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The term flour is derived from the Old High German Melo and belongs to the same word family as grinding. Today, flour generally refers to the powder that results from grinding cereal grains. It can be obtained from many different grains or even other foods such as potatoes or seeds.

Flour – an all-rounder

In this country, the term is primarily used to describe types of flour made from grain, the most common types being wheat, spelled, and rye flour. These varieties are divided into different quality levels, which are identified by numbers.

  1. Wheat flour type 405: very light flour with good baking properties, mild taste
  2. Rye flour type 1370: darker flour, suitable for rye slices of bread
  3. Wholegrain flour does not have a number but is marked as such.

The higher the number, the less processed the flour is and the more vitamins and minerals it contains.

Tips and home remedies

Whole wheat flour is the best choice for a healthy diet. Due to its complex carbohydrates, this serves as the basic component of a high-fiber whole food diet. Examples:

Be careful when there is a lot of flour dust in the air: this “mixture” is very flammable, so open fire should be avoided.

Effect and use in the household

Flour is an important ingredient in many pasta products, even serving as a base for bakers to calculate the amounts of other ingredients. Flour binds liquid and gives the dough its firmer consistency.

  • The individual types of flour are used for different baked goods. Wheat flour is well suited for sweet pastries and cakes, while slightly savory rye flour is often the basis for bread dough. In addition, the white powder is very suitable for binding sauces.
  • For a so-called roux, fat is heated and flour is added, then the mixture is deglazed with water or broth and boiled.

We will tell you all the information and tips you need to know about margarine. Because this healthy alternative has become indispensable in the household. You probably use them every day.

In most families, margarine is needed primarily as a spread or for baking. She is also healthy. Because this consists mainly of vegetable oils and fats.

How healthy is margarine?

You will find lots of information and tips on margarine. But which ones are correct? We’ll tell you. This is an industrially produced fat spread. It serves as a substitute for butter and lard. It consists of water, sour whey, emulsifiers, natural aromas, and vitamins A, D, and E. Vitamins are particularly useful in combating spring tiredness. In addition, the fat content of these is usually eighty percent, reduced-fat specimens correspondingly less, around forty percent.

Margarine is a good alternative

The margarine in the Stiftung Warentest performs well. From a nutritional point of view, this is made from vegetable oils and is, therefore, healthier than butter. In the test, a total of ten margarine products performed better than butter. As a result, they contain fewer saturated fats and lots of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The testers were particularly impressed by the margarine with rapeseed, sunflower, and linseed oil. A disadvantage of the butter alternative is the palm fat it often contains. How healthy or unhealthy this is is a matter of controversy. What is certain, however, is that palm fat has been criticized for its sustainability. But not all types of margarine contain this fat.

1) Roast with full-fat margarine

Have you ever wondered which is better, butter or margarine? As is well known, this question is often a matter of taste. Since it can handle more heat, you can use the full-fat margarine for frying. But pay attention to their fat content. Because half-fat kinds of margarine with only forty percent fat are not suitable for frying. So if you want to do something for your health, even when roasting, you might pay more attention to the ingredients. If polyunsaturated fatty acids are on the menu, that’s very good. We also have instructions on how to fry a steak for you.

2) Cooking with healthy alternatives

You can also use this spread to refine sauces and soups. The taste of potatoes can also be enhanced with it. You can also use them for all kinds of vegetables. It doesn’t necessarily have to be vegetables stewed in butter. Because with the healthy butter alternative, your food tastes just as good and is definitely healthier. It is also suitable for vegetarian food without hesitation, as it does not contain any animal components. And in some cases, unlike butter, it’s vegan. But we also have tips for you on how to use butter.

3) Use baking margarine

There are different types of margarine. Baking margarine has special properties for baking. Because it has a smooth consistency for shortcrust pastry and is a tip for yeast dough. You can also whip them up and use them for the batter. If you want to make pastries out of puff pastry, use stretch margarine. Because their largely constant consistency is ideal.

The word milk finds its etymological origin in the Germanic-speaking world. From Swedish mjölk to Danish mælk, to Dutch melk, it has established itself as Milich in the German language and has always been referred to as the nutrient liquid of female mammals for their young.

Properties of milk

Milk is a white liquid that is particularly rich in milk fat, sugar, protein, and also water. It has been used as a staple food for humans for over 10,000 years, initially by sheep and goats, and later also by cows.

Carbohydrates, proteins, trace elements, and numerous vitamins are the most important components of milk. They are dissolved in the milk fat but differ depending on which animal it comes from. The more intensively the animal metabolizes, the richer its milk is in carbohydrates and proteins. The food and husbandry of the animals also influence the nutritional content.

In addition to proteins, the calcium it contains is also very important for bone formation in humans. The amino acids increase the body’s cell structure. Drinking a lot of milk also reduces the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Use of milk in the home

  • Milk is a staple food that is drunk in its pure form and forms the basis for foods such as butter, yogurt, quark, cream, and cheese. As a drink, it can be enjoyed both cold and warm, and it can be refined with coffee or cocoa powder, for example, or drunk as English tea.
  • Dairy products are a processing type. For the production of dairy products, all you really need to do is expose them to the sun and wait. If the so-called cream settles, the basis for butter production and cheese production is created.
  • Otherwise, milk can also be used to refine dishes and sauces and to make ice cream. Also, read tips on how to prevent overcooking and burning.

It is one of the most popular fruits of all: the orange. Often it is also called orange, mainly because of its actual origin.

Freely translated into German, Sina means China, which is why the name Chinese apple was often heard in the past. The orange was discovered in China around 2000 years before Christ and has been used ever since. With a few detours via India and Babylon, it finally reached Europe in the 15th century.

Properties of Oranges

Oranges have a high content of vitamin C, which is why they are often used to strengthen our immune system. They are also relatively low in calories, a fact that shows that larger amounts of sweet citrus fruit are also healthy. They also protect us from various vascular and heart diseases and can prevent the development of depression. Oranges love the sun and for this reason, they are mainly grown where it is warm and sunny, such as in Mexico, the USA, or Brazil.

Use of oranges in the home

The orange can help us not only with our health but especially with the immune system. She can also help us with many daily things in the household. The peel of the fruit can be used to remove stubborn dirt in the bathroom, for example on the sink or shower fittings. A nice side effect is that the soothing scent of the oranges spreads.

Remove stains with orange peel

In addition, stains on clothing can be removed with the help of the orange peel. This effective cleaning of various objects in the household is made possible by the acid found in oranges. The bowls can also be used to ward off vermin by placing them in a small sack between the clothes in the closet.

The scientific name for alcohol is ethanol. In most cases, however, ethanol is colloquially referred to as alcohol. The term spiritus is also common. However, this is not drinkable alcohol. The spirit can be used in the household as a solvent and cleaning agent as well as for disinfection. This means it has a wide range of applications.

For example, yellowed porcelain, such as cups, can be cleaned properly with a 1:1 mixture of spirit and water using a cotton swab. Alcohol-soluble adhesives can even be removed from the carpet with the help of spirit. Window panes can also be easily cleaned with a dash of spirit in water. And the price tags on things that you would like to give away can also be easily removed with alcohol.

Use of alcohol in the home

The good housewife should always have some alcohol in the house because it has very practical effects and areas of application. First of all, drinking alcohol is of course very popular. A beer after work usually does no harm if it is accompanied by a decent meal. The alcohol content in the beer is also not particularly high, so a bottle or two in the evening should not be a problem. They usually have a calming, relaxing effect and let the man sleep well.

But drinking alcohol with a higher percentage also has its right to exist in a well-run household if you don’t overdo it with consumption. A bitter is not reprehensible and sometimes after a shock, a grain of corn helps to get back to earth. Just because you occasionally consume alcohol doesn’t mean you become addicted to alcohol. But you should always be aware of the danger. Since alcohol is also dangerous for children, after all, it is an addictive substance, albeit a legal one, it should always be stored in such a way that children cannot touch it.

Kohlrabi is healthy and delicious. Here you can find out which nutrients kohlrabi contains and what you have to consider when preparing it so that it retains its vitamins.

Kohlrabi, also known as turnip, originally comes from the Mediterranean region. Today, however, kohlrabi is considered a typical German vegetable. No wonder, because it is grown in many white or blue varieties in this country. In spring you get fresh kohlrabi from the early harvest. It can only be stored for a few weeks, in contrast to the autumn kohlrabi. You can store the early kohlrabi without the leaves in the crisper of the refrigerator for about a week.

Kohlrabi: many healthy ingredients

Like many vegetables, kohlrabi is mostly water. Its calorie content of 24 kilocalories per 100 grams is correspondingly low. The calories come mainly from carbohydrates (about six percent) and proteins (about two percent). In addition, however, kohlrabi contains many vitamins and minerals, namely:
Vitamin C (62)
Vitamin A (carotene, 0.02)
Vitamin B1 (0.05)
Vitamin B2 (0.02)
niacin
Vitamin B6 (0.15)
and the minerals:
Potassium (380)
Calcium (24)
Phosphorus (46)
Magnesium (19)
iron
Selenium (just under a microgram)
The figures given are in milligrams per 100 grams. All nutritional values ​​are from the database

The nutrient content in the green leaves of the kohlrabi tubers is particularly high, for example the leaves contain more vitamin A than the tubers. So it’s worth adding the leaves to a salad or smoothie.

Kohlrabi: It depends on the preparation!

The B vitamins and vitamin C contained in kohlrabi are water soluble. This means that some of them are lost during cooking. Kohlrabi is healthier if you eat it raw and with the leaves. You should also peel as little of the kohlrabi as possible

Beetroot is high in healthy nutrients and vitamins and low in calories. Here you can find out what effects the beet can have on your health and how best to prepare it.

These nutrients make beets so healthy

Beetroot contains many vitamins and minerals and is quite low in calories. 100 grams of beetroot contain just 41 kilocalories.

Among other things, beetroot contains:
Folic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C and beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A
the minerals potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphate, iron and zinc
Vitamins support the body in maintaining all bodily functions. Since they are essential, your body cannot produce them on its own and you have to get enough of them through food.

The vitamins in beetroot support important bodily functions such as visual performance, bone formation, protein metabolism and the function of your immune system. Folic acid plays a key role in blood formation and cell growth, and vitamin C supports the immune system and many of the body’s metabolic processes.

Like vitamins, minerals are essential and especially important for muscles, teeth and bones. In combination with vitamins, they keep your body running. Deficiency symptoms can have serious health effects.

Beetroot is high in antioxidants and helps with high blood pressure

The pigment betanin, which gives the beetroot its characteristic color, is one of the flavonoids (secondary plant substances). Antioxidant properties are attributed to betanin. According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), these support the cardiovascular system and prevent heart disease. In addition, the plant substances in the body should intercept free radicals.

Folic acid and iron are also significantly involved in the formation of red blood cells, which is why beetroot also has a positive effect on the blood balance. Beetroot also contains nitrate and nitrogen compounds, which some studies have shown may help fight high blood pressure and diabetes. Nitrate is converted into nitrite in the body, which is said to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels. In addition, beetroot is said to boost nitrogen production in the body in diabetics, which means that blood sugar can be better controlled.

Health note: Too much nitrate can be harmful to infants. You should therefore not eat beetroot. Also, people prone to kidney stones are advised not to consume too much beetroot as it contains a lot of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is said to increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

In this way, the nutrients are retained during the preparation of beetroot

In order to preserve as many ingredients as possible, the beetroot should not be cooked for too long. It is best to prepare the beets without water. You can also use them raw in salads or as a vegetable side dish. If you would like to prepare the tuber warm, it is a good idea to cook it in the oven with the skin on and peel it later.

If you do want to cook the beetroot, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Always cook the beets with the peel so that fewer ingredients are lost.
You should not cut off the leaves and roots, just twist them off.
In boiling water, the beets will take about 30-45 minutes to soften.
Salt should only be added shortly before the end of the cooking time, otherwise it will take away the colour.

Locust bean gum is a versatile food and is ideal for a gluten-free and vegan diet. Here we explain what you can do with it.

What is locust bean gum?

Locust bean gum (also: carob flour or carob powder) is obtained from the fruits of the locust bean tree, whose ground seeds produce the flour. The heat-loving tree originally comes from the Arabian region, but is now found throughout the Mediterranean region, South and North America, and Australia. The largest growing areas are in the Spanish regions of Valencia and the autonomous Spanish community of Catalonia.

The flesh of the fruit, which is a good 30 centimeters long, used to be processed into a nutritious and durable bread, which gave the carob tree its name. Today its cores are the focus of interest. Locust bean gum tastes slightly sweet and is very similar to cocoa. In contrast to this, the carob powder is low in fat and rich in calcium and fiber.

Use of locust bean gum

Locust bean gum is soluble in hot water, but swells in cold water. These properties make it a popular binding and thickening agent in the food and cosmetics industries. Locust bean gum is even used for animal feed.
For the home kitchen, it is ideal as a vegan binding agent for baking and cooking.

Other properties make locust bean gum a popular additive, which you can find in lists of ingredients under the name E 410:
Even a small amount of locust bean gum gives liquids a jelly-like shape and thickens them.
The flour is insensitive to heat, acid and salt and can therefore be used in a variety of ways
It also ensures that turbidity is bound. Lemonades and juice spritzers, for example, can be kept clear without a rim settling.
Locust bean gum is generally well tolerated, it is vegan, free of cholesterol, lactose or gluten and is also approved for organic products, as the nutrition portal Lebensmittel-Merchandise describes.
You will find locust bean gum in the ingredient lists of the following products, among others:
jams and preserves
jellies, puddings and instant mousse
milk drinks
Ice
fruit or vegetable preserves
Pies and Delicatessen
Baked goods (especially gluten-free baked goods)
Food for diabetics
You can find locust bean gum in every organic market or health food store. The rich flour is ideal as a vegan and gluten-free binding agent, for example for creamy cakes or soups.

Is locust bean gum harmful to health?

In general, locust bean gum is classified as harmless, as the consumer protection website Codecheck also states. It has unrestricted approval as a food additive and may also be used in baby food.

However, caution is advised, especially for allergy sufferers. Locust bean gum is suspected of being able to lead to cross-reactions with an existing allergy. This applies in particular to an existing soy allergy.

Sustainability of locust bean gum

The carob tree is ideally suited for sustainable ecological cultivation. Its cultivation is even of ecological value, as explained by the online journal Biothemen. It thrives even on poor, dry and nutrient-poor soils. Similar to olive trees, carob trees are ideal for reforesting deserted landscapes.

The roots of the trees protect dry areas from erosion and loosen the soil. In the hot growing regions, its canopy provides protection from the sun and wind and provides an important habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Harvesting ripe carob pods is quite time-consuming and expensive, as it is done by hand and cannot be automated. The cultivation of carob trees does not require any pesticides, which gives its flour organic food quality. The wood of the carob tree can also be used well. As it is durable and resistant, it is suitable for processing into floors, walls, fences or furniture.

The nutmeg is a large and impressive pumpkin. In this article you will learn more about the nutmeg pumpkin, valuable tips for the preparation as well as many different recipe ideas.

Nutmeg is also known as Muscade de Provence or Musk Squash. The artistically ribbed shell shines in the typical autumn colors from dark green to orange to light brown.

Nutmeg pumpkin contains many valuable ingredients:
potassium
calcium
zinc and
Vitamins of groups A, C, D and E.
The aromatic pulp of the nutmeg pumpkin gets its color from the high proportion of beta-carotene. Carotene is good for healthy skin, strong hair and eyesight.

Nutmeg pumpkin – you should know that

The nutmeg squash belongs to the musk squash family and is closely related to the butternut squash. The flesh is orange-red and smells pleasantly spicy.

Nutmeg pumpkins have a diameter of up to 50 centimeters and can weigh up to 40 kilograms. The round, ribbed shape is striking. The skin is initially green and gradually turns light brown until fully ripe.

The nutmeg pumpkin originally comes from Central and South America. In Europe, he prefers warmer growing areas such as Italy or France. In Central Europe, the cultivation of nutmeg is not so productive due to the comparatively lower temperatures.

In Germany, the nutmeg pumpkin season begins in September. Nutmeg pumpkin tastes best when it is not yet fully ripe. You can tell by the color of the shell – it should still be dark green. The skin of fully ripe nutmeg squash turns orange to beige.

Ripe nutmeg has a soft skin and fewer seeds than most other types of squash. This creates less waste and you can process more pulp into delicious dishes.

Tip: If you tap the skin of the nutmeg with your knuckle, you should hear a hollow sound. Then the degree of maturity is optimal. If the squash sounds dull when you tap it, it has already started to spoil.

Tips for storing nutmeg squash

Whole nutmeg squashes remain edible for more than half a year when stored in a cool and dry place – for example in the cellar or in the cool pantry.

However, since the nutmeg pumpkin is very large and heavy, you will often find wedges that have been cut open and wrapped in plastic in the supermarket. Once cut, the nutmeg squash, which otherwise stores well, only stays fresh for three to four days in the refrigerator.

You can find unpackaged, organic nutmeg squash at local farmers’ markets and direct sellers. Buy locally grown nutmeg squash. Regional products have shorter transport routes behind them and are therefore better for the climate.

Attention: When buying, make sure that the skin of the nutmeg pumpkin is undamaged. Only then can it be stored longer.

Tip: extend the shelf life of cut nutmeg squash in the freezer. Freeze the diced nutmeg in batches. This allows you to prepare the pumpkin particularly quickly in the kitchen if necessary.

Peel nutmeg pumpkin: This is how it works

The skin of nutmeg is significantly thinner than that of many other types of pumpkin. However, you should peel the nutmeg squash, as the peel requires a significantly longer cooking time than the pumpkin flesh.

How to peel nutmeg pumpkin:
Use the indentations in the nutmeg squash and use a large knife to cut out wedges from the squash.
Remove the pips and the fibrous pulp around the pips with a spoon.
Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the skin off the pumpkin wedge.
You can then simply grate, slice or dice the pumpkin wedges as instructed in the recipe.

Chestnuts are healthy, regional and delicious. Chestnuts are in season in the autumn months. Here you can find out everything about their nutritional values ​​and ingredients.

Chestnuts: their nutrients

Chestnuts are very healthy because they are full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. They provide about as much vitamin C as oranges. Chestnuts also contain all the B vitamins and vitamin E. Sweet chestnuts contain the following important ingredients per 100 grams:
Potassium: 707 milligrams
Calcium: 33 milligrams
Phosphorus: 87 milligrams
Magnesium: 45 milligrams
Iron: 1.4 milligrams
Vitamin E: 1.2 milligrams
Vitamin B1: 0.23 milligrams
Vitamin B2: 0.22 milligrams
Vitamin B3: 0.9 milligrams
Vitamin B6: 0.35 milligrams
Vitamin C: 27 milligrams
100 grams of chestnuts contain the following nutritional values:
Calories: 200 calories
Carbohydrates: 41 grams
Fiber: 8 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Chestnuts are a type of nut, but have significantly fewer calories and fat than other nuts. They contain just as much high-quality protein and are also rich in simple and unsaturated fatty acids

The healthy chestnuts also have many complex carbohydrates and fiber. They ensure that your blood sugar level only rises slowly after eating. If you eat chestnuts, you will be full for a long time afterwards without developing a feeling of fullness. The roughage supports your digestion – chestnuts contribute to a healthy intestinal flora
Chestnuts also contain flavonoids, which are antioxidants in the body

Therefore chestnuts are healthy

Thanks to their many important ingredients, chestnuts have a positive effect on the body. The gesonden chestnuts have the following advantages, among others:

They provide a lot of energy.
They serve as food for good intestinal bacteria.
They hold the connective tissue
They strengthen bones and teeth
They support the immune system
They balance the acid-base balance.

Chestnuts: What you should know

Sweet chestnuts are in season from September to December. During these months you can buy them loose in many supermarkets and health food stores. For the rest of the year you will receive the healthy chestnuts pickled or vacuum-packed. You can also easily freeze cooked and peeled chestnuts.

Good to know: chestnuts are healthy, but not edible raw. You have to roast them either in the pan or in the oven. Then they are easy to digest. You can eat roasted chestnuts pure, but you can also process them into a delicious chestnut cream, puree or soup.