August 13, 2024

Oh, là là! The Fabulous Flavors of France

Over the past year, FoodTrients has been exploring foods and flavors from around the globe. This week, we take a look at the flavors of France as part of our new series on the world of foods, herbs and spices that help create some of the distinctive dishes we have featured, and the age-defying benefits they deliver. France is known for its elegant cuisine that is unlike any other. Not only is food an important part of French culture, but wine is considered a staple as well. France is well known for its wine all around the world and pairing […]
July 30, 2024

Top 10 Medicinal Herbs Growing in your Garden

Summer is a great time for gardening and boosting anti-inflammatory foods that you grow on your own. Get strategic about which plants you want in your garden this year by including some beautiful aromatic culinary herbs. The top 10 medicinal herbs below can help you add more flavor to your cooking and also offer many health benefits. Some of the top health benefits you can gain by using more herbs include: reduce salt in your cooking while still including lots of flavor blood pressure control benefits (herbs are often high in potassium) boost potent antioxidants that can help calm inflammation […]
November 6, 2023

Rosemary Apple Dessert Bars

Rosemary Apple Dessert Bars Cookies and pies abound during the winter holidays so why not mix things up with naturally sweet apple bars as a unique alternative? The crumbly top offers a familiar texture while the presence of rosemary and lemon blended with apples provides a flavor profile your guests won’t be expecting. Use a tart, firm apple like Fuji or Granny Smith. Cut these bars up and gift them in a festive tin or on a plate wrapped with a bow to celebrate time together with family and friends in a healthier way and without another trip to the […]
August 16, 2023

Rosemary Improves Memory and Cognition

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” —Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Although poor Ophelia was mad, she appears to have been spot on in her association of rosemary with better memory. Despite its name, rosemary is not related to roses but, rather, takes its name from ros, which means dew in Latin, and marinus, which means “of the sea”. The herb was said to have clung to the goddess Aphrodite when she arose from the sea foam in her mythological birth. This “dew of the sea,” which is native to the Mediterranean area, is now cultivated in many areas of the world. […]
May 31, 2022

Herbs de Provence

This classic French spice mix is made from herbs that grow readily in the Provence region. Use it to season meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and egg dishes. Health Benefits: Fennel seeds have a powerful anti-cancer compound called anethole. Rosemary contains eucalyptol, an anti-inflammatory compound that breaks down mucus, and helps support for lung function when used topically. Yields about 1/3 cup Ingredients 1 tsp. each: Dried basil Fennel seed Dried marjoram Dried oregano Dried thyme Dried lavender (optional) 1 Tbs. each: Dried rosemary Dried savory Procedure Mix together and store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place.
December 10, 2019

Add Life To the Menu With Spice Mixes

As you probably know from history, North America was discovered by Columbus’ expedition in the 15th century because Europe wanted to find a shortcut to India, with whom they had been trading in valuable spices. Back then, spices were mostly used to help preserve food in the days before refrigeration and to mask the off flavor of food starting to spoil. In general, herbs are the fresh leaves of a plant, such as sage, oregano and basil. Spices are usually considered the seed, berry, bark, root or rhizome (creeping root) of a plant. In common practice, once fresh herbs are […]
November 13, 2018

Garlicky Green Beans

These green beans are easy to make and can even be prepped a day ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holidays and dinner parties. Marcona almonds make this simple side dish elegant. Green beans contain vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that boosts immune function and keeps eyes and skin healthy. Vitamin C helps the body resist infection, prevents cataracts, and boosts collagen. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb. green beans (about 6 cups), trimmed 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. Marcona almonds 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbs. chopped fresh […]
October 31, 2017

Rosemary Boosts Brain Power

It’s no coincidence that the smell of coffee wakes you up in the morning or that the scent of lavender relaxes you. And it’s no secret that scents can have a powerful effect on the body, and rosemary is no exception. According to the results of a study, the scent of rosemary may help to boost your cognitive function. Captured your attention? Then please keep on reading! Rosemary Enhances Cognitive Function Scientists recruited 20 healthy participants and placed them in an area where rosemary essential oil was being diffused. The volunteers were not aware of the true nature of the study. They […]
September 5, 2017

Rosemary Blooms with Healing Properties

You’ve likely noticed the herb rosemary being used in creative culinary ways from infused cocktails to ice cream flavors recently but did you know that it also has some healing properties in addition to being fragrant and delicious?  A perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is related to mint and is used as a spice in leaf or oil form. You may even have it growing in your yard this summer as it is easy to cultivate, hearty, and sometimes even used in decoration or as a yard hedge. In manufacturing, rosemary is used for its fragrant scent in […]