Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

surprising

Browsing
Cooking Tips

Using Bean Water: 5 Surprising Ways

You can use bean water in many ways in vegan cuisine. We will explain to you which water you use best and how it can be used in a targeted manner.

Bean water is used in many ways, especially in vegan cuisine. In the meantime, the artificial term “aquafaba” (aqua = water; faba = bean) has established itself for the cooking water of beans or chickpeas.

Important: When using bean water, be sure to note that raw green beans are poisonous. You should generally only ever use the cooking water, not the soaking water. Cooking reduces the phytic acid content in the beans and they lose their toxic properties. In addition, they also release proteins, carbohydrates and plant substances into the water.

The cooking water from chickpeas and white beans is used more often than bean water because of its neutral taste. The darker the legume, the more intense the taste. In any case, the bean water is too good to throw away.

Use bean water when baking

Instead of throwing away the bean water, you can use it for baking, for example. The cooking water of white, black and red beans is particularly suitable for this. As a rule, aquafaba is used as a protein substitute and raising agent.

You can also use bean water as an alternative to emulsifiers. In this capacity, it helps to blend two immiscible substances.

For example, the following desserts can be made vegan using the bean water:

Meringue: With aquafaba and sugar, you automatically have all the ingredients at home to make vegan meringues yourself. They are a nice base for decorating cakes and tarts.
Macarons: As an alternative to egg white, you can also use bean water for macarons. To create a natural food coloring, it pays to use colored beans.
Mousse au chocolat: The bean water from red or black beans is particularly good for this dessert. Alternatively, you can use white beans to make a white chocolate mouse.

Use of bean water for savory dishes

You can also use bean water to bind or loosen various savory foods. It is particularly suitable for the following dishes, for example:

Mayonnaise: In order to make vegan mayonnaise, it is worth using the cooking water of white beans as a protein substitute. This is how you create a plant-based sauce classic for many hearty dishes, such as fries or potato salad.
Soup base or emulsifier for sauces: You can use the cooking water from green and white beans as a wonderful base for soups. You can boil steamed vegetables with this water. Alternatively, you can use bean water to make sauces creamier.
Pesto: You can use bean water to make low-fat, low-calorie pesto by replacing the oil you would otherwise need with aquafaba (do not whip).
Tip: If you don’t want to use the bean water straight away, you can freeze it. It is best to store the liquid in a screw-top jar.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

The Surprising Benefits of Kombucha

Benefits of Kombucha: Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for centuries. It is thought to have many health benefits, including improved gut health, increased energy, and better skin health. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of kombucha and how you can start incorporating it into your diet!

Improved Gut Health

One of the benefits of kombucha is gut health. The probiotics in kombucha help to keep your gut healthy and free from harmful bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They can help to improve gut function and reduce inflammation. Kombucha is also rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help to protect the gut from damage.

Improved Energy LevelBenefits of Kombucha

Another benefit of kombucha is increased energy levels. The fermentation process produces vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body, such as B vitamins and iron. B vitamins are important for energy production, and iron is necessary for transporting oxygen around the body. Drinking kombucha can also help to improve circulation and increase blood flow. This can lead to more energy and better overall health.

Improved Skin Health

In addition to gut health and increased energy levels, kombucha can also help to improve skin health. The probiotics in kombucha can help to clear up acne and other skin conditions. Probiotics work by reducing inflammation and balancing the skin’s natural oils. Kombucha is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause premature aging and cell damage. Antioxidants neutralize these molecules, protecting the cells from damage.

It Can Kill Harmful Bacteria

Kombucha can also help to kill harmful bacteria. The fermentation process creates an acidic environment that is hostile to bacteria. This means that kombucha can help to prevent food poisoning and other bacterial infections.

It Can Help Protect Against Heart Disease

Another benefit of kombucha is that it may help your heart health. Kombucha is rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.

A recent study showed how that kombucha can greatly improve two markers of heart disease, “bad” LDL and “good” HDL cholesterol, in as few as 30 days.

It’s Easy to Make

One of the best things about kombucha is that it’s easy to make at home. All you need is a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), tea, sugar, and water. You can find SCOBYs online or at your local health food store. Once you have your ingredients, simply brew the tea, add the sugar and SCOBY, and allow it to ferment for seven to ten days. After fermentation, you can flavor your kombucha with fruit, herbs, or spices.

INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 quarts water
1 cup sugar (regular granulated sugar works best)
8 bags black tea, green tea, or a mix (or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
2 cups starter tea from last batch of kombucha or store-bought kombucha (unpasteurized, neutral-flavored)
1 scoby per fermentation jar, homemade or purchased online
Optional flavoring extras for bottling
1 to 2 cups chopped fruit
2 to 3 cups fruit juice
1 to 2 tablespoons flavored tea (like hibiscus or Earl Grey)
1/4 cup honey
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh herbs or spices

Nutrition
egg-free
kidney-friendly
peanut-free
low-potassium
pork-free
pescatarian
gluten-free
tree-nut-free
low-sodium
red-meat-free
low-fat
dairy-free
fish-free
vegetarian
shellfish-free
no-oil-added
soy-free
wheat-free
Per serving, based on 6 servings. (% daily value)
Calories242
Fat0.2 g (0.3%)
Saturated0.0 g (0.1%)
Carbs63.4 g (21.1%)
Fiber0.7 g (2.8%)
Sugars56.7 g
Protein0.4 g (0.8%)
Sodium34.3 mg (1.4%

How to Incorporate Kombucha into Your Diet

Now that you know all of the benefits of kombucha, you may be wondering how you can start incorporating it into your diet.

Kombucha is available in most grocery stores and health food stores. It is typically sold in bottles or cans. You can also find kombucha on tap at some restaurants and cafes.

If you want to make your own kombucha, you can purchase a starter kit or build your own kombucha home brewing kit.

Kombucha is a delicious and healthy beverage that has many benefits. Try incorporating it into your diet today and see how it can improve your overall health!

Keep Reading
By
Food

10 Most Surprising Facts About Persimmon

Persimmon is an interesting berry and not everyone likes it. To date, the astringent effect that persimmon peel gives has practically disappeared due to crossing it with other fruits. Sweet, aromatic, and pleasant texture – persimmon is a vitamin and medicinal product. Here are some facts that reveal this orange berry from all sides:

  1. Translated from the Latin persimmon – food of the gods. It is also called winter cherry, the plum of the gods, Chinese peach, heart apple.
  1. Persimmons contain a lot of beta-carotene – its amount exceeds the amount of beta-carotene in pumpkin, tomatoes, peppers. This element is responsible for skin health and visual acuity. It is also useful for those who have a harmful nicotine addiction.
  2. Persimmons are considered healthier than apples due to their higher content of calcium, sodium, iron, and manganese. Persimmons also contain a lot of dietary fiber, which is useful for the stomach and remove toxins from the body.
  3. Persimmon helps in the fight against depression and autumn blues. It contains a lot of magnesium, which soothes and tunes a person to a positive, and fructose with glucose, which simply improves mood. Persimmon makes the day more enjoyable with its bright color!
  4. Persimmon satisfies hunger well while being a low-calorie product. This is used by athletes and all those who carefully monitor their weight.
  5. Ripe persimmons have hard and smooth skin, but so transparent that you can see the fibers and jelly-like pulp of the berry. The softer to the touch the persimmon, the tastier and riper it is.
  6. Persimmons are rich in vitamin C, and therefore will be an excellent assistant to you in the fight and prevention of seasonal colds. There are even recipes for rinsing and tinctures based on persimmon, but it is enough to just eat it.
  1. To get rid of the astringent effect of persimmon peel, you need to put it in the freezer for several hours. Or for several days in a plastic bag along with apples. Persimmon will ripen and lose its tasteless quality. Or just peel off the peel.
  2. Persimmons are not only used as a dessert, they are added to salads, baked goods, dried, and then eaten as candy. Persimmon adds spice and variety to the dish!
  3. Persimmons also contain a lot of potassium, which affects the work of the heart and blood vessels.
Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Not Just For Drinking: Surprising Beer Tips – Why You Should Always Have Beer in The House

Beer should not be missing in your household. Whether for a snack, after work or at parties, people like to have a beer. But you can also use it in the household.

Everything shines: beer as a furniture polish

Maybe you see it now as a pure waste. But beer is not only suitable as a thirst quencher after work, it also works well as a furniture polish.

Do you perhaps have a beautiful old piece of wooden furniture in your apartment? An old wooden table? A chest of drawers? Then just polish it every now and then with some beer.

To do this, put just a small sip on a soft cotton lamp and gently rub it over the furniture. The good piece is already shining again. We can all make mistakes when cleaning and, for example, damage the surfaces of furniture rather than clean them carefully.

Coffee stains: The stain is quickly gone with beer

You can use beer to clean surfaces very well – coffee stains in particular can be removed very well with the help of beer.

After a few minutes, gently wipe over it with a sponge. For stubborn stains, repeat the process several times until the stain is gone. To neutralize the smell of beer, finally wipe with a little clear water – done.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Does Low Carb Shorten Life Expectancy? Study Reveals Surprising Things

Low-carb diets are trending. But not only the kilos disappear with the diet, but also the life expectancy. In a study, US researchers found that people on the low-carbohydrate diet die up to four years earlier.

Diet: Carbohydrates are not the problem

The result of the study: It is not the few carbohydrates that lead to increased mortality, but the alternative diet and the resulting increased consumption of animal proteins and fats. So if you eat them instead of pasta, bread and potatoes, you can die up to four years earlier.

But low-carb can also be positive: If you eat more vegetable fats and proteins than animal fats, mortality falls. You live longer. According to the researchers from Boston, the amount of carbohydrates is also decisive for life expectancy: “Our results show a relationship between life expectancy and carbohydrate intake. Life expectancy is greatest in people with 50 to 55 percent carbohydrate intake,” the scientists conclude.

Keep Reading
By
health

Surprising Study: Vegetarians Are Shy

Everyone knows that nutrition affects health. But how do animal products change our personality? The Max Planck Institute examined 9,000 people – with an interesting result.

Vegetarian or meat eater: How are diet and character related?

It turned out that vegetarians had a lower average body mass index than people who consumed animal products. So they were usually slimmer. There can be many reasons for this: On the one hand, the plant-based diet is richer in fiber. This means that vegetarians get full faster, even though they consume less energy. Another reason could be that vegetarians, in general, pay more attention to their diet and fitness, or physical well-being.

It is also interesting that the body mass index also differs within non-vegetarians when it comes to the type of animal products. A distinction is made between primary (mainly meat, sausage and fish) and secondary (eggs, dairy products, cheese and butter) animal products. People who ate more primary products, or even both, had on average a significantly higher BMI than people who ate less or nothing at all. On the other hand, people who still consumed animal products, but mainly secondary ones, had a lower BMI value.

But the personality of the subjects also seems to be influenced by their diet. The study found that people with a vegetarian diet appear significantly less extroverted. “It’s hard to say why that is,” says Veronica Witte, who headed the study. Maybe the vegetarian eating behavior goes hand in hand with a social demarcation or it comes about because introverts in particular tend to have a rather restrictive eating behavior. All just guesses. This is where the study reaches its limits. Because even if she has shown that a difference can definitely be observed, she cannot explain why this is the case. A follow-up study would be needed here.

Diets – which is the best?

While the list of diets continues to grow, the basic principle should be to listen to your own body and find out for yourself which diet works best for you. A familiar body feeling is ultimately still the key to a healthy body.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Are Vegetarians Really Healthier? Study With a Surprising Finding

Many people take Lent as an opportunity to let bad habits rest – also in terms of nutrition. One possibility is, for example, not eating meat. But how healthy is it to give up meat? A detailed study provides surprising insights into the question.

Long-term study on meat abstinence: data analysis of more than 48,000 people

The medical journal reviewed vegetarian and vegan diets in a July 2019 in-depth study by the University of Oxford. In the course of their surveys, the researchers evaluated the data of around 48,000 subjects who had neither heart disease nor stroke in the past.

About half of all participants reported eating meat. The other half was divided into vegetarians, vegans and pescetarians, i.e. people who do not eat meat but eat fish.

Over a research period of 18 years, 2,820 cases of heart disease and 1,072 strokes were recorded among the subjects.

Meatless diet: Lower risk of heart disease

It was striking that meat eaters showed a significantly higher susceptibility to heart disease. Compared with the pescetarians, the risk of heart disease was increased by 13 percent. Compared to vegans and vegetarians, it was even 22 percent. According to the researchers, this could be due to the significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and elevated blood cholesterol levels.

In contrast to the heart diseases, the subjects with a meatless diet performed significantly worse when it came to the risk of a stroke. According to the study, a plant-based diet increases the risk of stroke by more than 20 percent.

The scientists at the University of Oxford attribute this to the low levels of vitamin B12 in vegetarians and vegans. The vitamin is mainly found in animal products such as fish, meat and cheese. Despite the lengthy study, the researchers said more research is needed to definitively confirm the results.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

Surprising Baking with Puff Pastry

With puff pastry, you are always prepared, no matter what time of day unexpected visitors are at the door. If you have it in the house, you can always entertain your guests appropriately.

Oh dear God! An unexpected visitor is at the door. And you don’t have anything in the house, now what? You are always ready with puff pastry. So you can always offer your guests something.

How do I use the puff pastry?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re visiting for a coffee or a quick supper. If you have puff pastry at home, you can always help yourself. Let the frozen puff pastry thaw a little. Now you can handle it well. Prepare squares of the same size. Now fill the squares with tangerines, peaches, or canned apricots. Off to the preheated oven. It is best to place another cup half-filled with water in the oven. This makes the puff pastry nice and crispy.

Puff pastry for dinner

Even if the visitor rings in the evening hour. No problem with puff pastry. Try puff pastry pockets filled with sheep’s cheese. Layout squares of puff pastry of the same size.

Now cut the feta cheese into cubes. Place the feta cheese in one corner of the square and fold it into a triangle. Now glue at the edge. And into the oven. Twenty minutes is enough and you can monitor your guests with delicious cheese dumplings. But don’t forget the cup half-filled with water.

Keep Reading
By