Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

effect

Browsing
Food

Nutmeg: Origin, Effect and Use

Gingerbread or mulled wine would be unimaginable without nutmeg. But nutmeg goes well with many other dishes. Here we explain what you need to know about their ingredients and use.

Cultivation and origin of nutmeg

Strictly speaking, nutmeg is not a nut at all, but a seed from the nutmeg tree, which originally comes from Indonesia. The nutmeg that you find in stores in this country mostly comes from Africa or South America these days. Grenada is the main export country.

The five to eighteen meter high nutmeg tree is evergreen and very choosy: it does not like temperatures below 20 and above 30 degrees Celsius. It only bears the first fruits after eight years.

The seeds form from apricot-like fruits that burst open after about nine months, releasing the seed. The seed coat, called mace, is carefully removed and what remains is the core, which has to be dried for a few weeks until it separates from its shell.

Incidentally, nutmeg used to be a well-kept secret, which made the spice very expensive in the Middle Ages. The healing effects of nutmeg have long been appreciated.

Healing effects of nutmeg

Nutmeg is rich in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and sodium, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C and B complexes. Nutmeg also contains 16 percent essential oils. It is said to have the following healing effects:
Nutmeg is said to strengthen and strengthen the intestines, help with intestinal problems and stomach weakness and, due to special extracts, against flatulence.
Nutmeg is also said to help with gallbladder or liver weakness or cardiac insufficiency. But be careful, always consult a doctor first!
Nutmeg can have a calming and relaxing effect, for example in warm milk, so that it can also help with insomnia.
Early on, nutmeg was also considered a sexual enhancer and aphrodisiac.
Used on the skin – either in creams as nutmeg butter or as a powder stirred into warm water, nutmeg can also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Nutmeg toxins

However, the first rule with nutmeg is: in moderation, not masses. Because nutmeg contains the toxic substance myristicin, which can have a hallucinogenic effect and can thus cause intoxication or even poisoning.

The intoxicating effect can start from around four grams of nutmeg. The condition can last up to 48 hours and comes with a number of unpleasant side effects:

Consumption can cause hallucinations.
Nutmeg in too large amounts can bring on stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
It also causes heart palpitations and headaches.
The effects of a nutmeg intoxication are unpredictable and can lead to horrific trips through the combination of physical symptoms and hallucinations.

Nutmeg contains small amounts of the substance safrole, which is suspected of being carcinogenic. Myristicin also inhibits a certain type of enzyme called MAO enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.

This inhibition makes “normal” foods toxic. These include tofu, aged cheese, smoked or dried meat or fish products, some types of wine, sauerkraut, products containing cocoa or caffeine, or alcohol.

Buying and Using Nutmeg

Nutmeg can be bought in various forms: as a whole fruit, which you can grate yourself with a nutmeg grater, as a ready-to-go powder or as nutmeg butter. However, nutmeg is also sold as an essential oil or in spice blends such as garam masala.

You should make sure to buy fair trade and organic spices. Whole nutmegs keep for three to four years with almost no loss of flavor and thus significantly longer than already grated nutmeg or nutmeg butter. With whole nutmegs you also avoid the risk of getting bad products: The humid climate in which the nutmeg tree grows promotes some molds that can circulate through illegal processing of infested fruit.

In the kitchen you can use nutmeg in many dishes:
Christmassy in gingerbread and mulled wine
sauces, in particular béchamel sauce
Mashed potatoes or similar potato dishes
Vegetables: For example spinach, cauliflower, carrots or kohlrabi
stews

Mazis: The “mace” from the seed coat

Less well known is mace: The spice is also incorrectly called mace, although mace is actually made from the seed coat of the nutmeg seeds. The aroma of mace is similar to that of nutmeg, only slightly milder.

However, mace loses its flavor much faster than nutmeg. Maze is sold either in powder form or in strips of flowers.

You can use mace in just as many ways as nutmeg: in a quiche, in a risotto, with potatoes or spinach or in pastries.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Fir Honey: Effect and Origin of The Special Honey

Fir honey is a special delicacy among honeys that are rarely available for purchase. Honey connoisseurs appreciate it for its special taste, but also for its health effects.

Fir honey – a special forest honey

Types of honey are divided into blossom honey and honeydew honey, the latter also being referred to as forest honey. While blossom honey is mainly obtained from the nectar of plant blossoms, so-called honeydew is the starting substance for forest honey. This is a sweet liquid excreted by plant-sucking insects. The bees collect this substance and use it to produce honey.

The honeydew for the fir honey comes from aphids that have settled on fir trees. These scale and bark lice feed on the plant sap, which is mainly found on the needle tips of the fir tree. What the microorganisms then excrete is ultimately the starting material from which the fir honey is made.

Fir honey is therefore a forest honey that can only be obtained in fir forests. In this country it is the silver fir, which is why the honey is often referred to as silver fir honey.

That is why fir honey is so precious

In Germany, “fir honey” is a protected term: beekeepers are only allowed to call their honey that if it actually comes exclusively from the honeydew of the silver fir trees. The Black Forest is the most notable area of ​​silver fir that is large enough for the extraction of fir honey. The designation Black Forest fir honey or Black Forest silver fir honey is therefore often found. In addition, there is sometimes fir honey from the Swabian Jura for sale.

But the fir honey is not only locally limited, but also dependent on the weather conditions. Because the amount of plant sap, but above all that of the settled aphids, is only sufficient under certain climatic conditions to extract the honey. In the Black Forest, this is only possible every two to three years.

This makes fir honey a rarity that also has its price: 500 grams of organic silver fir honey is not available for less than 10 euros.

Fir honey: properties and effects

Fir honey is not only special in its origin, but also in its other characteristics:
Appearance: As is typical for forest honeys, fir honey has a dark colour. Depending on its origin, it is reddish-brown to almost black, but sometimes also dark green.
Taste: Fir honey has a strong, tart, spicy taste with resinous aromas and an unmistakable note of fir. As forest honey, it has more acid and therefore tastes a little less sweet than blossom honey.
Consistency: Like all forest honeys, fir honey has a slightly firmer consistency, but remains liquid longer. If it does crystallize, you can liquefy it again in a warm water bath (below 40°C!).
Components: The high fructose content is characteristic of fir honey. The fructose-glucose ratio here is about 1:3. It contains healthy essential oils and is particularly rich in enzymes. As forest honey, it also provides more trace elements and minerals than blossom honey, according to the Bavarian Consumer Advice Center.

But fir honey is not only appreciated for its special taste – it is also said to be particularly healthy:
Since forest honey generally contains more trace elements and minerals, it is generally considered healthier than blossom honey.
What is special about fir honey, however, is the high content of essential oils: For this reason, it is considered a good home remedy for respiratory diseases.
Furthermore, the enzymes it contains are relevant to its health effects: Its antibacterial effect is mainly attributed to the enzymes glucose oxidase and catalase.
Fir honey is also said to have an anti-infective effect and also provide relief for urinary tract disorders.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Lauric Acid: Occurrence and Effect of The Fatty Acid

Lauric acid is mainly obtained from laurel and used to make soap. But it is also an important component of coconut oil. In this article you can read everything you need to know about lauric acid.

Lauric acid – This is where it comes from

Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid named after the Latin name for laurel (Laurus nobilis). Because: The oil of the laurel plant consists mainly of lauric acid.

Lauric acid is found in the following foods:
The fruits of the laurel contain a fatty oil. This consists mainly of lauric acid.
Coconut oil is particularly well known for its lauric acid content. Cold-pressed coconut oil consists of 45 to 60 percent lauric acid.
Lauric acid is also found in palm oil.
Lauric acid is also found in breast milk, but in much lower concentrations.
Lauric acid is also found in small amounts in butter and other milk fats.

effect of lauric acid

Lauric acid is primarily said to have health-promoting effects. However, it is not entirely undisputed:
Since lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid, it is suspected of raising cholesterol levels, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Federal Center for Nutrition is also critical of coconut oil for this reason.
According to other research, however, lauric acid contains what is known as HDL cholesterol, which helps to protect the blood vessels. It supports the human circulatory system and reduces the risk of metabolic disease.
Compared to the problematic trans fats, lauric acid ultimately contributes to a better lipid profile and thus cholesterol levels (study). HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) is raised more than LDL cholesterol (which is considered the “bad” cholesterol).
For this reason, you should only use cold-pressed (native) coconut oil! If coconut oil is refined, the problematic trans fats are created. Then you can no longer benefit from the benefits of lauric acid.
The lauric acid also has an antimicrobial effect, as a study from 2009 shows. It provides effective protection against viruses, bacteria and fungal infections – which is also the reason why it is found in human and other mammalian breast milk.
It is also believed that lauric acid helps diabetics absorb insulin better. However, these are relatively new and not yet sufficiently substantiated conjectures.
The acid could also help with weight loss: the enzymes in lauric acid are broken down faster than other fats, which stimulates the metabolism. However, this is also not conclusively proven.
Because of its smell, lauric acid protects against ticks and some insects. Simply rub your skin (especially the exposed areas) with some coconut oil.
Similarly, lauric acid acts against mites, fleas, lice and other parasites. Rubbing coconut oil on pets and farm animals such as dogs or horses can help.
In addition, coconut oil is said to provide the muscles with energy quickly and help against muscle tension due to the lauric acid, among other things. You can rub affected muscle parts. This can help both prophylactically and with tension.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Lemon Balm Tea: Effect, Application and Recipe to Make Yourself

Lemon balm tea is a refreshing drink and at the same time good for your health. It helps with many ailments and is prepared within a few minutes.

Lemon balm tea: Old medicinal plant with great effects

Lemon balm has a long tradition: the Greeks and Romans valued lemon balm as a medicinal plant. The name derives from the Greek word “Melitta”, which means honey bee. Even today it is very popular among beekeepers and is often used as bee food.

Lemon balm originally comes from the Mediterranean region, but today it is widespread all over the world. There are four common types, with lemon balm being the most well-known. It belongs to the mint family and reaches a height of up to 90 centimeters.
What few people know: under ideal conditions, the plant can live up to 30 years.

Effect of lemon balm tea and ingredients

Lemon balm not only scores with its unmistakable scent, you can also benefit from its ingredients. These include, among others:
essential oils
flavonoids
glycosides
rosmarinic acid
bitter substances
vitamin C
Numerous healing effects are attributed to the substances. Among other things, lemon balm helps with:
Inner restlessness or tension: Hildegard von Bingen said that lemon balm “makes the heart happy”. Studies subsequently confirm this thesis. The medicinal plant has a calming, anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effect (study).
Nervousness during exams: Lemon balm is also said to increase the ability to concentrate.
Sleep problems: The medicinal plant can significantly reduce sleep problems. In this way, subjects in a study were not only able to fall asleep more easily, but also to sleep better (study).
Cold sores: The medicinal plant has an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect. It has been proven that cold sores heal much faster when applied externally (study).
Digestive problems: The bitter substances contained ensure that the body produces more digestive juices. The plant also has a calming effect on the intestinal muscles. Lemon balm can relieve flatulence and reduce a feeling of fullness.
Menstrual cramps: The medicinal plant is nicknamed lady’s herb because the antispasmodic effect can help with menstrual pain.

What do I have to look out for with lemon balm tea?

Tip: No matter what type of lemon balm you choose, you can easily grow it yourself. The plant needs a lot of light and loose, nutrient-rich soil. You can also plant them on the balcony or even in the apartment.

For a delicious lemon balm tea you can use both the fresh twigs and dried leaves. If you choose tea made from fresh plant parts, as a rule of thumb you can use around twice the amount of dried herbs. For tea, you should definitely harvest lemon balm before it blooms.

To dry the leaves, simply tie each branch individually to a piece of string and hang them in a room protected from light.

If you prefer to buy the leaves, it is best to use organic loose tea. All parts of the plant containing active ingredients are used, while it is free of flavorings and other additives and pesticides. You can also improve your climate balance if you rely on regional herbs.

Recipe: Make lemon balm tea yourself – instructions

Preparation of the lemon balm tea:
For 250 milliliters of tea (one cup) you need two teaspoons of dried lemon balm.
Because of the volatile essential oils, do not boil the water over the leaves.
Let the tea steep for about ten minutes.
Note: As various interactions have been found in the laboratory, you should not use lemon balm tea if you are taking thyroid hormones.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Birch Leaves: Effect

Birch leaves have been used medicinally for centuries because of their diuretic properties. The medicinal plant can develop its potential particularly well if you prepare a birch leaf tea from it.

Birch leaves: you need to know this before using it

The birch was revered by the Celts and still has a permanent place among medicinal plants. Their draining effect is considered useful for a variety of ailments:
urinary tract infections
skin problems
colds
rheumatism
gout
The flavonoids from the leaves of the birch are responsible for the water-repellent effect. These secondary plant substances ensure that you excrete up to 15 percent more water than you take in. They support your body in all detoxification processes and, above all, relieve the kidneys and skin. Since you lose fluid through the flushing active ingredients, you should drink a lot to compensate. Water and unsweetened teas work best.

With its light green leaves, the birch has always been a symbol of spring. During this time you can also collect the young leaves and then dry them. To do this, spread them out on a tray or hang them up and store them in a dark room or box. The leaves are dry when you can rub them with your fingers. You can find the native tree mainly in wide open spaces or at the edge of the forest and recognize it by its distinctive white bark. If you can’t find any birch trees in your area, you can buy the already dried leaves from your pharmacy.

Caution: If you have edema caused by heart or kidney problems, you should avoid birch leaf tea. The same applies if you have a birch pollen allergy.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Sunflower Oil: Health, Application and Effect

You probably know sunflower oil primarily as a cheap and versatile cooking oil. But what is it doing in cosmetics? And is it even healthy?

Sunflower oil is one of the most popular cooking oils worldwide. You can buy the oil obtained from the kernels of sunflowers in the virgin or refined variety.

Virgin sunflower oil is cold-pressed and is not processed further after pressing. It is light yellow and tastes nutty. Refined sunflower oil, on the other hand, is cleaned of coloring and bitter substances after it has been extracted. Because of this, it tastes more neutral and has a paler color. Sunflower oil is best preserved when it is cold-pressed and left untreated. You can find out exactly which ingredients are involved in the next section.

The ingredients of sunflower oil and their effects

Sunflower oil mainly consists of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most important of these are the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and the monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid. How much of these two fatty acids the sunflower oil contains depends on whether it is “normal” or “high oleic”, i.e. sunflower oil rich in oleic acid. The latter is made from a special variety of sunflowers, the seeds of which contain a particularly large amount of oleic acid.

Here is an overview of the most important ingredients:
Linoleic acid: Sunflower oil contains about 48 to 74 percent of this omega-6 fatty acid (high oleic: two to 17 percent). Linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids that our body cannot produce itself. Among other things, it needs them to produce other fatty acids and for healthy skin. However, you should not consume too much of this fatty acid, since omega-6 fatty acids inhibit the function of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. A good omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is between five to one and two to one, according to a 2008 study. Unfortunately, sunflower oil hardly contains any omega-3 fatty acids. You get these from rapeseed and linseed oil, walnuts and fatty sea fish.
Oleic acid: Sunflower oil contains between 14 and 39 percent of this monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid – with high oleic sunflower oil the proportion is logically higher: up to 92 percent can be achieved. According to a study, oleic acid reduces insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Another study concluded that oleic acid boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Vitamin E: This is where sunflower oil can score: With around 40 to 70 milligrams per hundred grams, it contains significantly more vitamin E than, for example, rapeseed or olive oil. Vitamin E is one of the antioxidants that protect our cells from the harmful attacks of so-called free radicals. In addition, our body needs vitamin E for fat metabolism and healthy skin.

How to use sunflower oil in the kitchen

Depending on the variety, you can use sunflower oil in different ways in the kitchen:
You can use cold-pressed, virgin sunflower oil for dressings or dips that go well with the nutty taste. On the other hand, you should not heat it up – unless it is high oleic sunflower oil. This is very good for frying.
Refined sunflower oil can also be heated to high temperatures, although the frying properties of olive and rapeseed oil are better. Since refined sunflower oil tastes neutral, it goes well with most dishes. According to Stiftung Warentest, however, refined sunflower oils can contain unhealthy trans fats.

Away from the kitchen: This is how you can still use sunflower oil

Since sunflower oil contains a lot of linoleic acid and vitamin E, it has a positive effect on the skin. According to a study, for example, it helps with wound healing, has an antibacterial effect and helps the skin to regenerate.

Because of these beneficial properties, you can find sunflower oil in many skin care products – but you can also simply use virgin sunflower oil to rub into your skin. This saves you money and packaging and you know exactly which substances are getting on your skin. Sunflower oil can have similar positive effects on your hair if you use it as a hair treatment. Such an oil treatment also helps against a dry scalp.

Because of its mild taste, you can also use sunflower oil for oil pulling.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Medicinal Honey: Difference, Effect and Application

Honey not only belongs on the breakfast table, but is also used in medicine. But what is the difference between medicinal and regular honey? And what is it used for?

What are the differences between medicinal and conventional honey?

In order to be able to use honey for medical purposes, it is freed from the germs it contains by various processes. These are the differences between medicinal and conventional honey:
Medicinal honey is mainly used to heal wounds. Scientists found that the methylglyoxal contained in honey has an antibacterial effect.
Essentially, medicinal honey consists of a variety with a high content of hydrogen peroxide and New Zealand Manuka honey, the ingredients of which are largely obtained from the tea tree.
Sterility: In food, pathogens are rendered harmless during digestion. However, if germs get into a wound, they multiply and inflammation occurs. That is why medicinal honey must be as germ-free as possible.

Medicinal honey: miracle cure for wound healing

Medicinal honey is used in particular in the field of wound healing. This is how honey acts on the wound:
Wound protection: Medicinal honey protects the wound from bacteria.
Wound cleaning: The honey keeps the wound moist and cleans it.
Wound healing: This is how the miracle cure accelerates the healing process.
Smell: The agent also has a positive effect on the smell.
Pain relief at dressing changes: Changing your dressing will usually cause you less pain if you have previously used medicinal honey on your wound.

Medicinal Honey: This is where you can use it

You can apply medicinal honey to everything from small cuts to large-scale wounds. Here is a small selection of possible areas of application:

Acute and chronic wounds
burns
cuts and abrasions
Poorly healing or smelling wounds
surgical wounds

Medicinal honey: It really is that ecological

Medicinal honey is often praised as a natural product. However, it is not produced in a very climate-friendly way:
The Manuka honey on which medicinal honey is based is imported from New Zealand and parts of Australia.
Because it has to be transported so far and is only available in small quantities, medicinal honey is comparatively expensive.
Medical honey is not pasteurized like other types of honey. Instead, he is treated with gamma rays. The process kills bacteria, while other ingredients are retained. But it is also very energy intensive.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Anise: Effect and Application of The Versatile Medicinal Plant

Anise is best known as an ingredient in Christmas cookies. Anise has long been used as a medicinal plant because of its expectorant and antispasmodic properties.

Anise belongs to the umbelliferae and reaches a height of about half a meter.

Although they share the name, anise is not related to star anise. This article will only deal with anise.

The spice plant originally comes from the Mediterranean region. The commercially available anise comes mainly from Turkey, Egypt or other tropical growing areas such as Argentina or Southeast Asia.

In Central Europe, anise very rarely grows wild. You should also never collect anise yourself, as the fruits look very similar to the poisonous hemlock fruits.

You can buy anise both in the pharmacy and in the health food store. We always advise you to use organic quality spices to avoid pesticides in the environment and in the product.

If you store aniseed with exposure to light, chemicals called photoanetholes with estrogenic properties can form. It is therefore particularly important to store aniseed away from light and air.

Effect and application of anise

A study from 2012 shows that anise has the following effects, among others:
antibacterial
antifungal
antiviral
muscle relaxant
antispasmodic
expectorant
This is mainly due to the essential oils that make up up to 80 percent of the seeds. Anise also contains valuable flavonoids.

Due to the different modes of action, anise can also be used in many different ways in terms of health. The main areas of application include:
Colds: The expectorant effect clears the bronchi, while the antispasmodic effect relieves the upper respiratory tract.
Digestive problems: Anise relaxes the intestinal tract and at the same time stimulates the production of digestive juices. This relieves bloating.
Milk production: Anise is said to stimulate breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers. In addition, the spice reduces flatulence in the baby, since the active ingredient is passed on through breast milk.

Preparation of anise

A tea made from the seeds of the aniseed plant is recommended for use as a remedy.

Preparation:
In order for the essential oils to develop in the best possible way, you should first grind the seeds lightly with a mortar.
Pour about 250 milliliters of hot water over about 1 teaspoon of ground anise seeds. Because of the volatile nature of essential oils, it is important that the water does not boil.
Then let the tea steep for about 10 minutes before removing the seeds.
You can also mix anise with fennel and caraway. Both plants support digestion and also stimulate milk production.
You can also use anise as a pure essential oil. However, it is very rare and therefore quite expensive. Star anise essential oil is often offered instead, but it is of lower quality and has different effects.

Anise is also often used as an addition to pastries or desserts. Anise is very popular, especially around Christmas. Anise is often found in gingerbread spices and mulled wine.

But aniseed is also ideal for flavoring hearty dishes such as red cabbage or carrots.

In addition, alcoholic drinks made from anise, such as ouzo, are not only popular in Greece. As an aperitif, it is said to stimulate digestion before eating.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Whey: Production, Effect and Ingredients of The “Cheese Water”

Whey was considered a remedy for a long time, but was then forgotten: Today, the “cheese water” is celebrating a comeback. We’ll tell you what whey is all about.

How is whey made?

Whey is a by-product of quark and cheese production. Lactic acid bacteria or rennet are added to the milk to make it firm. The casein, the protein in milk, coagulates. So the cheese will harden. When the curd is then scooped out, a liquid remains – the whey. Depending on the type of cheese production, it can look different. It is usually milky-greenish in color. The taste can also vary. Acid whey is created when lactic acid bacteria are added to the milk, sweet whey is created by rennet. Rennet contains a digestive enzyme that is taken from the stomachs of young calves.

Pure whey does not keep for long. It spoils within two hours. Pasteurization and drying processes for powder production can prevent this.

Whey can be bought as drinks, dietary supplements, protein bars and even in cosmetic products. As with all milk products, you should make sure that they are of organic quality.

ingredients of whey

Since the fat remains in the cheese during cheese production, whey is low in fat and calories. It consists of about 94 percent water, but it still contains many nutrients and the important amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. Whey is particularly rich in potassium and calcium. It also contains iron, vitamins B1 and B2, and iodine.

There is also protein in whey, but the content is relatively low. But it is a particularly valuable protein that can be easily utilized by the human body and helps to build muscle. Whey is therefore very popular with strength athletes, especially in powder form.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s sweet or sour whey: the nutrient content remains the same.

How does whey work?

Many studies have already proven that whey has a positive effect on our body.

Effect of whey:
Whey drains and purifies.
The lactic acid in whey is good for the intestinal flora and liver function. This strengthens our immune system.
Thanks to the calcium, the risk of osteoporosis is reduced.
It helps prevent muscle cramps.
If whey is in skin care products, it helps with blemishes and dry and sagging skin.
Whey not only has positive effects on health, it also has a right to exist in terms of the overall utilization of food. If you want to avoid unnecessary animal suffering, use sour whey. So you can be sure that no animal rennet is included.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Tamarind: Worth Knowing About Taste and Effect

Tamarind is also known as sour date or Indian date and is extremely versatile. In our guide you will find many exciting facts about the taste and effects of tamarind.

Tamarinds are the fruits of the tamarind tree, which is believed to have originated in North Africa. Today, tamarind trees can also be found in Asia and South America. They bear red flowers, from which pods (also called pods) form between December and March. The tamarinds are about 5 to 20 centimeters long and have a brownish colour. Inside the ripe pods, next to the seeds, is the fruit pulp, which is also known as tamarind puree.

Tamarind contains many healthy ingredients

Tamarind mainly contains water, fiber and carbohydrates. In addition, 100g of tamarind contain around 11g of iron, i.e. around 75 percent of the recommended daily dose. This makes them particularly attractive for people who eat vegan or vegetarian food and therefore need other sources of iron than meat. In addition, tamarind contains calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.

Tamarind has also been used as a remedy for thousands of years as it has a slightly laxative effect. But for this effect you have to eat them in larger quantities.

Tamarind: use and storage

Tamarind is mainly used in Asian and African dishes. For example, drinks, chutneys, curries and sauces are seasoned with it. There are two flavors of tamarind:
sweet Sour
very angry
Fresh tamarind is rarely found in this country, but tamarind paste is available in well-stocked supermarkets and Asian shops. We recommend that you use an organic product if possible. Because with spices from organic cultivation, among other things, the use of pesticides is avoided.

Preparation:
It is best to mix tamarind paste with a little warm water so that it dissolves well and you can then use it to flavor dishes or drinks.
Dried tamarind is usually available in blocks. Soak them in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. For 200g of tamarind you need about 300ml of water. Then push the softened tamarind through a sieve. The resulting paste is now ready for use.
You can store finished tamarind paste in the refrigerator for several months after opening. If you buy dried tamarind, it will also keep for several months as long as you store it away from light and air. The homemade paste made from dried tamarind can be kept refrigerated for two to three days. But you can freeze them in portions, for example in stainless steel ice cube trays

Recipe idea: tamarind dip

You can easily make a dip out of tamarind. You need about 20 minutes for this. The dip goes great with vegetables, fresh bread or grilled food. You need the following ingredients:
1 onion,
2 cloves of garlic,
1 chili pepper,
1 piece of ginger (about 1 cm in size),
1 tbsp vegetable oil,
1 tbsp cane sugar,
2 tablespoons tamarind paste,
1 tbsp lemon juice.
We recommend that you source all ingredients in organic quality and as far as possible from the region. In this way you avoid unnecessary pesticides and superfluous transport routes. How to make the dip:
Peel the onion and the garlic cloves. Dice the onion and finely chop the garlic.
Chop the chilli with a sharp knife. If you don’t like it that spicy, half a chili pepper is of course enough. You can also remove the seeds from the chili before chopping it.
Also grate the ginger.
Then, heat the vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the onion in it for about two minutes, then add the garlic and chili and fry both for half a minute.
Now add ginger, sugar and tamarind paste to the pan.
Bring all the ingredients to the boil while stirring regularly and simmer for about three to five minutes.
Finally, season the dip with a little lemon juice.

Keep Reading
By