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July 6, 2016 Food

Banish the Blues… with Blueberries!

In India, blueberry farming is very limited but there is a huge future potential for commercial blueberry farming. Up, until a few years ago blueberries were unheard of in India, but as more and more people are travelling and more and more people are aware of their health benefits of various foods, the demand is there for new and more varied fruits and vegetables in our local markets. Fresh blueberries are a little bit expensive but worth it if you can afford them, purely for their health benefits. The other alternative is to buy them in packets in their dried form which is easily available in most food stores.

In the US consumption of blueberries ranks only second to strawberries in popularity. Blueberries have incredible nutrition and health benefits and are repeatedly ranked in the US diet as having one of the highest anti-oxidant properties of all fruits, vegetables, spices, and seasonings.

It is best if you can enjoy eating raw blueberries for optimum benefits rather than having them in desserts, cakes or muffins, because like other fruits, raw blueberries provide you with the best flavour and the greatest nutritional benefits.

It is clear that they are sweet, colourful and can be enjoyed both fresh or frozen or dried is an added bonus to go to your nearest food store and get it on your diet plan as soon as possible.

Health benefits

Blueberries are sweet, nutritious and often labelled a ‘super food’ as they are low in calories and incredibly healthy. Not only are they low in calories but also high in nutrients. A one cup serving of blueberries contains 4k and 25% of Vitamin C, 36% of Vitamin K and 25% of Manganese of the daily food values required. Besides they are also about 85% water and an entire cup contains only 84 calories, with 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Blueberries are also believed to contain the highest antioxidant capacity of all commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect our bodies from damage by free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cellular structures and contribute to aging and disease like cancer. The main antioxidant compound in blueberries belongs to a large family of polyphenols, called flavonoids.

Oxidative DNA damage is part of everyday life. It is said to occur tens of thousands of time per day, in every single cell in the body. DNA damage is a part of the reason we grow older, but because blueberries are high in antioxidants, they can help neutralise some of the free radicals that cause damage to our DNA. Bottom line, several studies have shown that blueberries and blueberry juice can protect against DNA damage, a leading driver of aging and cancer.

Also, the antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to protect LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidative damage, a crucial step in the pathway towards heart disease.

Some studies undertaken have shown that regular blueberry intake has been known to lower blood pressure. Given that high blood pressure is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes, the consumption of blueberries is potentially massive. The antioxidants in blueberries also seem to have benefits for the brain, helping to improve brain function and delaying age-related decline.

The iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and Vitamin K in blueberries all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

Because of their fibre content, blueberries help prevent constipation and promote regularly for a healthy digestive tract. Dietary fibre is also commonly recognised as an important factor in weight loss and weight management by functioning as ‘bulking agent’ in the digestive system by increasing satiety and reducing appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering overall calorie intake.

So there is, even more, a reason to enjoy your blueberries this little fruit packs a mighty punch. It also helps soften dry skin, boosts your brain and may even help prevent cancer. Blueberries, like cranberries, contain a compound that prevents bacteria from adhering to bladder walls, which helps ward off (UTI’S) urinary tract infections.

June 23, 2016 Recipes

3 Peach Recipes that you will relish

Continuing from my earlier post ….Life is a peach. Following are some recipes with peach you will relish.

Peach Nougat Delight

Ingredients: 400 gms whipped cream,

500 gms canned peaches, chilled,

1 cup sugar,

¾ cup broken cashew nuts,

600 ml milk (3 cups),

1 tin condensed milk,

1 tsp. vanilla essence,

5 tbsp. Cornflour,

6 tbsp. Sugar,

And ½ tsp. nutmeg.

Method:

To make the praline, melt the sugar in a heavy-based pan until golden, mix the cashews, spread on a greased flat baking tray, allow to cool and set. Crash roughly to a powder and use. (Do not refrigerate).

To make the custard mix the milk, condensed milk, vanilla essence, cornflour, sugar and nutmeg in a saucepan and cook on a high flame stirring constantly until thickened. Cool thoroughly and use. After it is done spread a film of cling wrap on the surface to avoid a skin from forming.

Arrangement: In a glass bowl spread or pipe half the cream, arrange the peaches (halved or quartered) over it using half the quantity. Pour the custard over it and sprinkle half the praline. Layer with the balance peaches, pipe the balance cream over it using a large nozzle. Sprinkle the balance nougat and serve chilled.

You could make these individually in tall or stemmed water glasses too.

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Ricotta and Maple Peaches

Ingredients:

6 peaches halved and stoned

2 tbsp. maple syrup

1 tbsp. rosemary sprigs

6 sprigs thyme

Extra virgin oil to drizzle

200 gms ricotta

Method:

Preheat the oven to 18C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Lightly brush a grilling pan with oil and heat on a medium flame
Lightly brush the peach halves, cut side up with the maple syrup.
Cook on the grill for 2 minutes until lightly charred.
Transfer the peaches to the lined baking tray and sprinkle the rosemary and thyme sprigs.
Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake for 5-10 minutes until just tender and heated through.
Top the peaches with the ricotta, season with fresh black pepper if desired and serve immediately.

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Tahini Chicken and Peach Summer Salad

Ingredients:

2 Chicken breast fillets (250 gms each)

1 tsp garlic paste

Pinch of salt and fresh pepper

80 ml lemon juice

2 ½ tbsp. Tahini

1 large can canned peaches drained and rinsed.

2 tbsp. Olive oil,

1 cup mint leaves roughly torn

120 gms or 1 packed rocket leaves

1 large dark green skin cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally

4 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced

1 tsp honey

½ tsp chilli flakes

1 tbsp. Pistachios, roughly chopped.

Method:

Use a large sharp knife and cut the chicken breasts horizontally to have 4 thin pieces.
Combine the garlic paste, salt, and pepper, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of tahini and olive oil in a bowl and mix well.
Add the chicken and turn to coat well, cover with cling film and keep in the fridge for half an hour.
Heat a grilling pan on medium high, cook the chicken fillets on each side for about 4-6 minutes until lightly charred and cooked through. Keep aside.
Meanwhile, combine the mint, rocket, cucumber and radish in a large salad bowl.
Whisk the honey, chilli flakes and the remaining tahini and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Cut the chicken into strips and cut the pieces into quarters.
Add them to the salad along with the dressing and toss well to combine.
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and serve.

Tip: Mix a little olive oil with the peaches to coat them and char grill them for a rustic look.

June 21, 2016 Food

Life is a Peach!

Peaches are a stone fruit related to nectarines, cherries, and plums. Peaches have a soft fuzzy skin which is red on a yellow to a pale yellow almost golden background. Peaches are sweet, golden background. Peaches are sweet, a good source of Vitamin C and contain a good amount of other minerals especially potassium and are a great source of dietary fibre.

In Chinese culture, peaches are considered a symbol of immortality and friendship and are found in many Chinese artworks. Most cultivated peaches are divided into clingstone or freestone, depending on whether their flesh sticks to the stone or not; both varieties can have either white or yellow fresh.

The scientific name persica, along with the word “peach” is derived from an early European belief that peaches were native to Persia. The ancient Romans referred to peach as Malum persicum or Persian apple and the scientific or botanical name Prunus Persica literally means “Persian Plum”.

Peach cultivation went from China, through Persia, and reached Greece by 300 BC. Alexander the Great introduced the fruit into Europe after he conquered the Persians. The Peach was brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16^th century and eventually made it to England and France in the 17^th century, where it was a prized and expensive treat.

Peaches grow in a fairly limited range of dry, continental or temperate climates, since the trees have a chilling requirement that tropical areas cannot satisfy, except at high altitudes like in parts of India, Nepal, Ecuador, Colombia and also Ethiopia.

Health benefits

Beta carotene is responsible for eye health and peaches contain a high amount of the antioxidant, along with vitamins A and C. Regular consumption of peaches can improve your vision health by increasing blood circulation through the body. The beta carotene also nourished and protects the retina in your eyes from free radical damage, as well as helping to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Peaches being a great source of vitamin A and C, which are highly essential for skin health. Vitamin A provides moisture in the skin, which improves the skin texture making it soft and supple. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from radical damage. Just one peach a day can keep your skin glowing and flawless. You can also rub peaches directly on your skin to help get rid of dark circles and wrinkles.
Peaches are fat-free and contain an average of only 68 calories. The high amount of sugar in peaches is natural and therefore does not have an adverse effect on health. If you are on a weight-loss mission, having peaches handy will help you avoid more fattening and unhealthy processed snacks.
Peaches are rich in anti-oxidants that help prevent cancerous cell growth. Peaches are known particularly for effectively protecting the body against lung, colon, and oral cancer.
Eating peaches on a daily basis may help control high cholesterol and problems that lead to diabetes and heart diseases. This is mainly because peaches contain phenolic compounds that prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. Also, foods rich in beta-carotene like peaches are good for lowering the cholesterol level in the bloodstream.
One large peach contains a high amount of potassium and is very low in sodium, which helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, then have a peach daily to combat the problem.
Peaches have an excellent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

You may like to read 3 Peach Recipes that you will relish

June 16, 2016 Food

7 Food trucks in Kolkata

If you are a traveler in Kolkata, or hungry after the street shopping in Kolkata then you might want to check out these food trucks in Kolkata. They have been trending in the culinary field. Different styles of food appeal to different palates.

Following are some food truck experiences listed:

Agdum Bagdum

agdumbagdum-food trucks in Kolkata — Agdumbagdum

Location: Near Ekdalia Evergreen Club, Opposite Indusind Bank, Gariahat, Kolkata

Home delivery number: +91 9007989999

The food truck is a new concept. Location wise it’s just beside ekdalia evergreen club opposite CCD. Took chicken popcorn and risotto rice combo. We found the popcorn chicken quite similar to those of KFC. It was soft no doubt. Coming to the Risotto rice bowl, one will find gravy-infused rice, a few pieces of chicken, and an egg.

We ordered a huge chicken burger. The chicken burgers are pretty ample in amount. A lot of fries are served as compared to most other places. Drinks are reasonably priced. As for the burritos, definitely sufficient enough to fill anyone.

Thank God It’s Fresh

Image courtesy- Thank God It's Fresh Fb page. -Food trucks in Kolkata — Image courtesy- Thank God It’s Fresh Fb page.

Location: Near Calcutta Rowers Club, Location Varies, Southern Avenue, Kolkata

Contact: +91 9674999819

It is hiked right next to Rabindra Sarovar, near the CRC gate. We ordered:
• Grilled Mushroom Sandwich
• Virgin mojito
Both were really good. Especially the sandwich. Ample filling and really good to taste. Tasted their chicken cheese balls which were yummy and the best part was they were baked and not fried. Loved the innovation.

This food truck is pretty remarkable with its well-systematized set of appliances and quite a neat cooking arrangement. It serves a variety of delicacies, especially continental. The place opens up at 5 a.m., making it a breakfast destination as well.

Hungry Hands

Hungry Hands The Food Truck Image courtesy-FB page-Food trucks in Kolkata — Hungry Hands The Food Truck
Image courtesy-FB page

Location: Princep ghat (Scoop)

Contact: +91 9874215795 or +91 9836193919

The food truck serves various kinds of dishes. We had ordered chicken chow mien and chili chicken combo. The food arrived after ten minutes. The chow mien was delightful. The chili chicken was also tasty. The meatballs were dainty; they were properly fried. We loved the meal.

Chai Talks

Location: Varies, Lake Gardens, Kolkata

Contact: +91 9830339395

The lemon iced tea was a treat. Though it is a small stall but it is worth a try. The Boba ripe mango is too good. Very refreshing. Really innovative concept.

Cooks on Wheels

Location: 9, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, New Market Area, Kolkata

Contact: +91 9830035882

Food quality is very good, quantity more than sufficient. We had ordered a plate of egg chow mien and a plate of chili chicken and felt it was enough for two people. The price is very reasonable too.

Foodie Roadie

Foodie roadie- Kolkata food trucks — Foodie roadie
Image courtesy FB page

Location: 19/C, Sarat Bose Road, Elgin, Kolkata

Contact: +91 8334887777

Here you can choose a wide variety of non-veg fast food. The taste is awesome. A nice place to check out.

That Food truck

Location: Near RDB Boulevard, Sector 5, Salt Lake

Contact: +91 9830221279

The cuisines served here are burgers, fast food, and street food.

So, if you are a street food lover and want to have local cuisine in a hygienic way then food trucks are the best option.

Disclaimer: The contact numbers given above are subject to change.

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Category: Food

Banish the Blues… with Blueberries!

3 Peach Recipes that you will relish

Life is a Peach!

Health benefits

7 Food trucks in Kolkata