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Tigernuts: Nutritional Values, Special Features and Sustainability

Tigernuts are also becoming increasingly popular as a nut alternative in Germany. Here you can find out exactly what the small tubers are all about and what you should consider when using and buying them.

What are tigernuts?

The term tiger nut is used to refer to the entire plant or just its small edible bulbs, depending on the context. The expressions tiger or chufa nut are also often found. The herbaceous plant belongs to the sedge or sedge family and grows to a height of around 60 centimetres.

The plant thrives best in loamy-sandy soil and in a relatively mild climate. Today it is cultivated in Europe, especially in Spain on the Mediterranean coast. There the plant grows in spring and summer. Farmers then let them dry out completely from September. Then the tubers can be harvested by hand from October to December. In many regions, however, the tiger nut is an aggressive neophyte that displaces native plant species.

The tubers are brownish, round, the size of a hazelnut and have a white core. This tastes slightly sweet and is reminiscent of the taste of almonds. After harvesting, the tubers are dried for about three more months. You can then buy them either whole, peeled or ground.

How healthy are tigernuts?

The small tigernuts consist of around a quarter of fat and contain a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. These are an essential part of cells and as such are involved in numerous metabolic processes. In addition, regular consumption of unsaturated fatty acids can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Tigernuts also have a high fiber content of around 24 grams per 100 grams. They keep you full for longer and get your digestion going. They also provide the body with many minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.

With around 370 kilocalories per 100 grams, tigernuts contain significantly fewer calories than many types of nuts. So if you want to make your diet a little lower in fat and calories, tigernuts are a good alternative. The small tubers are also interesting for allergy sufferers because they are generally well tolerated. They are an option that comes very close to the taste and consistency of nuts, especially if you have a nut allergy.

How to use the tubers in the kitchen

You can use tigernuts like nuts. For example, they are a nutritious and delicious ingredient in muesli, quark or yoghurt dishes or a varied topping for smoothie bowls.

In the ground state, you can also use tigernuts to bake bread, cakes, biscuits, etc., thereby reducing the flour content. Since the small tubers already have a certain sweetness, you can save on sugar.

Tigernuts: sustainability and eco-balance

Since tigernuts require relatively warm temperatures, they are traditionally grown in subtropical and tropical areas. For example, they are imported from African countries or parts of the USA. However, tigernuts are also popular in Spain and are grown in relatively large quantities by farmers there.

In order to buy tigernuts with the best possible ecological balance, it is best to buy European goods, as the transport routes are significantly shorter here.

When buying, you should look for organic tigernuts if possible. In this way you support agriculture that does not use chemical-synthetic pesticides that have a negative impact on your health and the environment.

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Lifestyle

More Sustainability: Buy a Used Laptop

Buying a used laptop saves money and protects the environment. If you want to buy a cheap laptop but don’t want to skimp on quality, you can opt for a refurbished laptop. Because these devices can keep up with new devices in technical condition.

When buying new electronic devices, it does not necessarily have to be expensive new goods. Because various service providers have specialized in the processing of used devices, which are available for sale as so-called refurbished IT at an attractively low price.

Tips on buying cheap laptops

The product cycles from one model to the next are becoming ever shorter. And not everyone is willing to buy the latest model as soon as it is launched. Because the prices for new laptops and smartphones are often high. Nevertheless, some buy a new model as early as possible. Meanwhile, others rely on buying the laptop used. No matter what you decide, in both cases, you can get well-functioning devices. More and more refurbished products are being offered in stores, so you can buy a laptop cheaply. In addition, also note tips for saving money in the household.

What is a refurbished laptop or smartphone?

Basically, a refurbished laptop is a used laptop that has been refurbished by specialized service providers. The laptops were thus brought back to a technically perfect condition. Consequently, they can be sold more cheaply to the customer. This is worthwhile because many used laptops are disposed of even if they have minor defects or a damaged battery. Instead of fixing computer problems and repairing devices on their own, many people buy newer models. But for people who want to buy a cheap laptop, a refurbished laptop is worth it.

Where do refurbished laptops come from?

The principle behind refurbished IT is very simple. The basis of the special kind of recycling is business PCs, which have a high performance and were designed with a deliberately long service life. If companies no longer need them because they are switching to faster hardware, then the old ones are refurbished. Consequently, the computers are brought up to date. You can then buy the laptop used at correspondingly attractive prices. You will find them on the platforms of special resellers and sometimes receive devices that are “like new”. Also, note tips for making slow computers faster.

Buy a used laptop for more sustainability

Since laptops, computers, and smartphones are often replaced by new models, this creates a lot of waste. Although many of the devices have only minor quirks, they are thrown away. But the processing and sale of refurbished devices is sustainable and protects the environment from unnecessary waste. In addition, the computers perfectly meet many private needs. Therefore, you should buy a used laptop next time and protect the environment.

Buy cheap devices and save money

Another advantage besides sustainability is the price. Most refurbished devices are cheaper than new products. It is, therefore, a good opportunity, especially for families, to buy used laptops that are still of high quality. The same applies to buying a mobile phone and other household appliances that you can buy so cheaply and in good condition.

If you are willing to put up with small scratches or blemishes, you can set up your household completely with usable appliances at a reasonable price. Then the defect of washing machine, a dishwasher can be overcome financially easier, whereby Refurbished IT has absolutely new devices ready for you. So you can save a lot of money on the internet.

Buy from a professional seller

While there are many advantages to buying used products. But caution is also required here. Because the word refurbished in particular is not protected. Consequently, when choosing your used products, you should choose exactly where and from whom you buy them. Many well-known dealers offer their own products refurbished, so you are on the safe side.

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Food

Bulgur: Origin, Sustainability and Nutrients

Bulgur is a popular alternative to rice, noodles and the like – with an oriental flair! Here you can find out what bulgur is, where it comes from and which basic recipe you use to prepare it.

Bulgur has its home in the Middle East, where it is still an integral part of the local cuisine. Bulgur has also found its way to us from Iran, Lebanon and Turkey. Bulgur is not only enjoying increasing popularity in vegetarian and vegan cuisine: for many, bulgur brings a refreshing change to the menu.

Bulgur – wholesome grain from the Middle East

Grains are the base from which bulgur is made. Traditionally, bulgur is made from durum wheat. How bulgur is made:
The whole grains are first soaked in water for several hours.
They are then dried and roasted for several hours.
Finally, the roasted grains are roughly broken up.
The gentle and lengthy production method makes bulgur particularly easy to digest.

Bulgur from the local field

In addition to bulgur made from durum wheat, there are also variants based on buckwheat, spelt and barley in organic quality. That means: Even if bulgur has its origins in the Middle East, you can buy it from regional cultivation. Locally produced bulgur means:
a lower energy consumption
shorter transport routes
and support for local farmers.
Conventionally produced bulgur is also often bleached with caustic soda to give it its light, almost white colour. You can get unbleached bulgur from organic farming. As a rule, caustic soda is not used here.

Bulgur is that healthy

Because the whole grain is processed, bulgur is packed with vitamins, fiber, minerals, and nutrients. Bulgur is a high-quality food and also keeps you full for a long time. 100 grams of bulgur contains about 76 grams of carbohydrates and has about 340 calories. If you suffer from gluten intolerance, you can use buckwheat bulgur.

Bulgur goes with (almost) everything

Slightly salted and sprinkled with some chopped parsley, bulgur is a delicious alternative to rice. The bulgur prepared in this way is also the main ingredient for tabbouleh, an oriental salad with bulgur, cucumber, tomato and mint. Due to its relatively neutral taste, bulgur can also be used to conjure up delicious desserts.

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Food

Locust Bean Gum: Information on Use and Sustainability

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.

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Food

Are Kiwis Healthy? Nutritional Values, Calories and Sustainability

The fact that kiwis are healthy is mainly due to their many vitamins and nutrients. The fruit is not only delicious, but also contains few calories. You can find an overview of all the nutrients here.

Kiwis are the healthy fruits of a climbing shrub and belong to the berry family. It originally comes from China, which is why it is also called “Chinese gooseberry”.

At the beginning of the 20th century it found its way to New Zealand. Farmers there have been growing them commercially since the 1930s. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was named after New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, to boost exports.

Kiwis are healthy: vitamins and minerals

Kiwis are a popular snack because of their sour-sweet taste. But the exotic fruits also contain many vitamins and minerals (all information per 100 grams):
Vitamin C: 80 mg
Vitamin B2: 0.04 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.13 mg
Vitamin E: 0.5 mg
Potassium: 287 mg
Calcium : 27 mg
Phosphorus: 37 mg
Magnesium: 17 mg
Above all, the high vitamin C content of the fruit is remarkable. It is almost twice as high as with oranges or lemons. As a result, kiwis can strengthen our immune system particularly well. Just one and a half kiwis cover the daily requirement of 100 milligrams of vitamin C for an adult.

In addition, a 2011 study found that kiwis also contribute to a healthy sleep.

Tip: For even more extra vitamins and fiber, you can eat your kiwi with the skin on.

Nutritional values ​​of healthy kiwi

The kiwi not only contains many vitamins and minerals, it is also very low in calories. There are only around 61 kilocalories (255 kilojoules) in 100 grams of the ripe fruit.

Nutritional table for kiwi (information per 100 grams):
Calories: 61 kcal (255 kj)
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
of which: 3 g fiber
and 9 grams of sugar
Due to their high water content, kiwis are particularly suitable as a snack. In addition, there is hardly any sugar in the kiwi. For comparison: 100 grams of bananas contain almost twice as much sugar (17.2 grams). In addition, kiwis are rich in antioxidants.

The exotic kiwis can help you lose weight due to their low calorie content. In addition, a study has confirmed that kiwis can have a positive effect on our digestion. Two kiwis a day can significantly reduce problems like constipation or gas.

How sustainable are kiwis?

In addition to China, New Zealand and Chile, the furry fruits are now increasingly being grown in Europe. Italy is now the second largest producer in the world. Kiwis also grow in Greece, France and Spain.

From October to June you can buy the exotic fruits from European cultivation. In the summer months, on the other hand, the kiwis come from tropical regions. To avoid long transport routes, you should buy kiwis from Europe.

We also recommend organic kiwis. Significantly fewer harmful pesticides are used in organic farming. You can also use the peel of the fruit and benefit from the many good ingredients.

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Food

Gum Arabic: Characteristics, Application and Sustainability

Gum arabic is an additive from Africa that is often found in confectionery and wine. The sap of the acacia tree is considered harmless to health.

What is gum arabic?

Gum arabic is a food additive authorized under number E414. It is the resinous plant sap from the acacia trees that are widespread in Africa. Gum arabic is used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer and bulking agent.

The additive is obtained in a similar way to maple syrup. The bark of the acacia tree is scored in a V-shape and the escaping sap is collected in a bucket. The sap is then dried and pulverized so that it is sold as a white powder.

Before gum arabic became popular in the food industry, it was used primarily to make paint and ink. The Egyptians used it to mummify the dead.

In which foods is gum arabic found?

Since gum arabic only has a low thickening effect compared to other thickening agents, it is mostly used as a stabilizer. Gum arabic stabilizes food by preventing crystal formation. This is particularly appreciated in confectionery, such as gummy bears, where no sugar crystals should form. Frozen products with gum arabic also form fewer ice crystals, which have an adverse effect on the product texture.

Gum arabic is also often found in alcoholic beverages. In the beer, it stabilizes the foam so that it lasts for a particularly long time. Wine stabilized with gum arabic has better mouthfeel. In addition, it prevents cream of tartar from precipitating.

Is gum arabic sustainable?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers gum arabic to be harmless to health. There is no legal limit and gum arabic is also permitted in organic foods. The additive can only lead to allergy symptoms in some sensitive people.

Since gum arabic is obtained exclusively from the resin of African acacia trees, it has been transported a long way before it ends up in our supermarket. In addition, the working conditions on African plantations are often not good. Nevertheless, it is a renewable raw material that can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner and is completely harmless to health. So you don’t have to give gum arabic a wide berth in the supermarket. But keep in mind that it is always the better choice ecologically to use regional food.

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Food

Cacao Nibs: Nutritional Values, Uses and Sustainability

Here you can find out exactly what cocoa nibs are all about and what you should consider when buying cocoa nibs.

What are cacao nibs?

Cacao nibs are grated cocoa beans. After harvesting, the beans are broken up, dried and fermented. Only then do they get the typically intense and slightly bitter aroma. You can usually get cocoa nibs in raw food quality, which means they have not been heated above 42°C and are therefore particularly rich in micronutrients.

In contrast, cocoa beans are usually roasted for the production of many cocoa powders, chocolates & Co. and thus lose part of their nutrient content. Since cocoa nibs contain neither sugar, milk nor other additives, they are considered a healthy alternative to chocolate. For example, you can snack on them on their own or use them as an ingredient in chocolate mueslis, nut-fruit mixes or as a topping for smoothie bowls.

Cacao nibs are so healthy

Cacao nibs provide you with around 600 kilocalories per 100 grams. In this respect, they are comparable to many types of nuts. They are also not dissimilar to many nuts in terms of fat content: they consist of around 55 percent fat. However, they consist of slightly more unsaturated fatty acids.

Cocoa nibs have a protein content of around 12 percent and a carbohydrate content of around 5 percent. In terms of micronutrients, they provide you with significant amounts of magnesium, iron and calcium. They also contain larger amounts of vitamin E, some B vitamins and beta-carotene.

Another interesting ingredient in cocoa beans are the so-called flavonoids. These are secondary plant substances that are suspected of being able to slightly lower blood pressure. However, the effect is comparatively small and has not yet been adequately investigated scientifically.

contaminants in cocoa

But cacao nibs don’t just have health benefits. There are two pollutants in particular that are repeatedly associated with cocoa beans:

The heavy metal cadmium is found naturally in the soil. Especially in regions that are close to volcanic rock, the soils are very rich in cadmium. The pollutant then gets into the cocoa beans. If we regularly consume excessive amounts of cadmium, the metal accumulates in the body and can damage our kidneys and bones. That is why there are EU limits for cadmium that food must not exceed. Nevertheless, researchers recommend not to overdo the consumption of foods with a high cocoa content (such as cocoa nibs, pure cocoa powder, dark chocolate).
In addition to other foods such as tea or raw salads, cocoa also contains aluminium. In moderation, the body can simply excrete this through the kidneys. However, if we ingest too high amounts or already suffer from a certain previous illness, aluminum can damage the nervous system, the kidneys, bones and, in women, the development of the embryo. You don’t have to do without cocoa products completely. However, this is another reason to consume them in moderation.

How sustainable are cacao nibs?

Cocoa trees require a sufficiently warm and humid climate. Accordingly, they are grown in tropical areas, especially in the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia. This means that cocoa nibs have to travel long distances to Germany and are therefore problematic from an ecological point of view due to the poor ecological balance.

In addition, people on cocoa plantations often have to work under inhumane conditions: Adults and children work without occupational safety, have enough food and drink in the scorching heat, suffer from injuries and illnesses and are fobbed off with starvation wages.

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