A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee is certainly the best way to start your day. Sipping coffee with your friends is considered the best way to start a conversation. Add to it the fact that drinking coffee has many positive effects on our health and well being. With its rich taste, appetizing smell and benefits, coffee has become a part of our modern day life.
Coffee is a beverage that is prepared from roasted coffee beans. Coffee beans from different places have their distinctive characteristics like flavor, caffeine content, body or mouth feel, and acidity. To turn the coffee berries and its seeds into roasted coffee, a lot of processing and human labor is required. The processing of coffee involves Picking, Defruiting, Drying, Sorting, Aging and Roasting.
Benefits of Consuming Coffee
The caffeine in the coffee acts as a stimulant. "Coffee Breaks" are taken during office hours to revitalize oneself. Coffee is consumed by students while preparing for exams because it makes them more alert and even boost the learning abilities and powers of reasoning. Coffee helps to improve alertness and attention and removes tiredness.
The effectiveness of painkillers, especially those taken for migraine, is increased by drinking coffee. It can rid some people of asthma.
In men, it can reduce the occurrence of gallstones and gallbladder disease. Coffee may help to reduce the risk of a number of diseases and ailments that includes Type II diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, cirrhosis, depression and much more.
Coffee reduces the incidence of heart disease. Coffee represents by far the largest source of valuable antioxidants in the diet.
Coffee Recipes
A steaming cup of coffee is the best way to energize oneself. For superior taste, cold coffee with different flavors is consumed. Expresso, Doppio and Macchiato, Long Black, Caffe Freddo, Latte and Cappuccino are some of the varieties that will be a treat to your taste buds.
Healthy Coffee Recipe:
Mocha (hot) 4 servings
Ingredients: -
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Southern Cooking CDs - Cookbook Alternatives
Down south, southern cooking is the center of interest and plays a pivotal role in most functions and activities. Did you realize that it was several centuries ago when southern cooking came into existence? Believe it or not, Southerners treasured their cooking back then, and treasure it even more today.
Southern cooking has even traced its history. Unlike cooking activity in any other place, it is different. Even some of the most well-known personalities in history, such as Thomas Jefferson and Leonardo d'Vinci, are also involved in the history of southern cooking.
There are several manifestations of idiosyncrasy in southern cooking. According to some historians, it derives from slavery and poverty. With so many things to cling on to about southern cooking, the bottom line is always to know its essence to the Southerners. The exceptional foods that they have make them known to the world.
If you are really interested to know more about the secrets behind the recipes and the common dishes prepared by the Southerners, there is a way for you to find this information. It is only in the southern cooking CDs where their secrets will be revealed.
Southern cooking CDs is a collection of recipes and detailed instructions about Southerners dishes. One very interesting fact about the CD is that these are derived from well-known and reliable resources. It is also combined with tips from expert cooks and chefs in the South.
You can now have the New Southern Cookbook and Regional Recipe Collection CD all in one. You will definitely not regret purchasing one because these contain not only hundreds, but also even thousands of distinctive home and commercial recipes suited for any occasion in your household.
The recipes that you find here will turn your heart out. You cannot ask for more. Every detail is provided for you. You will be provided with information that you want from the simple ingredients down to the dressing and the presentation of the foods.
There is no need for you to worry if you know nothing about cooking but you have the heart for it. With the Southern Cooking CD, it is made easier and even more convenient for you.
As long as you know how to follow instructions presented in the CD, you will be able to cook like a true Southerner. You can prepare the food as if you are an expert. Nobody will believe that you are able to serve that kind of food having a such great savor and taste.
The CD is also really helpful for those people who find it difficult to search for recipes on the Internet and in cookbooks . With just a press on your CD player, you will have the chance to watch and listen to everything and follow right along.
It also offers other advantages over typical cookbooks that most people are fond of buying. The price of CDs is usually less expensive. It is almost just a fraction of the price for a cookbook. Imagine, you are learning at the same time you are able to watch how the recipes are being applied over your television.
If everything is simply a dream for you before, make it realistic now with the southern cooking CDs . For certain, your family members will be amazed with the effort that you exerted in cooking their favorite food. They will not even know that your key to that is the southern cooking CD.
Southern cooking has even traced its history. Unlike cooking activity in any other place, it is different. Even some of the most well-known personalities in history, such as Thomas Jefferson and Leonardo d'Vinci, are also involved in the history of southern cooking.
There are several manifestations of idiosyncrasy in southern cooking. According to some historians, it derives from slavery and poverty. With so many things to cling on to about southern cooking, the bottom line is always to know its essence to the Southerners. The exceptional foods that they have make them known to the world.
If you are really interested to know more about the secrets behind the recipes and the common dishes prepared by the Southerners, there is a way for you to find this information. It is only in the southern cooking CDs where their secrets will be revealed.
Southern cooking CDs is a collection of recipes and detailed instructions about Southerners dishes. One very interesting fact about the CD is that these are derived from well-known and reliable resources. It is also combined with tips from expert cooks and chefs in the South.
You can now have the New Southern Cookbook and Regional Recipe Collection CD all in one. You will definitely not regret purchasing one because these contain not only hundreds, but also even thousands of distinctive home and commercial recipes suited for any occasion in your household.
The recipes that you find here will turn your heart out. You cannot ask for more. Every detail is provided for you. You will be provided with information that you want from the simple ingredients down to the dressing and the presentation of the foods.
There is no need for you to worry if you know nothing about cooking but you have the heart for it. With the Southern Cooking CD, it is made easier and even more convenient for you.
As long as you know how to follow instructions presented in the CD, you will be able to cook like a true Southerner. You can prepare the food as if you are an expert. Nobody will believe that you are able to serve that kind of food having a such great savor and taste.
The CD is also really helpful for those people who find it difficult to search for recipes on the Internet and in cookbooks . With just a press on your CD player, you will have the chance to watch and listen to everything and follow right along.
It also offers other advantages over typical cookbooks that most people are fond of buying. The price of CDs is usually less expensive. It is almost just a fraction of the price for a cookbook. Imagine, you are learning at the same time you are able to watch how the recipes are being applied over your television.
If everything is simply a dream for you before, make it realistic now with the southern cooking CDs . For certain, your family members will be amazed with the effort that you exerted in cooking their favorite food. They will not even know that your key to that is the southern cooking CD.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Fruits - Savior Of Health
There are certain healthy foods that prevent mental, physical and sexual senility and prolong youthful vitality and appearance. The usefulness of some of the more important foods noted for such properties rendering good health are discussed here.
Almond as a health food
Known as the king of nuts, almond is a highly nutritious food. It is rich in all essential elements needed by the body. Almonds are highly beneficial in preserving vitality of the brain, strengthening the muscles and prolonging life. It is an effective health building food both for the body and mind.
Substances such as Copper, iron, phosphorous aand vitamin B1 present in almonds exert synergic action and help the formation of new blood cells. They also play a major role in maintaining the smooth physiological funtions of the brain, nerves, bone, liver and the heart.
Almond is a valuable health food for several common ailments, including anemia, constipation, skin disorders and respiratory diseases. The best way to consume almonds is to soak them in water and eat it after peeling or grinding in into a paste after peeling.
Another health food: Apple
Apple is invaluable in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention and treatment of many ailments. This fruit is a highly nutritive food and contains minerals and vitamins in abundance. It has been found beneficial in the treatment of anemia, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery stomach disorders, headache, heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatic afflictions, eye and dental disorders.
The various chemicals present in apple such as vitamin B1, phosphorous and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid. This chemical substance controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. Eating an apple with honey and milk is very valuable in the nervous disorders like extreme tiredness, lack of concentration, lack of memory, mental irritability and mental depression. It acts as a very effective nerve tonic and recharges the nerves with new energy and life. The apple is the best fruit to tone up weak and run down condition of the human system.
It removes all deficiencies of vital organs and makes the body stout and strong. It tones up the body and the brain as it contains more phosphorous and iron than any other fruit or vegetable. Its regular consumption with milk promotes health and youthfulness and helps build healthy and bright skin. It has a calming and relaxing effect.
Almond as a health food
Known as the king of nuts, almond is a highly nutritious food. It is rich in all essential elements needed by the body. Almonds are highly beneficial in preserving vitality of the brain, strengthening the muscles and prolonging life. It is an effective health building food both for the body and mind.
Substances such as Copper, iron, phosphorous aand vitamin B1 present in almonds exert synergic action and help the formation of new blood cells. They also play a major role in maintaining the smooth physiological funtions of the brain, nerves, bone, liver and the heart.
Almond is a valuable health food for several common ailments, including anemia, constipation, skin disorders and respiratory diseases. The best way to consume almonds is to soak them in water and eat it after peeling or grinding in into a paste after peeling.
Another health food: Apple
Apple is invaluable in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention and treatment of many ailments. This fruit is a highly nutritive food and contains minerals and vitamins in abundance. It has been found beneficial in the treatment of anemia, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery stomach disorders, headache, heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatic afflictions, eye and dental disorders.
The various chemicals present in apple such as vitamin B1, phosphorous and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid. This chemical substance controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. Eating an apple with honey and milk is very valuable in the nervous disorders like extreme tiredness, lack of concentration, lack of memory, mental irritability and mental depression. It acts as a very effective nerve tonic and recharges the nerves with new energy and life. The apple is the best fruit to tone up weak and run down condition of the human system.
It removes all deficiencies of vital organs and makes the body stout and strong. It tones up the body and the brain as it contains more phosphorous and iron than any other fruit or vegetable. Its regular consumption with milk promotes health and youthfulness and helps build healthy and bright skin. It has a calming and relaxing effect.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bakers Rack - A Must Have
Have you got a cramped kitchen in your household? Do you want to give it a touch of style? Do you want to give your kitchen more room, decoration and functionality? If your answer is yes, then definitely, a baker's rack is a good buy for you! A baker's rack is a kitchen item that is becoming incresingly popular among different households. It is a rack that may contain wire hooks to hang utensils. It may have a shelf or two or more that may hold different items depending on your mood and desires. It may also have a wine rack. It can also provide a counter space that can be used for storage of other items or for food preparation.
1. Basic Considerations
- Consider the size of your kitchen
- Check the features
- Pick a style that suits you
- Buy only quality ones
- Properly assemble it
- Find a good spot for the rack
2. Size Of Your Kitchen
The size should be properly considered with the kitchen. It should not take too much space in your kitchen especially if you don't have much space to sacrifice. There are small and simple baker's racks that will be considerably affordable too. There are also big ones, the elephant type that you can get if you have a bigger kitchen and budget.
3. Choose The Best Features To Suit Your Needs
With the numerous designs that came out, you can also choose to buy baker's rack that come with added features. Some would have a wine rack, storage area and spice drawers. Some also have adjustable shelves to accommodate larger items. This way you will not only maximize the space of the rack, you will also get the value out of your purchase.
4. Enhance The Style Of Your Kitchen
Choose one that will easily blend with the rest of your kitchen interiors. It is a good addition to your kitchen decoration. It would definitely add up to the ambience of your most favorite spot at home. Make sure that you consider the material of the rack. There are actually different looks to choose from. For an elegant style, go for the platinum ones with bronze finishes for your home. The racks that have exquisite details and curves will serve not only as a storage area but as a very good display as well. If you want a Mediterranean effect on your house, seek for those that give a warm effect. Get the ones that have soft curves and details on the legs. Make your home really feel more like home. The ideal colors are dark green or black. You can also give a more country or rustic feel to the rack. Add some teapots or fruits to the rack to give it a more relaxed touch. You can also opt to get those made of wooden materials. There are also baker's racks for those who are into more formal designs or who want to have a modern theme. Buy one that is made of wrought iron, usually with black or silver metals. These often come with scroll designs.
5. Don't Forget - Check Material Quality
This rack is a good finishing touch in your kitchen and can surely express your flair. Just make sure that you get one that will serve you and your family in the years ahead. Inquire on the materials from the manufacturer. Make sure that you get a good brand or buy from a trusted shop. You can also ask friends for recommendations. Buying online will broaden your choices in the design, but be sure you buy from reliable online sellers.
6. Commence Proper Assembly
Follow the instructions carefully when assembling the rack. If necessary, ask help of another if the size of the rack would require extra strength from you. Use only the proper tools. Make sure that everything is properly put together before using it.
7. What Items Can You Put On A Rack?
Baker's racks are very helpful. Your new baker's rack can contain a variety of kitchen wares and even non-kitchen stuff. Make it a serving area. They can hold the bulky appliances rarely used like pressure cookers or bread makers. They are also very good decorations for your kitchen. It can also hold house plants, your cookbooks, or even your answering machine. It can also be used as a buffet bar during party times!
1. Basic Considerations
- Consider the size of your kitchen
- Check the features
- Pick a style that suits you
- Buy only quality ones
- Properly assemble it
- Find a good spot for the rack
2. Size Of Your Kitchen
The size should be properly considered with the kitchen. It should not take too much space in your kitchen especially if you don't have much space to sacrifice. There are small and simple baker's racks that will be considerably affordable too. There are also big ones, the elephant type that you can get if you have a bigger kitchen and budget.
3. Choose The Best Features To Suit Your Needs
With the numerous designs that came out, you can also choose to buy baker's rack that come with added features. Some would have a wine rack, storage area and spice drawers. Some also have adjustable shelves to accommodate larger items. This way you will not only maximize the space of the rack, you will also get the value out of your purchase.
4. Enhance The Style Of Your Kitchen
Choose one that will easily blend with the rest of your kitchen interiors. It is a good addition to your kitchen decoration. It would definitely add up to the ambience of your most favorite spot at home. Make sure that you consider the material of the rack. There are actually different looks to choose from. For an elegant style, go for the platinum ones with bronze finishes for your home. The racks that have exquisite details and curves will serve not only as a storage area but as a very good display as well. If you want a Mediterranean effect on your house, seek for those that give a warm effect. Get the ones that have soft curves and details on the legs. Make your home really feel more like home. The ideal colors are dark green or black. You can also give a more country or rustic feel to the rack. Add some teapots or fruits to the rack to give it a more relaxed touch. You can also opt to get those made of wooden materials. There are also baker's racks for those who are into more formal designs or who want to have a modern theme. Buy one that is made of wrought iron, usually with black or silver metals. These often come with scroll designs.
5. Don't Forget - Check Material Quality
This rack is a good finishing touch in your kitchen and can surely express your flair. Just make sure that you get one that will serve you and your family in the years ahead. Inquire on the materials from the manufacturer. Make sure that you get a good brand or buy from a trusted shop. You can also ask friends for recommendations. Buying online will broaden your choices in the design, but be sure you buy from reliable online sellers.
6. Commence Proper Assembly
Follow the instructions carefully when assembling the rack. If necessary, ask help of another if the size of the rack would require extra strength from you. Use only the proper tools. Make sure that everything is properly put together before using it.
7. What Items Can You Put On A Rack?
Baker's racks are very helpful. Your new baker's rack can contain a variety of kitchen wares and even non-kitchen stuff. Make it a serving area. They can hold the bulky appliances rarely used like pressure cookers or bread makers. They are also very good decorations for your kitchen. It can also hold house plants, your cookbooks, or even your answering machine. It can also be used as a buffet bar during party times!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Gift Baskets No Comparison To Fruitcakes Anymore
The gift baskets of the past were such a sorry excuse for a present that they were often included in jokes along with the standard fruitcakes. You do remember the old fruitcake jokes don't you? Of course, I may be dating myself here but anyway you look at it, this is definitely not the reality today. Gift baskets have really come into their own as well respected in the gift giving department. Due to the variety, quality and wide range of prices they have become quite popular as creative and thoughtful ways to express everything from well wishes to sympathy for those you care about.
So, if the image in your mind is that of a chintzy imitation wicker basket filled with semi rotten fruit then you haven't checked out the many shops available today both off line and online. The vast array of choices is fantastic and you can easily find something for every person and occasion you could possibly think of on your gift giving list. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Wine has become quite popular around the world so it's hard to go wrong when sending a wine basket. The nice thing about these is how personal you can actually make them. You can choose the type of wine you know the person truly enjoys or perhaps purchase a bottle from an expensive winery that you know they would love to try but would never spend that kind of money on themselves. This can make a very special treat for someone on either your personal or corporate list. Can you think of a better way to let someone know how much they are truly appreciated?
Don't forget when making your purchase to include some other delicious goodies, as everyone drinking a glass of their favorite wine needs a nibbler or two to go along with it. This is another place where you will need to put some thought into what this particular person would enjoy. If they are chocolate lovers you can't go wrong with an assortment of luscious gourmet chocolates and even if this is for a corporate recipient that you don't know very well, chocolate is still a great choice as most everyone loves chocolate especially the fancy gourmet varieties.
Of course, fancy fruits, cheese and crackers, or even caviar are other great selections to go along with your vintage bottle or any wine for that matter. You could also become quite creative by throwing in a book by their favorite author, a scented candle, aromatherapy or special spa items so they can truly relax and unwind with this unique idea that you have so thoughtful and creatively put together and delivered.
Now if you're thinking to yourself that these great tips won't work for the people on your list because they aren't wine drinkers, well think again because you can just substitute the wine in your hand selected gift basket with an assortment of gourmet coffees or fancy teas or there are even some great non-alcoholic beverage alternatives for you to choose from. Like I said these are fantastic presents due to the variety and creativity that can go into each and every one making them as unique as the person receiving them.
One last tip, there are hundreds of fantastic pre-made gift baskets available today for you to choose from with just such options already put together for you or if you don't find exactly what you need there are other services that will create whatever you special order and deliver it directly to that special someone on your gift giving list.
So, if the image in your mind is that of a chintzy imitation wicker basket filled with semi rotten fruit then you haven't checked out the many shops available today both off line and online. The vast array of choices is fantastic and you can easily find something for every person and occasion you could possibly think of on your gift giving list. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Wine has become quite popular around the world so it's hard to go wrong when sending a wine basket. The nice thing about these is how personal you can actually make them. You can choose the type of wine you know the person truly enjoys or perhaps purchase a bottle from an expensive winery that you know they would love to try but would never spend that kind of money on themselves. This can make a very special treat for someone on either your personal or corporate list. Can you think of a better way to let someone know how much they are truly appreciated?
Don't forget when making your purchase to include some other delicious goodies, as everyone drinking a glass of their favorite wine needs a nibbler or two to go along with it. This is another place where you will need to put some thought into what this particular person would enjoy. If they are chocolate lovers you can't go wrong with an assortment of luscious gourmet chocolates and even if this is for a corporate recipient that you don't know very well, chocolate is still a great choice as most everyone loves chocolate especially the fancy gourmet varieties.
Of course, fancy fruits, cheese and crackers, or even caviar are other great selections to go along with your vintage bottle or any wine for that matter. You could also become quite creative by throwing in a book by their favorite author, a scented candle, aromatherapy or special spa items so they can truly relax and unwind with this unique idea that you have so thoughtful and creatively put together and delivered.
Now if you're thinking to yourself that these great tips won't work for the people on your list because they aren't wine drinkers, well think again because you can just substitute the wine in your hand selected gift basket with an assortment of gourmet coffees or fancy teas or there are even some great non-alcoholic beverage alternatives for you to choose from. Like I said these are fantastic presents due to the variety and creativity that can go into each and every one making them as unique as the person receiving them.
One last tip, there are hundreds of fantastic pre-made gift baskets available today for you to choose from with just such options already put together for you or if you don't find exactly what you need there are other services that will create whatever you special order and deliver it directly to that special someone on your gift giving list.
The Organic Chocolate Revolution The Amazing Lure of Chocolate
The cocoa industry in Venezuela is seeing a big comeback as farmers in that country are going organic. In recent years the news from Venezuela was more about oil and politics than anything else, however, chocolate is now taking over.
The price for organically grown cocoa products is nearly 4 times higher than non-organic cocoa. Organic cocoa is being bought for the high end single bean malt whiskies in Europe and the USA. In addition to growing cacao trees, the farmers in Venezuela are also producing their own chocolate.
Nearly half the day is spent nurturing the trees, protecting them from pests, insects and bad weather. Using only natural compost instead of man made fertilizers is twice the work, but well worth it to the Venezuelan cocoa farmers. The price of conventional cacao beans was $2.00 per kilogram, now they receive $7.00 per kilogram, quite an increase.
Their products are now sold directly to foreign chocolate manufacturers, eliminating the local intermediaries who have been priced out of the cacao market. Fifty families have banded together to create an association of organic cacao farmers.
The cacao seeds are fermented for six days in large wooden boxes then sun dried on the cement patio of the association building. After that they are cleaned, sorted, weighed and put into sacks ready for export. During the rainy season a flood can wipe out the entire crop a river bursting its banks can destroy several acres or trees in a few hours time.
In the last three years the annual cacao production has doubled, and the owners believe it is due to the conversion to organic farming. The majority of the funding to start this program came from the Venezuelan government who has provided 10 million dollars in research and training. In addition the European Union has been funding them through a non-government organization called Tierra Viva.
America, France and Italy are all purchasing organic beans in Venezuela, the single bean origin label denotes aroma and purity and only Venezuela can offer that at this time.
THE AMAZING LURE OF CHOCOLATE:
There are very few foods bring out the passion of chocolate, going beyond a love of sweetness as in most candies and desserts, not many people crave caramel, bubble gun or whipped cream. Chocolate is different, for a true chocoholic thinking about chocolate brings on a pleasurable reaction.
The first time I saw one of the yellow-green pods hanging from the trunk and large branches of a cacao tree, I was reminded of a movie about body snatchers, where pods were secretly placed in the vicinity of the victim and turned into the person, effectively snatching the persons personality. Cacao pods do look a little alien after all. The hand-sized pods, once stripped of their outer layer contain a sweet white pulp, which is the actual fruit of the cacao tree, cacao means food of the gods.
Inside the pulp you will find the seeds (a dark purple color) which are the basis for cocoa or chocolate. It is unusual for a person to get the pleasure of sampling the fruit of the cacao tree; it has a mild subtle chocolate flavor, slightly bittersweet. After drying and processing they are recognizable by any chocolate lover as chocolate beans.
A native of Central and South America, the cacao tree cultivated around the equator and is found in Africa, South-East Asia, the Caribbean and even in Samoa and New Guinea. Rorastero, which accounts for almost 90% of the worlds production of cacao beans, is the most common of the cacao trees.
The rarest and most highly valued is the Criollo cacao tree; their aroma and delicacy are sought out with care and great expense by the worlds best chocolate makers. Trinitario is a cross between the Rorastero and Criollo trees and is used by many of the leading chefs.
The price for organically grown cocoa products is nearly 4 times higher than non-organic cocoa. Organic cocoa is being bought for the high end single bean malt whiskies in Europe and the USA. In addition to growing cacao trees, the farmers in Venezuela are also producing their own chocolate.
Nearly half the day is spent nurturing the trees, protecting them from pests, insects and bad weather. Using only natural compost instead of man made fertilizers is twice the work, but well worth it to the Venezuelan cocoa farmers. The price of conventional cacao beans was $2.00 per kilogram, now they receive $7.00 per kilogram, quite an increase.
Their products are now sold directly to foreign chocolate manufacturers, eliminating the local intermediaries who have been priced out of the cacao market. Fifty families have banded together to create an association of organic cacao farmers.
The cacao seeds are fermented for six days in large wooden boxes then sun dried on the cement patio of the association building. After that they are cleaned, sorted, weighed and put into sacks ready for export. During the rainy season a flood can wipe out the entire crop a river bursting its banks can destroy several acres or trees in a few hours time.
In the last three years the annual cacao production has doubled, and the owners believe it is due to the conversion to organic farming. The majority of the funding to start this program came from the Venezuelan government who has provided 10 million dollars in research and training. In addition the European Union has been funding them through a non-government organization called Tierra Viva.
America, France and Italy are all purchasing organic beans in Venezuela, the single bean origin label denotes aroma and purity and only Venezuela can offer that at this time.
THE AMAZING LURE OF CHOCOLATE:
There are very few foods bring out the passion of chocolate, going beyond a love of sweetness as in most candies and desserts, not many people crave caramel, bubble gun or whipped cream. Chocolate is different, for a true chocoholic thinking about chocolate brings on a pleasurable reaction.
The first time I saw one of the yellow-green pods hanging from the trunk and large branches of a cacao tree, I was reminded of a movie about body snatchers, where pods were secretly placed in the vicinity of the victim and turned into the person, effectively snatching the persons personality. Cacao pods do look a little alien after all. The hand-sized pods, once stripped of their outer layer contain a sweet white pulp, which is the actual fruit of the cacao tree, cacao means food of the gods.
Inside the pulp you will find the seeds (a dark purple color) which are the basis for cocoa or chocolate. It is unusual for a person to get the pleasure of sampling the fruit of the cacao tree; it has a mild subtle chocolate flavor, slightly bittersweet. After drying and processing they are recognizable by any chocolate lover as chocolate beans.
A native of Central and South America, the cacao tree cultivated around the equator and is found in Africa, South-East Asia, the Caribbean and even in Samoa and New Guinea. Rorastero, which accounts for almost 90% of the worlds production of cacao beans, is the most common of the cacao trees.
The rarest and most highly valued is the Criollo cacao tree; their aroma and delicacy are sought out with care and great expense by the worlds best chocolate makers. Trinitario is a cross between the Rorastero and Criollo trees and is used by many of the leading chefs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)