If you've ever visited Vietnam, Thailand or China, you may have come across the fruit called longan, a relative of lychee. Longan is a white-fleshed, juicy fruit with yellow-brown skin that grows in hanging clusters. Each small fruit is about the size of a large olive and is sometimes called a "berry" (although it's not…
If you're a fan of Asian cuisine then you're most likely familiar with red bean paste, but did you know which small red beans are used to create this unique condiment? That would be adzuki beans, awesome sources of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In general, research has associated beans with slower aging, improved heart health,…
If you've ever visited Mexico or the Southwest United States, you may have come across a type of pink cactus fruit called prickly pear. It has a long history of use in folklore medicine and according to historians, was relied upon by Native Americans who used the fruit not only for food, but also as…
If you're a fan of French cuisine or cooking, you may be familiar with chervil, a green herb in the parsley plant family that's also related to cilantro. It's one herb used to make the classic French seasoning mix called the "fines herbes blend" — along with parsley, tarragon and chives — that flavor recipes…
We can give thanks to the coconut tree for the numerous healthy products it yields: coconut water, desiccated coconut flakes, coconut vinegar and wine and, many people's personal favorite, coconut oil. Now meet coconut sugar. The inflorescence of the coconut — or coconut blossoms of the coconut tree (not to be confused with the palm…
There’s nothing like cozying up to the fireplace in the winter with a frothy cup of hot chocolate. And thanks largely to this cold weather favorite, we’re all familiar with cocoa and other forms of healthy dark chocolate — but what about cacao nibs? Real, organic, raw cacao is a superfood containing a variety of unique…
You probably recognize parsley as a familiar fresh or dried herb, but you may not know that it can prove to be a boon to your health. Many cultures use it not only to add flavor to dishes, but also for the high nutrient value and the number of parsley benefits. What are the health…
Ask any expert, "What are the best ways to fight cancer?", and you'll likely be told advice such as to eat a healthy diet, exercise and avoid smoking. You're probably aware of the protective effects that certain cancer-fighting foods, such leafy greens and berries for examples, can have on your immune system and overall health.…
From the childhood classic of "ants on a log" to granola to carrot cake, the raisin has been in most of our lives since our earliest years. So, are raisins good for you? Well, not only are they popular with all age groups and extremely versatile in the kitchen, but raisins nutrition includes being concentrated…
The leek is a sister plant to onion and garlic, and like those incredible nutrient-rich foods, leeks offer a whole host of health benefits. The list of what leeks can do is a long one. From preventing inflammation — the root of most diseases — to protecting the body from cancer, heart disease and everything…
