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Introduction: The Solomon Islands and Its Fruits

The Solomon Islands, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of fruits. These fruits are an important part of the local diet and culture, and some have gained popularity outside the islands. The warm and humid climate of the Solomon Islands is ideal for growing a wide range of tropical fruits, which have unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

The Most Popular Fruits in the Solomon Islands

The most popular fruits in the Solomon Islands are bananas, papayas, pineapples, watermelons, and coconuts. These fruits are widely available and consumed in different forms, such as fresh, dried, and cooked. Bananas, in particular, are a staple food in the Solomon Islands and are used in many traditional dishes. Papayas are also commonly consumed and are known for their high vitamin C content. Pineapples are another favorite, with their sweet and tangy taste. Coconuts are used in a variety of ways, such as making coconut milk and oil, and are a source of important nutrients like potassium and iron.

The Lesser Known Fruits of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands also have many lesser-known fruits that are not as widely available but are prized for their unique flavors and nutritional benefits. These include soursop, starfruit, breadfruit, guava, and passionfruit. Soursop is a spiky fruit with a sweet and sour flavor and is believed to have medicinal properties. Starfruit has a distinctive shape and taste, with a tart flavor that is popular in salads and smoothies. Breadfruit is a starchy fruit that is used in savory dishes and is a good source of carbohydrates. Guava and passionfruit are also popular and are known for their antioxidant and vitamin C content.

Unique Flavor of the Solomon Islands Fruits

The fruits of the Solomon Islands have a unique flavor and texture that is different from fruits found in other parts of the world. This is due to the islands’ location and climate, which provide ideal growing conditions for tropical fruits. Many of these fruits have a sweet and tangy taste and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fruits are also used in traditional dishes and drinks, providing a distinct taste and aroma.

Contribution of Solomon Islands Fruit to the World’s Cuisine

The fruits of the Solomon Islands have made a significant contribution to the world’s cuisine. Bananas, for example, are a common ingredient in many desserts and baked goods. Pineapple is used in many tropical cocktails and as a topping for pizzas and burgers. Coconut milk and oil are used in many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as in vegan and vegetarian cooking. Soursop has gained popularity as a natural remedy for cancer and other illnesses. These fruits have also played a role in the cultural traditions of the Solomon Islands, such as in celebrations and ceremonies.

Conclusion: Exploring the Richness of Solomon Islands’ Fruits

The fruits of the Solomon Islands are a unique and important part of the islands’ culture and cuisine. From the well-known bananas and papayas to the lesser-known soursop and breadfruit, these fruits offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits. They have also made a significant contribution to the world’s cuisine and are a reminder of the rich biodiversity of the South Pacific region. Exploring the richness of Solomon Islands’ fruits is a culinary adventure worth taking.

Introduction: Kaiserschmarrn – A Popular Austrian Dessert

Kaiserschmarrn is a traditional dessert that originated in Austria and has become popular across Europe. It is a fluffy, shredded pancake that is typically served for dessert or as a main course for breakfast or lunch. The dish is made by mixing flour, eggs, milk, and sugar to create a batter that is then cooked in a pan and shredded into pieces. Kaiserschmarrn is a delicious, light, and fluffy dessert that can be served with a variety of toppings.

Ingredients and Preparation of Kaiserschmarrn

The ingredients for Kaiserschmarrn are simple and easy to find. The batter is made with flour, eggs, milk, and sugar. The batter is then cooked in a pan with butter until it is cooked through. Once the Kaiserschmarrn is cooked, it is shredded into pieces and served with powdered sugar, fruit compote, and sometimes whipped cream.

To prepare Kaiserschmarrn, start by mixing flour, eggs, milk, and sugar in a large bowl until the batter is smooth. Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter. Once the butter is melted, pour the batter into the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook until the other side is golden brown. Use a spatula to shred the Kaiserschmarrn into small pieces and serve with powdered sugar, fruit compote, and whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions: Powdered Sugar, Fruit Compote, and Whipped Cream

Kaiserschmarrn is typically served with powdered sugar, fruit compote, and sometimes whipped cream. The powdered sugar adds a sweet touch to the dish, while the fruit compote provides a tangy and fruity flavor. The whipped cream adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the dish.

To serve Kaiserschmarrn, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the shredded pancake. Serve with a side of fruit compote, such as cherry or apple compote. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch. Kaiserschmarrn can also be served with other toppings, such as caramel or chocolate sauce. Enjoy this delicious and traditional Austrian dessert!

As a quick snack, many people like to grab fruity yogurt from the fridge. However, this is usually not touched by yourself, but manufactured industrially – and that’s where the problem lies. Because a recent study found out: that fruit yogurts are sugar bombs! The consumer should therefore raise awareness when enjoying the milk product.

The study

Two students from the University of Hohenheim examined the sugar content in fruit yogurts and found out that there is much more sugar in dairy products than is good for the body. Fruit yogurts are sugar bombs! A total of 600 varieties from various brands were examined in the laboratory for the study. The result: Almost all fruit yogurts contain roughly the same amount of sugar, namely around 14.1 grams in 100 g cups.

A single fruit yogurt thus almost completely covers the maximum value of the daily requirement for energy from sugar. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sugar accounts for only five percent of daily energy requirements – and other sugary foods and drinks are consumed throughout the day.

Pioneers of Norway and Switzerland

Some food companies in Switzerland and Norway are showing a possible solution in the fight against sugary fruit yogurts. The latter offers buyers yogurts in six different levels of sweetness, ranging from 0 to 13 grams of added sugar. A manufacturer in Switzerland reduced the sugar content in its fruit yogurts by 45 percent. It remains to be seen whether the food industry in Germany will react to these results and also reduce the sugar content.

Make your own fruit yogurt

The best way to keep an eye on the sugar content is to simply touch the delicious fruit yogurt yourself. This is not only easy on the wallet but also saves a lot of calories! The best thing about it: the fruit yogurt tastes particularly good with your favorite fruits. It gets crispy with a topping of nuts, seeds, or muesli flakes.

They contain essential vitamins and minerals – and yet sweet fruit and savory vegetables do not regularly end up on Germans’ plates. Just under a third manage to consume the recommended amount of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables.

Germans eat too little fruit and vegetables

Germans eat just 289 grams of fruit and vegetables a day – clearly too little according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It recommends 400 grams of fruit and vegetables a day. A quantity that is consumed by only a third of the population.

27 percent of the women surveyed eat the recommended amount – for men, on the other hand, the figure is only 20 percent. This is now the result of the government’s response to a request from the Greens politician Bärbel Höhn, as quoted by the magazine “Spiegel”.

Fruits and vegetables are so healthy

Apples, pears, and the like not only taste great, but they also provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Above all, vitamin C is well represented in many varieties. It strengthens the immune system and is involved in many metabolic processes. In addition, they are low in fat and calories and high in fiber, which makes the fruits a healthy filler.

Cucumber, cabbage, and co. also fill you up thanks to their high fiber content. Legumes also provide high-quality vegetable protein, which is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans. The good ingredients of the vegetables ensure a healthy intestinal flora and fill up the mineral account. Whether nibbled on their own or mixed in smoothies: consuming delicious fruit and vegetables is not that difficult!

Health-conscious people don’t leave the house in the morning without their smoothie. When preparing the vitamin drink, however, there are a few things to consider so that the positive health effect does not turn negative. For example, frozen fruits and fruit stones are taboo for smoothies.

No fruit pits for smoothies

Not all ingredients for fruity smoothies are healthy – the right choice makes the difference! For example, no fruit cores such as those from apples, cherries, or plums should be put into the blender, as the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center is now warning.

During the digestion process, the nuclei form hydrocyanic acid. This in turn can lead to poisoning, shortness of breath, vomiting, or cramps in large quantities. The fruit stones should therefore be carefully removed before adding them to the smoothie mixer.

No frozen fruit for smoothies

Frozen fruits like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries are popular ingredients for smoothies. After all, the goods are fresh from the field, where they are shock-frozen directly. On the one hand, this means that a lot of vitamins and minerals remain, but on the other hand, the burden of pathogenic noroviruses can also be high.

The virus can be killed with heat. For this, it is necessary that the frozen fruits are not used directly from the freezer or thawed, but are heated to at least 90 degrees before consumption. If possible, smoothie lovers should use fresh, seasonal fruit from the region and only occasionally switch to frozen goods.

Okotest has made ready-made fruit salads. The verdict: We often take in more germs than vitamins with the supposedly healthy salads.

The magazine Okotest is as well known as it is feared for its independent tests in the food industry.

The latest object of the test editors: ready-made fruit salads, like the ones you can buy at the refrigerated counter of every supermarket. Apples, bananas, grapes, and pineapples are cut into small pieces – you might think that it is better and healthier than the sandwich on hand. But the verdict of the testers is devastating:

Finished fruit salad contains fewer vitamins than freshly cut ones, but often an extra portion of germs or even mold

This is how Okotest tested it

The testers bought mixed fruit salads in 12 supermarket and coffee shop chains. These were subjected to both a sensory test (smell/taste) and a laboratory test for germs, bacteria, and fungi.

The result: A single fruit salad (Fresh for You colorful fruit mix from Real) did not exceed one of the guideline values ​​of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) in any of the three batches examined. In addition, Have Tutti Frutti from Karstadt and Rewe Exotic Fruit Salad performed well in the test.” At the bottom of the table was the fig salad from Kaiser’s and “Refreshing Area” from Coffee Fellows.” In the case of the latter, one of the three batches that were sensorically examined was so spoiled that the testers did not want to try it again after smelling it.

The management of Coffee Fellows has already reacted and announced that the product in question would be removed from the branches until the germ contamination was clarified.

Better to chop the fruit yourself

Even if some salads were not contaminated with germs in the test: You get most of the vitamins if you cut fruit yourself. Because as soon as the fruit is no longer protected from air, the oxidation process begins, which breaks down vitamins.

The Okotest editorial team also measured the time it takes to freshly cut fruit salad: “Washing your hands, peeling and cutting two bananas, washing an apple and chopping it up, washing and plucking grapes – three minutes. Half a melon takes a little more time, then we’re at 4:41 minutes. Now wash the knives and boards, stir the fruit salad – 5:51 minutes, done.” This is really not the world.

From an environmental point of view, it is of course not optimal to buy fruit in a plastic bowl with a plastic fork and then throw it away immediately afterward.

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.

Anyone who likes to eat salad often likes variety – especially when it comes to dressing. Every gourmet appreciates fine vinegar in addition to first-class, cold-pressed oil. If only it weren’t for the price: such a noble droplet can cost quite a bit. Make fine fruit vinegar yourself: EAT SMARTER reveals how to make fine vinegar yourself.

Make fruit vinegar yourself? It’s very easy – even for little money, but with a lot of fun and a lot of enjoyment! It is also clear that you can also score points with such a noble “homemade” vinegar as a souvenir for dinner invitations.

All you need, apart from fresh berries, herbs and spices, are clean bottles (preferably boil them beforehand) and vinegar. It can be a rather simple one because the highlight is that you turn it into a noble product with the other ingredients. And you can start making your own vinegar!

Make your own orange vinegar

Great with lettuce, sauces, or Mediterranean dishes: Rinse 1 organic orange (200 g) with hot water, rub dry, and peel off the skin thinly with a vegetable peeler. Remove the white skin from the orange peel and cut it into very narrow strips.

Squeeze the orange and mix two tablespoons of juice with 100 ml of vinegar essence and water. Mix in 300 ml of dry white wine or light grape juice and pour everything into a large screw-top glass. Close tightly and leave for 6-7 days. Pour through a fine sieve into a clean bottle, seal and store in a cool place.

Make ginger vinegar yourself

Goes well with exotic salads and fruit salad or Asian sauces: Peel a piece of fresh ginger root (approx. five centimeters long) and cut it into very thin slices. Clean, halve, deseed and rinse 3-4 small red chilies. Place in a large clean bottle with the ginger.

Heat a liter of white wine vinegar to just before boiling point and pour into the. Close tightly and leave for 2-3 weeks, shaking frequently. Then pour through a fine sieve into another clean bottle, close, and store in a cool place.

Make your own raspberry vinegar

Delicious with green lettuce, but also refines sauces with roasted meat: Carefully select 250 grams of the smallest possible and absolutely fresh raspberries and place in a clean bottle. Rinse half a bunch of lemon balm, pat dries thoroughly, and cut into very fine strips.

Add to the berries, pour over 450 ml each of white balsamic vinegar and fruit vinegar. Seal the bottle, refrigerate and leave for at least a week.

Make Sherry Tarragon Vinegar yourself

A classic that is just as suitable for a hearty vinaigrette as for seasoning ragouts and meat sauces: Put 600 ml dry or semi-dry sherry with 100 ml vinegar essence in a clean bottle.

Wash a bunch of fresh tarragon, pat dries thoroughly, pluck off the leaves and add to the sherry vinegar mixture. Shake well, close tightly, and leave in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks. Then strain, refill and store in the dark.

Make your own basil garlic vinegar

Tastes wonderful with all salads, especially with tomatoes, of course, but also spices up pasta sauces: Peel two cloves of garlic and chop very finely. Rinse a bunch of basil, pat dries thoroughly, and also finely chop. Mix both in a bowl with 250 ml of white balsamic vinegar.

Boil another 250 ml of balsamic vinegar and add immediately. Mix well and cool. Then decant into a clean bottle (possibly using a funnel) and seal tightly. Leave for 2-3 weeks, then strain and pour into another bottle.

“Food in the nude”: With this new trend, a supermarket chain in New Zealand offers all its fruit and vegetables without plastic packaging. The reactions are amazing.

New World leads by example

Plastic bags have been gone from most supermarkets in New Zealand for some time. The government also approved an exit for all retailers from July 1, 2019. The supermarket chain “New World”, the New Zealand counterpart to EDEKA, even goes one step further.

Under the title “Food in the nude” (in English: “Naked food”), New World has declared war on unnecessary plastic packaging: In the branches, almost all fruit and vegetables are offered unpackaged. This project is another step toward Zero Waste.

Food in the nude is also financially worthwhile

Nigel Bond, the owner of the New World store in Bishopdale, Christchurch, was initially unsure whether the move away from plastic could have a negative impact on sales. But on the contrary: the project inspires customers and sales have even increased. “After we introduced the concept, we found that spring onion sales had increased by 300 percent. We saw a similar increase in silver beets and radishes,” reports Nigel Bond.

Eight of the nine supermarket branches located on New Zealand’s South Island have also implemented the project.

New World is also testing other alternatives

Some New World stores offer the option to bring your own cans to reduce plastic waste. Butchery products and seafood can thus be packed and transported in their own cans. However, this option is currently only available for these foods, because the preparation and cooking of these products enable hygiene standards and food safety to be maintained. With other foods, however, you have to look at this more critically. According to Brendon Jones, the owner and operator of a New World branch in Howick, this action is progressing slowly.

In addition, other alternatives to conventional packaging are being tested. Plastic bags are being replaced by paper bags and fiber-based food containers are being made. In this way, products can be sold without plastic.

New World proves that there are good alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. At the same time, they show that a rethink is not only important for consumers, but also for suppliers and supermarket operators in order to really change something.

Fruit is always healthy, no matter how much? Unfortunately, this is not correct. We’ll tell you which fruit you should stay away from – because it’s not as healthy as it seems.

Is fruit always healthy? no

Daily consumption of fruit is part of every balanced and healthy diet. But you can also do a lot wrong when consuming fruit.

Nutrition organizations recommend eating at least two servings of fruit a day. To put this in perspective, a serving of fruit is roughly equivalent to one banana or two handfuls of berries. The consumer organization Foodwatch is even calling for the VAT on fruit to be abolished so that Germans can eat healthier. But not every fruit is suitable for a healthy diet. We tell you which fruits you should avoid and why.

grapes

Grapes, the millennia-old cultural fruit – not so healthy after all? According to nutritionist Jennifer Hyland of the Cleveland Clinic, the tasty fruit should only be enjoyed in small amounts, otherwise it can be harmful to your health. The reason for this is simple.

According to Hyland, grapes are simultaneously very high in sugar and low in fiber. The fact that the grapes also have such a convenient shape for snacking between meals increases the health risk even further. Due to their bite-sized size and high sugar content, there is a risk of eating a lot of grapes in a short time, which can raise blood sugar levels and thus promote illness.

But you don’t have to give up grapes because there are ways to reduce this risk. For example, instead of putting whole grapes on your plate, portion out the berries so you eat less of them. Nutritionist Hyland gives the following tip: Freeze the berries beforehand for a sweet snack that takes longer to eat.

Important: To prevent grapes from spiking your blood sugar levels, it is always best to combine grapes with a protein source such as nuts. How about a handful of Greek pistachios* with the grapes, for example?

dried fruit

Many athletes promote dried fruit or fruit bars as a healthy alternative to chocolate bars. While that’s true, there’s a catch: Many dried fruits contain unhealthy added sugars, which not only can make dried fruits a real calorie bomb, but also spike your blood sugar levels.

Dried fruits have another problem. Most of the water is removed from them during the drying process. So far, so unsurprising. However, like fiber, water is important for the feeling of satiety. Therefore, dried fruits often tempt to eat too much of them. But: If you pay attention to unsweetened variants and the portion size, there is nothing wrong with dried fruit. In general, fresh fruit is always the better and healthier choice.

Also interesting: It is not only in dried fruit that there is a lot of sugar, also in many other foods of our everyday life there are enormous amounts of calories, without most people knowing it.

fruit juice, smoothies and squeezies

When it comes to drinks, fruit comes in many different forms on our menu. Whether as orange juice for breakfast, as a supposedly healthy smoothie for athletes or as so-called Quetschie, a fruit mush snack popular with children. And these fruit drinks really pack a punch.

According to a well-known TV advertisement, a glass of orange juice covers your daily vitamin C requirement. What many people don’t know is that this glass of orange juice also covers more than half of an adult’s daily sugar requirement. The same goes for store-bought smoothies and squeezies. The sweet fruit drinks are a supposedly good way to cover the daily need for fruit. These and even unsweetened fruit juices can also raise your blood sugar level significantly.

Normally, the fiber contained in fruit ensures that the blood sugar level remains stable, but this is removed in most fruit drinks such as juices, squeezes or smoothies. The following applies here: Making it yourself is not only healthier, it also tastes much better. If you can’t avoid store-bought juice, consider adding a handful of nuts or another source of protein, according to nutritionist Hyland.