Tag: nutrition

SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS COUNTLESS PROPERTIES

Freak of Natural Staff

  Shiitake mushrooms are native to Japan. These medium-sized mushrooms have a soft consistency and a pleasant and delicate taste that recalls that of the Porcino mushrooms. They have always been used in the millenary oriental tradition for their countless properties. They are widely used in traditional oriental medicine and there are numerous publications in which the antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of these mushrooms, sometimes also referred to as a natural “viagra”, are recognized and discussed. Shiitake are today among the most cultivated, consumed and appreciated mushrooms in the…

BEST SUBSTRATES TO GROW MICROGREENS

Freak of Natural Staff

  CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBSTRATE FOR GROWING MICROGREENS One of the most critical aspects in growing microgreens is the choice of the cultivation substrate, which plays a fundamental role in determining the productivity and finally the quality of these small vegetables. Furthermore, this choice determines the sustainability of the entire production process. In order to ensure a good germination and optimal growth of the seedlings, a good substrate must have physical characteristics such as to ensure a porosity greater than 85% of the total volume. It must ensure a correct…

HOW TO MAKE SEITAN: The Ultimate Recipe

Freak of Natural Staff

  Seitan is also called wheat meat or gluten meat and is considered by some to be an incredibly versatile and protein-rich alternative to meat. Personally I prefer to think of Seitan as a food in its own, in fact it could also be integrated in preparations that are not necessarily vegan. The proteins of which it is rich derive from gluten. Gluten is a complex protein that appears in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley and rye. Wheat gluten is not digestible at its raw state,…

MILK KEFIR GRAIN: Let’s eat them

Freak of Natural Staff

  Milk Kefir grains are the starter culture that is used to make not only kefir, but various foods including cheese and bread.  Kefir grains can be used for countless recipes rather than being eaten on their own. From my personal experience I know that most of my self-producing colleagues often end up having so many grains that they don’t know where to store them. Many ask me what to do with the extra grains they still have after refrigerating them, drying, sharing around and so on. Your kefir grains…

PROBIOTICS vs. PREBIOTICS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Freak of Natural Staff

  The idea that bacteria can be beneficial for our body can be difficult for someone to assimilate. Especially in this period, where we are increasingly pushed to take antibiotics, sterilize surfaces and hands with antibacterial gels and lotions, wear masks, etc. The truth is that there are millions of bacteria in our bodies, even more than our own cells. It is therefore necessary to make a distinction without generalizing, since if it is undeniable that some bacteria can create serious problems for us, some of them that we will…

LACTIC FERMENTATION: THE SAUERKRAUT RECIPE

Freak of Natural Staff

  Sauerkraut are healthy and easy to prepare at home. The result of lactic fermentation, many versions can be made and be used in even more recipes. The origin of sauerkraut has ancient and surprising roots. It appears that as early as 4000 BC in China, cabbage was fermented using lactic fermentation. Later they got to Europe and spread rapidly around the world thanks to the simplicity of its preparation, combined with the benefits associated with the consumption of this food rich in lactic and probiotic enzymes. LET’S MAKE SAUERKRAUT:…

AGAR-AGAR: What is it, Uses and Benefits

Freak of Natural Staff

WHAT IS AGAR AGAR? Agar is a type of vegetable gelatin created from various species of seaweed, which offers many health benefits, in addition to being a great ally for vegans. The handling of this food began hundreds of years ago with the Japanese. Nowadays, it’s still being used by conscious consumers and more. So, let’s get to know a little more about this product, its different uses and benefits for consumption! Agar-agar is a gelatin that some type of red seaweed contain in their cells. It can be extracted from…

EDIBLE SEAWEEDS: Species, Properties and Benefits

Freak of Natural Staff

  Eating sushi you may have wondered which seaweed were eating and what edible seaweeds are used around the world. The species of edible seaweeds are more than one might think, as well as the nutritional benefits that characterize them. Although seaweeds are known  for being an integral part of Chinese and Japanese traditional coastal cuisine, their use in gastronomy has evolved to make it a very popular ingredient these days. Each species of edible seaweed is rich in specific nutrients such as antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and fibers. Many also…

MICROGREEN NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Freak of Natural Staff

  Microgreens are increasingly used to prepare sophisticated dishes for increasingly demanding consumers. Consumers who are particularly attentive to their health, as well as to the quality of food. In restaurants they are mostly used to decorate dishes; but microgreens have above all an interesting nutritional profile and are legitimately considered “super foods”. NUTRITIONAL VALUES Comparing microgreens to their mature versions, they can provide us with bioactive components capable of improving some strategic functions within our body. Furthermore, we should consider that compared to conventional vegetables that are often cooked,…

MICROGREENS: WHAT VARIETIES TO GROW

Freak of Natural Staff

  If there is one aspect that makes microgreens particularly interesting from a gastronomic and nutritional point of view, it’s the possibility to use and cultivate a wide range of shapes, colors, textures and flavors. It’s simply impossible not to find a role for them in the kitchen to make our dishes outstand. Generally, their flavor is a concentrate of the flavor of their ripe counterparts, rather than the other way around. The smell, on the other hand, can be intense, as in the case of aromatic species, or almost…

LACTIC FERMENTATION: How to Make Kimchi

Freak of Natural Staff
Lactic fermentation: how to make Kimchi

  Kimchi is a traditional Korean food resulting from lactic fermentation that has hundreds of variations. I have already revealed the 3 secrets to prepare a perfect Kimchi, you just have to try to prepare it at home. Here the challenge is to have the necessary patience because the reward is still a couple of weeks away. BAECHU KIMCHI Baechu Kimchi is the most common of all kimchi varieties and the key component that is always found in Korean refrigerators. When you just say “kimchi”, this is the type you…

3 Secrets for Making a Perfect Kimchi

Freak of Natural Staff
£ secrets for making the perfect Kimchi

  Today I will reveal to you the three secrets for preparing a perfect Kimchi, a Korean preparation and tradition based on the ancient technique of lactic fermentation. With this article you will enter the magical world of kimchi; only after the complete reading will you be ready to make your own kimchi at home and delight your guests.   KIMCHI AND LACTIC FERMENTATION: TWO ANCIENT TRADITIONS   Korean Kimchi is neither a dish, nor a meal, nor a recipe. It is a task to be carried out over time.…

BLACK GARLIC: What is it, Properties and Uses

Freak of Natural Staff

  WHAT IS BLACK GARLIC? Black garlic is not a variety of garlic and doesn’t grow this way in case you were wondering. This kind of garlic is the final result of a long and particular process that transform white garlic. A completely unique product packed with nutritional and organoleptic properties way different from the original source. In fact, beside from color and consistence of its pulp, black garlic differs from the common one for its sweetish taste, with aromatic licorice reminiscent notes. The main advantage is that this processed…

TYPES OF PROBIOTICS AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Freak of Natural Staff

  Research on probiotics has increased significantly in recent years, so much that today the therapeutic action of probiotics is a very widely studied and documented topic. Some of the bacteria in our gut are capable of producing vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids, which are the main source of nutrients for the cells that line the colon. These cells promote a strong intestinal barrier that helps keep out harmful substances, viruses and other unwanted bacteria. They are also believed to have positive effects on modulating the immune system and…

EASY COCONUT MILK YOGURT RECIPE

Freak of Natural Staff
easy coconut milk yogurt recipe

  Coconut water and coconut milk are packed with beneficial nutrients and taste absolutely great. Making cultured coconut milk yogurt is easy, and it’s a great alternative to yogurt made with dairy products. Coconut yogurt can be as creamy and fragrant as dairy yogurt, as well as contain specific probiotic active cultures. To begin, for the recipe we need coconut milk that is unsweetened, The label should read coconut, coconut cream, or just coconut milk, and nothing else. You can add any sweetener or fruit to the finished yogurt. If…