On other shores (including the US) - Fruit n' Vegetables
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Acai Berries -
Brazilian This one has a little history behind it. I'm in the martial arts - specifically, Jujitsu. And I'm always looking for something that will give me the edge nutritionally (which is most likely what got me on this food craze at the start - although I've kept with it because I'm just fascinated with different tastes and food varieties.) Well, there's a specific, very successful style of Jujitsu called Brazilian Jujitsu (Gracie), that specializes in groundfighting. And I found out that alot of the Brazilian practitioners swear by this native Acai berry - either eaten straight, or at breakfast with granola, or mushed into a smoothie. They claim it's got great nutritional value and antioxidants, and really gives you an energy push. I searched high and low - nothing to be found. After a very intensive search, I found it at Whole Foods Market (I hope it was there, I don't clearly remember.) The taste was - novel and neat. It's something of a cross between cherry and chocolate, and I'd love to try it again in some traditional recipe. It's too expensive to eat regularly, at least here in NY - but give it a shot! Would I try again? Yes, although they're hard to come by. Where I found it: Whole Foods Market, *I think* (it's been awhile.) 6/13/05 update: It's also now available in both smoothie and traditional form (granola and acai) at Del Monico Gourmet Deli - 375 Lexington Avenue (41st/42nd). For more information: Try Zola Acai - they market the berry in California |
| Amaranth (US
and elsewhere) A grain (really a seed) with great nutritonal value - and a great replacement for staples like brown rice and the like. If you like oatmeal, you're going to love this stuff. These miniscule little seeds cook up rather gummy, like porridge in just 25 minutes, with no pre-soaking. Also--get this--amaranth can be popped like popcorn. Honestly, the flavor is kind of lacking in the popped version, but its extremely amusing to pop it at least once (use dry heat in a skillet) and watch those teeny tiny buggers bounce around. If you're into alternative grains at all, give this one a try. Neat, tasty and fun. Would I try again? YES. Unlike Spelt and Kamut, Amaranth had that extra something (I think it was the texture) that made it really delightful to eat. If you're an oatmeal fan at all (for the texture is similar), you owe it to yourself to give it a try. 3.0 stars. Where I found it: Health Nut |
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| Carob -
(Middle East) Also known as St. John's Bread, and locust bean - available in power form, and as an ingredient in a number of health food alternative desserts (everything from a hot cocoa substitute to candy bars.) Something like unsweetened chocolate, carob is a bean/legume, with no caffeine. It's also used for a number non-culinary uses (such as an ingredient in cosmetics). I've mainly tasted it in powder form (warning, taken straight, it'll suck all the moisture straight out of your mouth!), but it's not bad. A nice change of pace from straight chocolate. Try it in a health food bar today. Would I try again? Yes. Where I found it: Your average every-day health food store. |
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Chocolate Nibs The dehulled core of the cocoa bean, from whence comes chocolate. Rich in antioxidants, its a favorite of raw fooders webwide. Oh - did I mention? It's also also bitter as baker's chocolate. Just not all that nice straight up. Maybe it'll be good in a smoothie, but so far I've only tried it as a handful. And - REAL expensive. So unless you want to turn it into a neat concoction like raw brownies or some such, I'd let this one pass you by. Sorry guys.... Would I try again? No. Bitter. Expensive. Just not worth it. Where I found it: Health Nut |
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Jicama A root vegetable from Mexico and Central America. Also known as the Mexican Potato or Turnip, this veggie has a sweet taste, married to a crunchy water chestnut texture. Though I've had only limited experience with it so far, I really liked what I've tried. FYI...among other uses, it can be cut into slices for a neat rendition of "raw french fries", or pulverized in a food processor to create a low(er) carb substitution for sushi rice... Would I try again? Oh yeah...good stuff! Where I found it: Bowery Whole Foods and the Amish Market (on 46th Street/2nd Avenue) |
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Just Veggies
(US) Dehydrated veggies in a tub, ready to grab n' go at the office. They were light, airy, and nicely sweet - honestly, rather addictive! This company has a million different permutations: just veggies (hot or regular), just tomatoes, just apples...etc. Very yummy and healthy. Would I try again? Yes, although I probably won't, due to the $5.00 per tub cost. Where I found it: Health Nut or go to the source at Just Tomatoes. |
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Kamut (US and
elsewhere) A type of wheat, marketed by Kamut International - chewy, and nutty - and generally pretty good (although it will give your jaws a workout - this ain't nothin' like white rice, my dear.) Good nutritionally, but a little expensive for us poor guys. Available at health food stores everywhere. Would I try again? No - like spelt (see below) - a tad too expensive for my , er...taste. Where I found it: Health Nut |
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Quinoa (South
American) Tiny little seeds from the goosefoot (Chenopodium) plant. Cooked like any grain, quinoa has a slightly nutty taste...and a nutritious profile, full of protein and balanced amino acids. A good grain for vegetarians, quinoa also has a decent amount of iron and magnesium. Not bad for a change of pace - 'cause brown rice or oatmeal can get a little dull at times... Would I try again? Yes, though I don't *crave* it. Where I found it: Any good health food store |
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Spelt (US and
elsewhere) A type of wheat with a chewy, nutty taste - definitely a better nutrional bet than white rice, and a nice change of pace, too. Available at your nearest health food store, wherever you may be. Warning: does take longer to cook - and its best to let it soak overnight, just for that extra softening effect. Would I try again? Yeah, but for the cost, I think I'd rather have Teff or Quinoa, which is equally yummy and has a better nutritonal profile. Where I found it: Health Nut |
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