer shelf life. And in extreme cases, even harmful germs can form. The rules of physics also apply to the refrigerator. Warm air rises. That means there are different temperatures in the refrigerator and there are different cooling zones. You should consider this fact for the correct storage of food. But what does the correct storage of food in the refrigerator look like and what mistakes can I avoid?

Correct instructions for the refrigerator

Refrigerators have different cold zones, which can differ by up to 7°C. Accordingly, it is warmer in the upper compartments than in the lower compartments. It’s coldest on the back wall and on the glass shelf above the vegetable compartment. And it’s warmest in the refrigerator door. Since some foods need to be stored cooler than others, it makes sense to follow a few rules here.

Avoid common fridge mistakes

Storing food incorrectly in the fridge is a common mistake. When storing the refrigerator properly, the milk should never be in the refrigerator door, as the temperatures here are too warm. In addition to these mistakes, there are others that you should definitely avoid:

1) Do not store tropical fruits in the refrigerator

When storing the fridge correctly, remember that tropical fruits such as bananas or mangoes do not belong in the fridge. Because that would spoil the taste. Tomatoes and courgettes also react negatively to the climate in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is better to store them in a shady place in the kitchen. Eggs don’t necessarily have to be stored in a cool place either unless they are washed. You can put them in the fridge after a certain time stated on the packaging. Also, read tips on storing eggs. In addition, cucumbers should not be stored in the refrigerator because of their high water content. Likewise, potatoes are not suitable for the cold. Fresh herbs last longer in the crisper, with the exception of healthy basil.

2) Avoid hot food in the refrigerator

Mistakes often happen even with correct storage. Who does not know it? There was a lot of cooking and half of the lunch left. Quickly in a Tupperware and the warm food in the fridge. And now we have an error. Refrigerators remove the heat from the products. The warmer an object is, the more electricity is used to cool it. So let the food cool down first. Then you can save electricity.

3) Stock the fridge properly with the right packaging

Well packed, you protect your food from drying out. You also prevent odors and germs from forming. Therefore, use cling film or storage boxes to store the products properly. In addition, storage boxes create a good basic organization in the refrigerator. A “sausage box” and a “cheesebox” are recommended. Nothing is lying around openly and everything can be stacked better. You should also defrost and clean your refrigerator regularly. This way you can avoid a musty stench in the fridge.

  • Use cling film to preserve flavor and prevent germs
  • Use storage boxes to avoid chaos and save space

4) Pay attention to hygiene when storing the fridge correctly

In order to avoid germ formation and damage to health from spoiled food, you must ensure adequate hygiene. Consequently, make sure that when storing meat and products with raw eggs, juice cannot leak. These should be packed well. Food that is placed in the refrigerator for defrosting should also be placed in a bowl that catches the defrost water. This is very important with meat and poultry because hygiene is the be-all and end-all here. The refrigerator can be washed out with lukewarm water once a month. A splash of vinegar essence in the wash water prevents the formation of bacteria and mold. You can read more about this under the tips for cleaning and cleaning the kitchen.

5) Bought the wrong refrigerator

In order to avoid mistakes when buying a refrigerator, you should estimate the required refrigerator size. In general, you can assume that size of 120 liters is sufficient for a single person. Tests have also shown that an additional 60 liters are required. This means that a refrigerator for 3 people should have a capacity of around 240 liters. Of course, these are only guidelines. Here it depends on my own shopping behavior and how often I find time to shop. If you enjoy doing a large weekly shop, then the above estimates are realistic.

Fridge size guidelines

  • One person: 120 liters
  • Two people: 180 liters
  • Each additional person + 60 liters