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What is the Tim Tam Slam?

The Tim Tam Slam is a popular way to enjoy Tim Tam biscuits by using them as a straw to drink coffee or hot chocolate. Tim Tam biscuits are a popular Australian biscuit made of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit, separated by a light chocolate cream filling, and coated in a thin layer of chocolate. The Tim Tam Slam adds a fun twist to enjoying this iconic Australian snack.

The Tim Tam Slam has become a cultural icon in Australia and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fun way to enjoy a hot beverage and a biscuit at the same time. The Tim Tam Slam is a unique experience that has made its way around the world, with many people from different countries now enjoying this Australian tradition.

How to do the Tim Tam Slam

To do the Tim Tam Slam, you will need a Tim Tam biscuit and a hot beverage such as coffee or hot chocolate. First, bite off a small piece from opposite corners of the Tim Tam biscuit, making sure not to bite off too much. Then, place one corner of the biscuit into the hot beverage and use the other corner as a straw. Suck the hot beverage through the Tim Tam like a straw until you can feel the biscuit starting to melt. Once the biscuit starts to melt, quickly place the whole Tim Tam into your mouth and enjoy the delicious combination of hot beverage and melted chocolate biscuit.

Tips and Variations for the Tim Tam Slam

To get the most out of your Tim Tam Slam, it’s important to use a hot beverage that is not too hot, as this may cause the biscuit to disintegrate too quickly. It’s also important to choose the right type of Tim Tam biscuit, as some varieties may not work as well for the Tim Tam Slam. The original Tim Tam biscuit is the best choice for the Tim Tam Slam, as it has the perfect texture and taste for the experience.

If you want to mix things up, you can try variations of the Tim Tam Slam. For example, you can try using different types of hot beverages, such as tea or hot chocolate with marshmallows. You can also try using different types of Tim Tam biscuits, such as the white chocolate or dark chocolate varieties. The Tim Tam Slam is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a hot beverage and a biscuit, so get creative and give it a try!

Turmeric Latte is the latest craze. The sun-yellow hot drink, also known as golden milk, is said to wake you up, strengthen your immune system and curb your appetite – all thanks to the power of the turmeric root.

While turmeric has been used as a natural remedy in the tradition of Ayurveda for centuries, the yellow spice was previously known in European latitudes as the main ingredient in curry powder. With the invention of the turmeric latte, the sun-yellow powder could now also start its triumphal march at the coffee bar, because turmeric is considered an all-around healthy, sustainable pick-me-up. The hot drink with turmeric and ginger has long been known as “golden milk” to yogis.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, the plant substance curcumin, which is responsible for the intensive color of the spice, strengthens the cell membranes and thus increases their resistance to diseases. In addition, turmeric is said to relieve stomach problems and promote blood circulation – these properties have not yet been scientifically proven.

In Ayurveda, turmeric is one of the “hot spices”. It is credited with having an internally cleansing, healing, detoxifying, and blood-purifying effect. The complexion is also said to improve with the yellow spice.

Turmeric Latte: Is The Drink Really Healthy?

On paper, the positive effects of an afternoon turmeric latte sound excellent – but can the drink also keep up with coffee in terms of taste and stimulating effect?

To find out, we in the EAT SMARTER editorial team brewed our own turmeric latte.

The basic recipe for a turmeric latte

Take a cup of milk, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of grated ginger, a pinch of pepper, and a teaspoon of honey, heat all the ingredients in a saucepan, and let them steep for ten minutes.

We topped the sun-yellow milk mixture with some milk froth for a café latte-like look. The turmeric latte can also be prepared vegan: Soy or almond milk is a good milk substitute here. If you like it more exotic, you can also use coconut milk. Instead of honey, the vegan turmeric latte is sweetened with agave syrup.

The taste test: how does turmeric latte taste?

While turmeric stands out in savory dishes for its color rather than its aroma, the spice is clearly the driving force behind the turmeric latte. The drink tastes sweet and spicy at first, then the tart, slightly bitter turmeric aroma comes along – not unpleasant, but takes a little getting used to. Milk and ginger go surprisingly well together.

Our conclusion: Unusual, but good! Even the appetite for sweets was limited after a cup of turmeric latte. With a nutritional value of 120 kcal per cup, a honey-sweetened turmeric latte is a great alternative for the morning or afternoon. Its sunny yellow color also helps to cheer up the mood on cloudy days.

It’s a well-known phenomenon: When traveling, passengers on the plane like to order tomato juice. But as soon as they have solid ground under their feet again, only very few people touch the red vegetable juice. The explanation for this is simple: a better taste!

Tomato juice on the plane

The fact that many travelers order tomato juice on the plane is simply because it tastes better! “On the ground, tomato juice smells slightly musty and tastes feeble,” explains Volker Scheible, product manager for in-flight services and lounges at Lufthansa.

But during the flight, high up in the air, it’s different: “On board, the tomato juice appears harmoniously, tends to taste sweet and fruity and clearly like tomatoes.”

Scientifically proven

It has even been scientifically proven that tomato juice tastes better during the flight. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics discovered that the taste buds perceive the taste of tomato juice differently in an airplane at an altitude of around 10,000 meters. The reason for this is the different air pressure and the low humidity.

The fruity aroma of the tomatoes in the juice in particular comes out very well at dizzy heights. However, the drink must be seasoned properly, because salt is not tasted as strongly there.

Tomatoes are so healthy

Tomatoes exude their fruity aroma especially in summer when they have ripened in the sun. But it’s not just the scent that is beguiling – the ingredients of the red vegetables are also impressive. Tomatoes contain B vitamins, as well as a small amount of zinc and iron. Lycopene, the dye responsible for the red color, scores with its antioxidant effect.

Tomatoes are low in calories and therefore also ideal as a slimming vegetable for the menu. As a natural tomato juice without any additives, the drink is a good stomach filler because it fills you up.

We’ve just gotten used to the green Matcha Latte when the next trend hits us: the Smurf Latte. The Matcha Mylkbar in Melbourne has been offering the vegan and blue (!) drink for a few weeks now and the Australians are crazy about the Smurf latte!

We see blue

We’re seeing blue more and more often on Pinterest and Instagram: the smurf latte – which translates as “smurf latte” – is the latest vegan trend from Australia. The hip Matcha Mylkbar in Melbourne, which also offers unusual creations such as beetroot latte or turmeric latte, has been selling the blue sister of the matcha latte for the equivalent of around six euros for a few weeks – and everyone wants to try it!

The blue secret

No wonder, because the unusual color also makes you curious about what’s behind the hip drink. We did some research: The Smurf Latte gets its blue color from the powder of the spirulina algae (e.g. available here).

In addition to the blue algae powder, the Smurf Latte consists of coconut milk, lemon, ginger, and agave. It should taste sweet and sour and smell like blue algae. It may sound like it takes some getting used to at first, but the previous testers seem enthusiastic!

That is why algae are healthy

Spirulina belongs to the genus of blue-green algae and is currently being hailed as a superfood. In fact, the algae are very nutritious and healthy. It contains 70 percent protein and all the essential amino acids. This makes Spirulina a good dietary supplement for vegans and vegetarians. In addition, algae provide valuable antioxidants that protect our cells.

In addition to minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, blue algae contain numerous vitamins. Spirulina is available in powder, capsule, or tablet form at health food stores, organic supermarkets, or over the internet.

In any case, we have become curious and hope that we will soon be able to try the blue Schlumpf Latte in Germany’s hip cafĂ©s and coffee bars!

Tradition meets modernity: an Estonian family business combines traditional birch water with new flavors. Do the founders of the TV show “The Lion’s Den” like it?

Birkenwasser: Traditional drink with potential

When the snow melts in spring in Estonia and other Nordic countries, it is time to harvest birch water. Inspired by her grandmother, the traditional extraction of the dew water contained in the birch trunk gave the Estonian Anne-Liis Theisen and her siblings the idea of ​​also marketing birch water in Germany.

With her family business “Ă–selBirch”, the 27-year-old offers numerous new variants in addition to the classic birch water. With the flavors rhubarb, mojito, Aronia berry, sea buckthorn, and mint, there is something for every taste. Will the lions like it too?

Drained of course

The time to collect birch water in spring is short: the sap only runs out of the trunk for about 1-2 weeks before the first leaf buds appear. Birch water can be drunk neat – but it can also be fermented. This is important because it doesn’t stay fresh for more than five days.

Collecting birch sap does not harm the tree because the peg holes in the tree and the amount of sap collected are so small in relation that the tree recovers within a year. Birch sap has been tapped for centuries and has become a Nordic tradition!

Healthy birch water

Birch water – a probiotic drink with live cultures. The fermented juice from the birch trunk is also free of preservatives, vegan, gluten-free, and contains only natural traces of sugar. It is offered in an environmentally-friendly glass bottle.

With its slightly sour taste, birch water is somewhat reminiscent of kefir. Due to its slightly bitter aftertaste, birch water is also ideal for processing in cocktails or mocktails. Similar to coconut water, birch sap also contains valuable electrolytes and trace elements such as manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and sodium.

With birch water to the lion deal?

In order to make her “Ă–sellBirch” birch water a cult drink in Germany too, Anne-Liis is hoping for a 60,000 euro deal in the “Lion’s Den” and the expertise of the founders. Will the “lions” jump to your side? You will find out the answer on Tuesday, October 23 at 8:15 p.m. on VOX.

Can a full meal be replaced with a drink in a healthy way? Two young founders are convinced of this and present their meal from the bottle in “The Lion’s Den”.

Drinking meals for stressed people

Who does not know it: From one appointment to the next and in between there is rarely time for a healthy and balanced meal. The same happened to Benjamin Kremer and Noel Bollmann. The two young founders used to work in the financial sector and their stressful everyday work resulted in unhealthy eating habits – in the case of Noel this even led to a hospital stay.

Therefore, the two decided to develop “food” – a drink that replaces a full meal quickly and healthily,” says Noel. “It consists of a number of natural ingredients and gives the body everything it needs: protein, fiber, carbohydrates, important omega fatty acids, and the entire spectrum of vitamins and minerals. One drink covers 25 percent of the daily requirement of all essential nutrients and it fills you up – on average for up to four hours.”

The aim of the two founders is to “represent a healthy, delicious and completely mobile alternative to fast food and ready meals”. The drink, which is intended to replace an entire meal, can be stored unrefrigerated for up to nine months without the use of preservatives and is therefore ready to drink in the office, during sports, or when traveling. The drinkable meal replacement is currently available in four flavors: vanilla, chocolate and berries, and cold brew.

Investment potential for the lions?

For their goal of selling “food” in food retail and also at gas stations, the two founders not only need 200,000 euros in capital, but also a strong partner who supports them with a network and know-how in sales. Will the investors in the lion’s den bite the company with an offer of ten percent?

The extent to which a drink can actually replace a full meal remains questionable. The fact that the drink is only available in sweet flavors also leaves open whether it can be used as a substitute for lunch or an evening meal.

Are you looking for the perfect summer drink? Then you should try this ginger elderflower lemon ice tea with honey. The alcohol-free refreshment tastes delicious and is really healthy. Here is the recipe.

Recipe: Ginger-lemon iced tea with honey and elderflower

You need this for one liter of iced tea
A thumb-sized piece of ginger
Three to four tablespoons of elderflower syrup*
A tablespoon of honey
juice of a lemon
It’s that easy
Wash ginger and cut into thin slices
Pour a liter of boiling water over it and let it steep for at least 10 minutes
Add elderflower syrup, honey and lemon juice
Remove pieces of ginger, stir, allow to cool, add ice cubes and enjoy
A few more tips
You can peel the ginger, but you don’t have to – just wash it
The longer you let the ginger steep, the more intense or spicier the tea will be
If the iced tea tastes too sweet according to the recipe, simply reduce the amount of syrup and honey accordingly

By the way: You can easily grow ginger in a pot or in the garden yourself. Cut a thumb-sized piece with a “bud” off a ginger root, soak it in water overnight, and plant it the next day, about an inch deep. Water regularly and after just a few months you will have your own ginger plant at home, whose bulb you can harvest and eat as soon as the leaves turn brown. I’ve tried it myself, it works – even if the tuber harvested was admittedly not very large.

The colorful drink from 2010 is back: bubble tea. Experts have re-examined the drink on this occasion – and warn of the consequences for health.

Carcinogenic substances? That’s what the experts say

Although it has long been very widespread in Asia and regularly consumed with meals there, the hype first came to us in 2010. The drink was very popular at the time, but quickly fell into disrepute due to rumors about harmful ingredients. The turning point shortly before the pandemic: Bubble tea celebrated its comeback and is more popular than ever. One more reason for researchers to take a closer look at the drink.

As the portal Mimikama mentions, the allegations regarding the harmful ingredients are said to have been refuted beyond a doubt. Deutschlandfunk also writes that no carcinogenic substances were found when the ingredients were examined more closely. Nevertheless, both agree that the drink should be enjoyed with caution, because the drink is one thing above all: sweet.

Although the investigations did not find any direct dangerous ingredients, it was found that a large part of the drink consists of sugar and sweeteners. The sweetener acesulfame was also found, although this was often not specified.

Sugar, sugar, sugar and sweetener on top

So why you shouldn’t overdo it with bubble teas is the enormous number of calories that the “drink” brings with it. These quickly range from 300 to 500 calories, replacing a full meal. It is therefore better for people who are overweight or have previous health problems to avoid it. Nevertheless, with a general balanced diet, it shouldn’t be a problem to drink a bubble tea from time to time. Nevertheless, consumer protection warns against children consuming Asian tea. Because with a sugar content of 180 grams per liter, a risk of addiction cannot be ruled out.

The tasty kefir has been said to have health-promoting properties for centuries. We’ll tell you what kefir is made of and why the drink is good for your body.

Kefir – what is it?

Kefir is a slightly carbonated, thick sour milk drink. It is created by fermentation processes of milk with kefir fungi, in which yeasts are also involved in addition to lactic acid bacteria. Kefir has its origins in the Caucasus region. Here people have sworn by its healthy effects for centuries and also call it the “drink of the centenarians”. Due to the fermentation process, kefir is largely lactose-free.

Traditionally, kefir was made from mare’s milk. Today, cow’s milk is mostly used for this. But a vegan kefir drink can also be made from plant milk. Kefir made from milk tastes slightly sour and is comparable to buttermilk. Depending on the manufacturing process, kefir has carbonic acid and a low alcohol content.

The kefir mushroom

To make kefir, a so-called kefir fungus is added to the milk. This is also known as “kefir grain”, “Tibetan mushroom” or “Caucasian milk kefir” and has the appearance of a small, pure white cauliflower.

A kefir mushroom can be dried for storage or frozen and used as needed. The mushroom doubles in size in about two weeks at room temperature. If stored properly, you can live off a single kefir mushroom for a lifetime.

To make kefir, the kefir fungus is left in the milk for at least 24 hours, which starts the fermentation process. In this natural process, important substances from the milk are increased and poorly tolerated substances and bacteria are broken down.

Microorganisms of the kefir fungus decompose, among other things, the milk sugar (lactose) in the pure milk, harmful bacteria such as listeria and the poorly digestible casein. At the same time, they form small amounts of carbonic acid, lactic acid and alcohol. So you can safely consume kefir drinks if you are lactose intolerant. The kefir fungus also contains numerous important nutrients and minerals, which it transfers to the milk during fermentation and multiplies in it. These include:
calcium
iron
folic acid
iodine
Niacon
polysaccharides
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C and D

What makes kefir so healthy

Kefir mushrooms also contain numerous health-promoting microorganisms such as bacteria, bacilli, yeast and streptococci, summarized under the term “probiotics”. These stabilize the intestinal flora and ensure that undesirable, pathogenic microorganisms are combated. With regular consumption of kefir, the healthy microorganisms sustainably strengthen the immune system. So kefir can help with a variety of diseases and ailments, including:
Intestinal infections and bacterial imbalances in the gut caused by antibiotics
chronic fatigue
sleep disturbances and nervousness
allergies
Diseases of the liver, gallbladder and heart
stomach ulcers
problems with blood pressure
Various inflammations
osteoporosis
Furthermore, the kefir fungus is said to slow down the aging processes of the body cells and to increase memory performance.

In addition to the traditional milk kefir, there are also “water kefir” and the now well-known tea fungus “Kombucha”. They all have in common that they are a mixture of substances made up of bacteria, vitamins and yeasts.

Kefir – choosing the right milk

You can either buy kefir as a ready-made drink or make it yourself. With both variants, however, you should make sure that you get the milk base in organic quality. Scientific studies have found that organic milk contains around 50 percent more important omega-3 fatty acids than comparable milk from discounters. This is because cows from organic farms have a richer and fresher choice of feed, which directly affects the quality of the milk. The cell-protecting omega-3 fatty acids from the organic milk are processed and increased by the kefir fungus, which has a positive effect on the end product. At the same time, by buying organic milk, you are supporting more species-appropriate husbandry of the dairy cows.

On the other hand, industrially produced kefir is sold under the name “Kefir, mild”, in which a specific composition of bacteria and yeasts is used instead of the actual kefir fungus. This kefir drink contains little or no alcohol, but – unlike the traditionally produced kefir – is not lactose-free and therefore not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

A kefir mushroom can also be cultivated vegan, for example in coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk or fruit juice. Either way, it’s healthy and delicious. However, in contrast to milk kefir, a plant-based kefir drink has fewer health-promoting nutrients such as lactic acid bacteria.

Green tea, black tea, herbal teas – tea not only warms you up and tastes good, but is often also very healthy. In our large tea guide, you will find out what effect the different teas have, which brands are recommended, what criticism there is of cultivation and where you can get the right accessories.

The history of tea began more than 5000 years ago in China. Even then, tea was used both as a pleasure and as a remedy. Tea actually means the dried parts of the tea plant. Depending on the processing method, a distinction is made between black, red, green and white tea as well as oolong. However, infusion drinks from other plants are also commonly referred to as tea, such as herbal tea made from peppermint and rooibos or fruit tea.

Tea: an important economic commodity

The tea plant is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical high altitudes, on around 3.5 million hectares worldwide. Three-quarters of the global harvest of more than five million tons is grown in China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Vietnam (see Statista).

Ultimately, tea was and is an important commodity. Every year, Germany imports almost 60,000 tons of tea worth over 200 million euros. According to this, we drink more than 26 liters of black and green tea and more than 52 liters of herbal and fruit tea per capita, whereby the proportion of fair-trade organic tea is likely to be small.

The different types of tea and their effects

Nettle tea: no weeds! The health-promoting effect of nettle tea has been known since ancient times. We mostly use it for cystitis. It has many other positive properties and is easy to harvest and prepare yourself.
Fennel tea: Thanks to its beneficial effects, it has been a popular home remedy for centuries. Fennel tea is used to relieve numerous ailments.
Lady’s mantle tea: Recommended mainly because of its helpful effect on women’s problems and the desire to have children. We’ll tell you what else you can use lady’s mantle tea for and what you should pay attention to when harvesting and preparing the herb.
Green tea: This tea has various effects: It is said to help you lose weight and prevent diseases. Plus it’s delicious. We reveal what is behind the effect of green tea.
Rosehip and hibiscus: Nobody thinks of rosehip or hibiscus when talking about superfood. The two plants that are native to us are quite large suppliers of vitamins and can also be used as medicinal plants in other ways. Rosehip and hibiscus: the dynamic duo in a teacup.
Ginger tea: It helps with colds – and is easy to make yourself. However, its positive effect on travel sickness, migraines and digestive problems is less well known. We will show you how you can prepare ginger tea from fresh ginger yourself and what you need to pay attention to.
Chamomile tea: The anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile tea helps with gastrointestinal problems – but there are many more uses for chamomile tea.
Matcha tea: Matcha tea was and is the best and finest tea in Japan, which used to be reserved for the elite only. The bright green, frothy infusion is still considered a cult drink.
Peppermint tea: This tea has a powerful effect. Peppermint tea wakes you up like coffee, calms the stomach nerves and cools the body from the inside, even when drunk hot.
Sage tea: helps with cough and respiratory diseases. But the tea has other effects: Even in the Middle Ages, monks and scholars drank sage tea to keep their minds fit. Here more about the effect of the natural cold remedy.
Black tea: It is popular and, in addition to invigorating caffeine, contains numerous health-promoting substances. Here you can find out what you have to consider when preparing black tea so that it can develop its full effect.