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Properties of Pot Materials in Comparison

The properties of the materials for pots for cooking in comparison. Because the right material for the pots and pans can not only save time but also influence the taste. All materials for pots at a glance.

A properly assembled set of pots can make a significant difference in the home, as choosing the right pot or pan has a significant impact on its performance. For this reason, before buying a pot or pan, you should have thought about what purpose it should serve.

Characteristics of pot bottoms

But not only the material itself plays a role, but the base of the pots and pans also plays a major role. A base that transfers the heat to the food as quickly, evenly, and efficiently as possible is desirable. Copper and aluminum are ideal conductors of heat. Cast iron, on the other hand, conducts heat more slowly, but very evenly. As a rule, thicker bases ensure more even heat distribution. When buying pans, pots, and pot sets, you should make sure that the base is slightly curved inwards when it is cold, as it expands when it is heated and then (especially on an electric stovetop) lies very flat on the stovetop.

Observe safety with pots

In order not to neglect your own safety when cooking, the handles of the pans and pots are very important. The handles must not get hot, so they must be made of materials that conduct heat poorly. Good plastic handles that can withstand the heat of the oven and can be cleaned in the dishwasher are ideal. Even ceramic handles do not heat up, but they break easily. Stainless steel and metal handles are not suitable as they heat up very quickly and can cause severe burns. The handles should be large and practically shaped. In addition, they must not be too tight on the pot so that you can grab them easily without touching the hot pot. If the handles are too high up on the edge of the pot, there is a risk of scalding yourself with hot steam.

What to consider when choosing a pot lid

You save a lot of money and time with the right lid. If the lid does not fit properly, a lot of energy escapes, and the nutrients escape with the steam. At the same time, the permanent escape from heat takes a lot of time. For this reason, the lid should fit snugly and not wobble. Lids that are placed on top need a wide contact surface so that they close well and don’t rattle.

Furthermore, the high dead weight of the lid supports the optimal closure. Stainless steel and glass are particularly suitable as materials, as they dissipate less heat. Glass lids offer the ability to monitor the contents of the pot without lifting the lid. However, they mist up and break more easily when cooking.

Pan lids should curve upwards so that the condensation runs off to the side without dripping onto the fried food.

The right size pots

The sizes of pots and pans you need depend on how much you usually cook. Two pans of different sizes and four pots of different heights and diameters are part of the usual basic equipment. The sizes of the cookware should also match the existing hotplates. Pots and pans that are too small or too large waste energy.

But be careful: the diameter of the upper edge is always specified for cookware. However, the decisive factor is the diameter of the base, which must match the diameter of the hotplate. This is usually about two centimeters smaller. It is best to measure your cooking area and use this measurement when choosing pots and pans.

Tip for cleaning burnt pots and pans

Many use vinegar essence to loosen the burnt fat. While this is very effective, it will damage the coating of the pots over time. Soda and baking soda, mixed with water overnight, are less harmful and just as helpful.

Washing powder for cleaning pots

Mix the washing powder with water and let it boil briefly in the pot. This dissolves the grease residues so well that you can clean the pots without the hassle of scrubbing, but only with a light wipe. An additional positive side effect is that the pots with the washing powder smell good. Sometimes simply rinsing the pot under running water is enough (it always depends on how much and how deep the fat is burned in).

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Duvet Covers – These are the Most Important Properties

Anyone who buys new bed linen naturally wants their purchase to be worthwhile. Pleasant skin feel and durable material are just some of the aspects that are important for good duvet covers.

Pay attention to the quality

There are a few things to consider so that the new bed linen offers the pleasant sleeping comfort that you expect from it. Anyone who buys new duvet covers wants to be able to use them for a long time. For this reason, the following clearly applies here: if you buy cheap, you buy twice.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to go straight to premium bed linen for several hundred euros. Products in the lower price segment are not only usually more short-lived, but can also contain questionable chemicals and also do not offer the same skin feel as higher-quality duvet covers.

The right care

The type of material you buy doesn’t necessarily determine longevity. Most fabrics that make good duvet covers are, if cared for, relatively durable. If you want to keep your bed linen for a long time, you should pay attention to a few things. If you follow all of these care instructions, you will definitely get something out of your duvet covers for longer:

  • Adjust the temperature of the washing cycle to the bed linen.
  • Some materials are significantly more sensitive than others.
  • Wash bed linen separately from another laundry.
  • To preserve the material, turn the covers inside out before washing.
  • Select the detergent according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Do not use fabric softener!
  • Only run the dryer on the gentle cycle. Only air dry sensitive fabrics!

The right feeling on the skin

Since duvet covers come into direct contact with your own skin, they should of course feel correspondingly comfortable. Not only the quality of the bed linen is important. The material determines other properties. That’s why there are, for example, separate bed covers for summer or winter. The most important properties are as follows:

Soft skin feel

For many people, smooth, soft bed linen is important for the right level of comfort. Quality is an important index for this. Most materials made of high-quality cotton are pleasantly soft on the skin, especially satin. Synthetic or microfibers are also very soft. And the noble but expensive silk nestles particularly well against the skin. The correct care of the bed linen should be observed so that the materials remain supple for a long time.

Warmth

Thick fabrics with a rough and fluffy surface are particularly suitable in winter or for people who get cold quickly. Because they trap air well and are pleasantly warm. Flannel, beaver, or terrycloth covers, in particular, have these properties and can protect sensitive skin in winter.

Cool duvet covers

If you get too warm easily or don’t stop sweating in summer, you should rely on light and cool materials: Satin, seersucker, linen, or Renforcé in particular can score points here. They are pleasantly breathable and cool even on the hottest summer nights, so you can avoid night sweats.

Temperature compensation

Expensive silk is best suited as classic all-around bed linen. It warms in winter and cools in summer. In addition, it is well suited for allergy sufferers. However, high-quality silk is expensive. A slightly cheaper alternative would be a mix of high-quality Mako cotton and satin. The so-called Mako-Satin also helps to balance temperatures, is soft, and nestles comfortably against the skin. Furthermore, more clever tips for beautiful bed linen should be considered.

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Turmeric (Curcumin), The Indian Spice With Medicinal Properties

In Asia, especially in India, turmeric (curcumin) has been an integral part of the local cuisine for around 4000 years. The intense yellow root of the turmeric plant is part of every curry spice and is therefore included in almost all dishes. The tuber has been used in the traditional Indian healing art of Ayurveda for as long as turmeric has been in pots.

The yellow root is said to be a true medicinal miracle. It is said to help prevent or even heal cancer, alleviate depression and arthrosis symptoms, prevent Alzheimer’s, help with stomach and intestinal problems, act against inflammation and much more. In Europe, the ginger plant has been known since the Middle Ages. But only now does turmeric as a medicinal plant seem to be able to do what was not possible as a spice: conquering domestic households. Utopia has collected the most important facts about the miracle spice for you.

Interesting facts about the plant

Turmeric, scientific name Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, is a subspecies of the turmeric plants that belong to the ginger family. The turmeric plant mainly grows in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. India is the world’s largest producer of turmeric, but also consumes around 80 percent of the world’s harvest. The herbaceous plant grows about one meter high and forms a so-called rhizome (sprout) just above the ground. The “turmeric tuber” is actually this rhizome, which is intensely yellow-orange in color. As a real tropical plant, turmeric loves high humidity, sun, warmth and rather dry soil. Nevertheless, turmeric can also be grown in Europe: in greenhouses or conservatories, where the temperature does not fall below 18°C, the relatively undemanding exotic plant also grows in pots at home.

Turmeric powder, the Indians’ favorite spice

While the fresh tuber is grated and used in Thai cuisine, turmeric powder is on the spice shelf in India and Europe. For this, the rhizome of the turmeric plant is dried and ground. The drying process is the trickiest part because curcumin, the powerful yellow ingredient, is very delicate and volatilizes quickly. Traditionally, the tubers are dried in the sun, but special drying equipment is used for industrial production. The Indians use the powdered turmeric for countless dishes. The yellow powder is an essential ingredient in all curry mixes and curry pastes, as well as in all masalas apart from the red one. And traditional Indian dishes such as lentil stew would be unthinkable without turmeric powder.

Turmeric as a spice: recipes to try

If you love exotic dishes or want to add a healthy spice to your diet, do as Indians do and try a turmeric recipe. The tuber tastes a bit tart when fresh, but when dried it is mildly spicy and just a bit bitter. An easy way to experiment in the kitchen is to add some turmeric when cooking rice to give the rice a special touch. An aromatic Indian spiced rice is made from this with vegetables and other spices. Turmeric is also a classic for soups, for example as a yoghurt soup with turmeric.

Turmeric for drinking: tea and latte

Warm drinks are always in demand, especially in the colder months of the year. Turmeric can be used as a tea for colds and sore throats, but also acts as a means of warmth from within. But the insider tip for a warm power drink is a completely different one: turmeric latte, better known as golden milk. For this purpose, a special turmeric paste is stirred into warm milk (cow’s milk or plant-based milk substitute) and possibly sweetened. After chai, the actually gold-colored drink is probably the new drink next winter.

What else is turmeric used for?

Turmeric is not just a spice. As the name turmeric suggests, the bulb turns an intense yellow; it is also significantly cheaper than the yellow coloring saffron. Turmeric has therefore long enjoyed great popularity in the food industry as a natural coloring agent in mustard, sauces and pasta. The yellow pigment is called curcumin – and it is precisely this component that makes turmeric a remedy for many diseases in the ancient Indian healing art of Ayurveda. And modern medicine has long since discovered the spice as a medicine from nature, and studies have been dealing with the effects of curcumin for years. The main focus was on the anti-cancer or anti-cancer effects and anti-depression effects.

Medicinal effects of turmeric (curcumin)

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is often used as an anti-inflammatory and digestive-regulating agent. The anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric is said to provide relief from arthrosis, rheumatism and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. In 2012, curcumin was tested as an arthritis drug for an Indian study and brought very positive results.

The same anti-inflammatory properties may also be responsible for the possible anti-carcinogenic effect. The tuber shows potential especially in the prevention of colon cancer and the prevention of metastases in common types of cancer such as breast or prostate cancer. But curcumin has also been used to treat metabolic diseases such as diabetes or to treat Alzheimer’s and prevent heart attacks (University Hospital Freiburg). Recently, turmeric is also being discussed as a natural remedy for depression. In a 2014 study, curcumin was found to be as effective as a traditional antidepressant in similar circumstances.

Medicinal miracle turmeric (curcumin)?

A 4000-year-old tradition in phytomedicine and numerous studies on its effectiveness: So is turmeric the miracle cure of the future against the health plagues of modern civilization? That is not entirely true with the proven effectiveness. Although turmeric proved to be effective in all tests, these study results are only initial indications and not proof of a medical miracle from nature (Apotheken Umschau). Research on the effects of curcumin on cancer has been tested either in test tubes or on animals. The extent to which this can be transferred to humans has yet to be tested (mt).

The study results on the subject of depression also have weaknesses: too small a sample, too short a duration or financed by the manufacturer of the turmeric preparation. This means that an effect can be assumed, but it is not certain (mt). Nevertheless, the Indian spice is one of the great hopes for the future for the natural treatment of various diseases.

Is Turmeric Healthy?

Regardless of the medical effect, curcumin is still healthy. The spice from India regulates digestion, stimulates the formation of bile and, like ginger, has an anti-inflammatory effect on arthrosis and similar complaints. Seasoning your food with turmeric from time to time is therefore certainly not a bad idea. In India, for example, where turmeric has been used as a flavoring for thousands of years, the number of people suffering from colon cancer or depression is significantly lower than in the USA or Europe.

There are only two cases in which caution is advisable: in diseases of the gallbladder and in pregnant or breastfeeding women. For pregnant women, there is still too little reliable research to be able to say that turmeric is harmless. In the case of gallbladder disease, stimulating the gallbladder with curcumin could actually make symptoms worse.

How to Use Turmeric: Capsules or Powder?

As a spice, turmeric powder is of course more suitable. But for an effect on osteoarthritis or stomach problems, you would have to consume two or three tablespoons of powder every day – that much is not in a dish. And pure, the turmeric powder is very dry and tastes bitter in large quantities. In addition, curcumin is poorly soluble in water. From tea, golden milk or curry dishes, too little of the active ingredient gets into the body, even if consumed daily. In this case, turmeric capsules are the solution. They contain highly concentrated curcumin in the right amount to enable an effect. In addition, the active ingredient in the capsules, which is sensitive to light and air, does not evaporate so quickly.

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Capers: Delicious Bud With Healing Properties?

Anyone who likes capers appreciates their piquant taste, which is created by fermentation. In addition, they are considered healthy – as long as no germs spread…

What exactly are capers and caper apples?

Most people only know capers pickled in salt or brine in a jar. If you pass one of the thorny caper bushes on a journey through the Mediterranean region, you may not recognize the capers: They are the closed flower buds of the “true caper bush”. Its flowers are white-violet and smell like capers as we know them. Capers, on the other hand, are the fruit that develops when the buds are not harvested.

The raw buds are comparable to freshly picked olives: they are bitter and inedible. Only when the capers ferment in brine or vinegar are the bitter substances broken down by microorganisms. The capers are then pickled or salted in vinegar or oil.

Enterococci in capers: helpers with hooks

Mustard oils are responsible for the savory taste of capers – capers and cabbage are closely related. Capers also contain other secondary plant substances: They are among the foods that are particularly rich in quercetin, as are apples and onions.

According to current knowledge, the secondary plant substances have a health-promoting effect on human metabolic processes: According to the German Society for Nutrition, studies suggest that they can protect against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

However, capers are only healthy if no germs such as enterococci end up on the plate with them. The none can get into the glasses due to lack of hygiene.

The lactic acid bacteria enterococci have a fundamentally important function in fermentation and maturation processes: They not only give foods such as capers, cheese or raw sausages their desired taste, but are also important for a healthy intestinal flora. Fermentation is therefore a common way in many cultures to preserve food and – as has now been scientifically proven – to improve health. However, only as long as poor hygienic conditions do not lead to food being contaminated with undesirable strains of enterococci. These can cause infections in immunocompromised people.

Caper buds as a cooking ingredient

In southern Europe, caper apples are known as tapas or as a side dish, in this country the caper buds are used as a spice with a fine acidity. The rule of thumb with them is: the smaller, the better, the more expensive. You can also find different sizes in grocery stores. The smallest are called “Nonpareilles” in French.

Well-known kitchen classics with capers are:

Meatballs
Vitello tonnato
Beef tartare
chicken fricassee
Spaghetti alla puttanesca
Tips for preparing capers:

To prepare: taste some capers to check their intensity. Vinegar and salt could spoil your dish. If the taste is too strong for you, you can wash the capers, squeeze them out lightly or cut them into small pieces. You should definitely soak salted capers first.
For hot dishes: Do not cook the capers, but add them at the end, otherwise the aroma will be lost.

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Formic Acid: Properties, Application and Distinctive Features

Formic acid is a natural defense product whose special properties can also be useful for humans. Here you can find out everything about the acid.

Formic acid: properties and occurrence

Formic acid, also known as formic acid, is a colourless, clear and corrosive liquid. As the name suggests, it is part of the substance that ants produce to defend themselves against natural enemies. The acid accounts for up to 50 percent of the insect’s body weight.

But not only ants use formic acid to ward off enemies or to attack – it is widespread in nature. For example, scorpions and jellyfish use their caustic effect, as do some plants. The most famous example is probably the stinging nettle. Their stinging hairs are filled with nettle poison, which consists of formic acid, among other things. Even tobacco and honey contain small amounts of formic acid. How corrosive the liquid is depends on the dosage.

In addition, formic acid should:
have a strong and pungent odor,
irritate the skin and mucous membranes,
be highly flammable and water soluble,
Good to know: Formic acid used to be obtained directly from ants, but today it is only produced synthetically. So insects no longer have to die for it.

Formic acid: application and special features

Formic acid has a useful function not only in the animal kingdom. Humans have also discovered the peculiarities of acid for themselves.

Formic acid is said to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other germs. Because of this special feature, the acid is often used as a disinfectant and preservative for fish, fruit and vegetables. In the meantime, however, formic acid is no longer permitted as a food additive in Germany.
Beekeepers also use the antibacterial effect of formic acid. It also helps fight mites. The small parasites can weaken and even kill the bees. Thus, mites are partly responsible for the enormous death of bees. Affected bees also become less efficient and can produce less honey. Formic acid is an effective antidote.
Formic acid also fulfills an important function in the chemical industry. Manufacturers use them to stain and impregnate leather and many other textiles.
Another important area of ​​application is homeopathy. Here the formic acid is used as an allergy agent. In the case of an allergy, your body reacts with defense reactions to actually harmless substances in the environment. By taking diluted formic acid as a stimulant, your immune system is supposed to be stimulated before the allergy season. This allows the immune system to regulate itself and return to normal. This is to prevent an allergic reaction. Common areas of application in homeopathy are hay fever, bronchial asthma and allergic skin reactions.
Medicine uses formic acid as an antirheumatic agent, as it is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used against warts. Formic acid is also said to promote blood circulation. Therefore, it is also used for the external treatment of muscle and joint complaints – but sufficiently diluted, otherwise the acid can cause skin irritation and chemical burns.

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10 Superfood Foods with Properties and Benefits

The food superfood list with properties and benefits of the many different superfoods. What is your superfood for your superpowers?

Many different superfoods, and many different superpowers. What is your superfood? Dried berries or superfood powder? The superfood list reveals which berries and plants are useful, where you can buy your superfoods and which delicious recipes are waiting for you.

The best superfoods at a glance

So that you can integrate some of the nutrient-rich foods into your diet in the future, we will introduce you to a few. We will tell you about their properties and the advantages of superfoods:

1) The baobab fruit

The baobab fruit comes from the baobab tree. It is one of the few superfruits whose effects have already been scientifically proven. According to the EFSA studies, baobab has a probiotic effect and can thus improve irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, baobab contains a lot of vitamin C, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. In this country, it is often taken as a powder, but actually, the pulp is eaten or baobab milk is made from it. Additionally, the seeds of the fruit can be roasted and eaten.

2) Camu Camu

Like baobab, camu camu provides a lot of vitamin C, which is necessary for our immune and nervous systems. It also contributes to normal mental function in humans and is said to help against gum problems. Camu Camu is an important supplier of amino acids, many of the building blocks of these proteins are essential for us. You also absorb B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium when you eat camu camu. Since the fruit is rarely found here, it is usually taken in the form of powder or capsules. You should make sure that this was obtained exclusively from the berry, which comes from organic cultivation.

3) cranberries

Known as grandma’s home remedy for cystitis, cranberry is one of the superfood berries. The proanthocyanidin contained in it inhibits bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract and becoming inflamed. In addition, this ingredient slows down cell aging. In addition, the berry provides the important vitamins C, K, and A, as well as minerals such as iron, sodium, and potassium. It is also considered a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. So put them in your muesli, salad, or drink delicious cranberry juice.

4) Chia seeds

Chia seeds are well known and countless superfood recipes contain chia seeds. These include chia bread, chia pudding, and pastries with chia seeds. They are so popular because they are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids and provide fiber. In the Mayan language, Chia means power and strength. A legitimate name for the energy supplier that fills you up, supports digestion, purifies, and has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

5) Flaxseed

The ingredients of flaxseeds are similar to chia seeds. They have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and are good for digestion and cholesterol levels. You should make sure that you eat ground flaxseed when eating it so that you can absorb the valuable ingredients. They also serve as a good source of fiber but remember to drink plenty of fluids as they absorb a lot of liquid. Overall, the correct dosage is important here, since not only is there a risk of constipation, but there is also the danger of taking in too much hydrocyanic acid. You can also take a small spoonful of flaxseed oil pure or mixed with muesli. Because that provides you with important omega-3 fatty acids.

6) Spirulina

These miracle algae on our superfood list are known for their satiating effect and therefore also help with weight loss. In addition, the spirulina algae also contain up to 60% protein, which is particularly important for maintaining and building muscles. In addition, taking spirulina has positive effects on health. Because it also contains the valuable ingredients beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamins C and E. Other green leafy vegetables are also rich in important ingredients. These include basil, spinach, dandelion, and much more.

7) Ginger

Ginger has long been known as a true miracle in Chinese medicine. It can be used in many ways, for example in salads, homemade smoothies, soups, or pasta. The more than 160 different ingredients have a particularly calming effect on nausea during pregnancy and can alleviate motion sickness.

8) Cacao Nibs

Cocoa nibs are peeled and dried cocoa beans. These are usually offered for sale in shredded form. Because the delicious milk chocolate alternative contains as much calcium as milk and a lot of magnesium, which helps against tiredness. In addition, the cocoa nibs contribute to the function of the muscles and the nervous system and support the maintenance of bones and teeth. The nibs can be used particularly well in breakfast bowls or smoothies.

9) Matcha

Matcha tea is a green tea from Japan that has a positive effect on our mood and gets the cardiovascular system going thanks to the theine and caffeine content. In addition, matcha has a high mineral and protein content. It also contains tannins and polyphenols that soothe an irritated gastrointestinal tract. In this country, you will usually find this superfood in powder form for mixing.

10) Goji

The super berry has a high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect on our bodies. Likewise, these berries contain essential fatty acids and amino acids. Goji berries provide more iron than spinach, as well as vitamins A, C, and K in significant amounts. In addition, the superfood berry contains 21 trace elements, which are only found in a few plants in our diet. If you want to build up your intestinal flora, these berries are also good because they provide the good intestinal bacteria with energy.

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Comb Honey: Properties, Special Features and What You Should Pay Attention to

Comb honey is honey in its most natural form: the beekeeper does not process it after harvesting. Comb honey has a particularly intense taste due to the pollen it contains. When buying, it is worth taking a closer look at the quality.

Comb honey is honey that is harvested, sold and consumed in the comb. The honeycomb is made of wax that bees produce in the hive. They sweat it out of the wax gland in their abdomen and shape it with their mouthparts until the hexagonal combs are formed. The bee colony incubates part of the honeycomb. The other part serves as a honey store: the bees fill it with pollen and nectar. When the honey is ripe, they seal the honeycomb with wax. The honeycomb is then “capped”.

Comb honey: Valuable natural product

Comb honey is a purely natural product. The bees store it as a reserve for the bee colony and only close the honeycomb when the honey is really ripe.

During the harvest, the beekeeper removes the closed combs and honey from the beehive and packs them without opening the combs. All the substances that the bees store in the comb remain in the honeycomb. These substances include:
flower nectar
pollen
honey bread
Together they ensure an extremely fine taste profile and also contain a valuable mixture of nutrients and vitamins. In order to protect their honey supply from pests and diseases, the bees also store propolis in the honeycomb. The natural composition of these substances makes comb honey a high-quality and healthy food.

Comb honey: differences to conventional honey

Beekeepers harvest conventional honey before it is ripe – usually when 30 to 50 percent of the combs are covered. It is then thrown out of the honeycomb, possibly filtered and bottled.

As a result, the finished honey contains fewer nutrients than comb honey. By the time centrifuged honey ends up in the supermarket, it is often mixed with other types of honey or even diluted with sugar syrup.

This cannot happen with comb honey: the comb stays tightly closed until you open it at home. Since the bees sealed it themselves, comb honey is also guaranteed to be ripe.

Comb honey from the beekeeper

Comb honey is easy to harvest: once the comb is closed, the beekeeper takes it out of the hive and packs it. He no longer has to centrifuge or filter the honey afterwards. Although comb honey is easier to harvest, it often yields less for the beekeeper. There are several reasons for this:
The beekeeper waits until the honey is ripe before harvesting. For extracting honey he can already use combs that are only partially covered. So he can harvest more honey more often.
The removed combs are missing in the hive. The bees first have to build new walls before they can produce and store honey again. With conventional honey, the beekeeper usually puts the ejected honeycomb back into the hive. This allows the bees to produce fresh honey directly.
With comb honey, the beekeeper has to wait longer overall before he can harvest. There are also special costs:
Only a few beekeepers let their bees build the hive themselves. A wildly built beehive can become quite confusing. To keep the beehive tidy, the beekeepers build beeswax foundation into the hive. The walls already contain honeycombs in the typical form. The bees can use them directly and fill them with honey. Since the beekeeper has to buy new foundation regularly, additional costs are incurred.
So that the beekeeper can better harvest and pack the comb honey, he often also provides the beehive with special wooden frames. The beekeeper can take the combs out of the frame directly and pack them up for sale. The wooden frames are usually more expensive than a regular honey jar.
For these reasons, comb honey is usually sold at a higher price than conventional centrifugal honey.

Eat and enjoy comb honey

You can eat good quality honeycomb with the honeycomb without hesitation. The stored pollen make it a special taste experience. Like conventional honey, it tastes different depending on the type of honey.

You can enjoy comb honey in several ways:
You can chew the honeycomb so that the taste can fully develop. It’s best to spit them out afterwards. While honeycomb is not harmful to your health, it can cause stomach pain if you eat large amounts of it.
When you chew out the comb, wax can stick to your teeth. To avoid this, you can instead crush the honeycomb on your tongue and suck it like candy.
You can also cut the combs into small pieces and enjoy them with bread or in yoghurt. But be careful: If you put the comb honey in hot food or drinks, the wax will become liquid.
Store your comb honey in a cool, dry place. Like conventional honey, it can then be opened for at least two years.

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Piperine: Properties, Effects and Where it is

Piperine makes the pepper hot. But it also has many positive health effects – we’ll tell you what they are.

What is piperine?

Piperine is the most important component of pepper and is responsible for its sharpness. Positive health effects are attributed to the alkaloid, which is why it is used as a remedy in traditional medicine in almost all cultures.

Pepper imported from India was one of the most important remedies in traditional Western naturopathy as early as the Middle Ages. Pepper was said to improve digestion and strengthen the liver. At that time, the principles of western naturopathy were similar to those of traditional Chinese medicine. In modern medicine, on the other hand, piperine is only rarely used, since drugs from the pharmaceutical industry have replaced many home remedies.

Nowadays, piperine is often added to dietary supplements such as curcumin capsules. Curcumin has only a low bioavailability, so it does not have a very strong effect in the organism because it does not fully enter the bloodstream. Piperine is added to the capsules so that our body can absorb more via the intestine.

How is piperine used?

In traditional naturopathy, piperine is most commonly used against:
rheumatism
Muscle aches
flu
Diarrhea
Fever
digestive problems
The scientifically proven health effects of piperine include:
Piperine has an antioxidant effect and therefore protects our body from free radicals from the environment that can damage our cells.
Piperine has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Piperine improves the bioavailability of other nutrients, which is why it is often found in supplements.

Where is piperine found?

The piperine content of pepper typically ranges from 2 to 7.4 percent. Black pepper often has a slightly higher piperine content than white pepper. This could be related to the fact that black pepper is not peeled. In addition to the two traditional types of pepper, piperine is also found in stick pepper, which tastes similar to black pepper.

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Blue Poppy: Properties of The Seeds and Recipe Ideas

Blue poppy seeds are a popular ingredient in various baked goods. Here you can find out more about the characteristics, ingredients and use of the opium poppy.

Blue poppy: nutritional values ​​and uses

Blue poppies are the small, dark blue to greyish, ripe seeds from the capsules of the poppy plant. This type of poppy is also known as opium poppy. This is because all parts of the plant contain so-called alkaloids. These substances are the basis for the production of narcotics and intoxicants, such as opium in particular. The best-known opium alkaloid is morphine.

Due to its nutty taste, blue poppy seeds are used in the kitchen especially as a baking ingredient. It serves as a topping for poppy seed rolls and as a main ingredient in various cakes, such as:
Poppy seed crumble cake
poppy seed strudel
poppy braid
Poppy seed cake
Poppy Cheesecake
The nutritional values ​​of blue poppy are relatively similar to nuts and other seeds. For example, Rapunzel’s organic blue poppy seeds have around 533 kilocalories per 100 grams. It consists of about 42 percent fat. Unsaturated fatty acids make up the majority. It contains about 4.2 grams of carbohydrates, 20.5 grams of fiber and 23.8 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Is blue poppy harmful to health?

Blue poppy seeds usually do not contain morphine. However, when harvested, the alkaloid-rich milky sap can contaminate the seeds. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the morphine content of poppy seeds can vary greatly depending on the harvest and origin.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), you can lower the morphine content in blue poppy seeds through proper processing in the kitchen. Morphine levels decrease due to:
Grind
Heat
Wash
Morphine is an important painkiller in medicine. For example, farmers grow opium poppies for medicinal purposes, especially in the Balkan region. However, if you take excessive amounts without medical indication, side effects such as vomiting, nausea, breathing problems, drowsiness and cardiovascular problems can result.

The BfR therefore recommends not consuming more than 6.3 micrograms of morphine per kilogram of body weight per day. For manufacturers, this means that one gram of poppy seeds should not contain more than four micrograms of morphine per gram. If these guidelines are observed, a person weighing 60 kilograms should consume a maximum of 94.5 grams of poppy seeds per day.

However, since there is no guarantee that poppy seed products actually meet the guidelines, you should stay well below this value. In general, the BfR advises against consuming foods with a high poppy seed content; especially in pregnancy.

Blue poppy: purchase and storage

You can get blue poppies either as whole seeds or in ground form. In the baking department you will also find ready-made poppy seed fillings. You should keep the seeds in a closed container in a cool place. It is best to store ground poppy seeds in the refrigerator. In addition, you should use it as quickly as possible, as it quickly becomes rancid due to the high oil content. Whole seeds usually keep for several months.

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Food

Konjac Flour: Properties of Low-carb Flour

In addition to being an additive in the food industry, konjac flour is also known as a weight-loss agent. We’ll show you what the powder is all about and how it performs in terms of sustainability.

What is konjac flour?

The basis for konjac flour is the so-called konjac root. This is the tuber of devil’s tongue, a plant native to East Asia. To obtain the flour, manufacturers first dry the tuber and then grind it into a fine powder.

In Southeast Asia, konjac flour is a traditional food and is mainly used for gelling and thickening. Because when it comes into contact with a liquid, the powder swells up and can bind large amounts of water.

The active ingredient that produces this effect is also known as glucomannan. The effect is somewhat comparable to that of psyllium husks. Konjac or glucomannan flour is also registered as an additive in Germany under number E425.

Konjac flour to lose weight?

In the fitness industry, konjac flour is now considered an effective weight loss aid. This is mainly because it is very low in calories: 100 grams contain only about 80 kilocalories. Konkjak flour is fat-free and consists of about 87 percent carbohydrates. These are mostly indigestible carbohydrates, i.e. soluble fiber.

Konjac flour is very satiating due to the high fiber content. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirms that overweight people can lose weight with the help of glucomannan powder.

According to the EFSA, adults should consume at least one gram of konjac powder three times a day with one or two glasses of water before meals. The saturation effect should lead to the fact that you then eat less. However, effects only occur if the person generally pays attention to a certain calorie deficit.

Note: If you want to lose weight, you should always do so as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Crash diets and uncontrolled fasting are neither healthy nor do they provide a long-term effect. Therefore, when losing weight, pay attention to the signals of your individual body instead of being guided by social body ideals.

Konjac flour: tips on buying and sustainability

You can buy konjac flour in the form of capsules or as a powder. When buying, pay attention to organic quality to avoid pesticides that are harmful to the environment and health. Also read the list of ingredients carefully and make sure that the product does not contain any additives.

You can mix the powder with a liquid of your choice or mix it with yoghurt, muesli and smoothies. In general, always make sure that you take konjac flour with sufficient liquid. Other typical konjac products are low-carb noodles and rice made from the tuber. You can find out more about this in this article: Konjac Noodles: What’s in the Konjac Root?

However, from an ecological perspective, konjac flour and products containing it are questionable. This is mainly due to the poor ecological balance: devil’s tongues only grow in East Asia and therefore have to travel long distances to Germany. So only use konjac in moderation or it is best to use regional alternatives.

Konjac Flour: Sustainable Alternatives

You don’t have to resort to products from other continents for filling low-carb flours. Examples of low-carbohydrate flours from regional foods are:

Flaxseed meal: Flaxseeds also have a high proportion of dietary fiber and therefore a high swelling capacity. In addition to their filling properties, they are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can not only help with weight loss, but also with gastrointestinal problems.
Walnut flour: Walnuts can also be grown in Germany without any problems. Like flaxseed flour, walnut flour is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vegetable protein. However, it swells less. Due to its intense aroma, you can use it particularly well for baking.
Pumpkin seed flour: Pumpkin seed flour is a particularly good source of protein and has a spicy, nutty taste. This flour is ideal for savory dishes.
Sunflower flour: You can also get flour from sunflower seeds grown in Germany. Similar to pumpkin seed flour, it is particularly suitable for savory dough. You can also use it in small amounts for sweet dishes.

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