CHICORY - THE ROOT FOR COFFEE: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF CHICORY

CHICORY, CICHORIUM INTYBUS

Chicory and endive are sometimes confused, perhaps because they are the only two members of the genus Cichorium. Endive is cultivated and resembles a tight-leaved pale green torpedo shaped lettuce whereas chicory looks like a tall dandelion, but with blue flowers not yellow, and its leaves grow at right-angles from the stem. It has similar properties to the dandelion too, but can grow up to 2 feet tall. In Britain the endive is called chicory too, while chicory, the herb is also called Succory which further adds to the confusion. Chicory is native to Europe, Scandinavia, North Africa and western Asia. It is cultivated for the root, but grows wild too. It’s a member of the Asteraceae or daisy family of plants.

   For centuries chicory has been used either as a substitute for coffee or as an adulterant to it. There was an outcry when the British government demanded that manufacturers stopped putting chicory root in coffee back in the 18^th century, although the practice has long gone out of fashion in Britain. However it is still going strong in New Orleans and can be found in some European coffees too. it is thought to counteract caffeine the stimulant in coffee.

  Apart from being roasted and ground to make coffee or to add to it, you can cook the roots as you would parsnips, although they are more bitter than these traditional root vegetables. You can boil them too and add them to sauces and gravies to give these a deep rich colour. The Romans used to add chicory leaves to salads, and use the roots as a vegetable.

  Chicory leaves, young tender ones, picked before the flowers appear in July are good raw in salads and the flowers can be used too as they are edible, although with a slightly bitter taste.

  The roots contain inulin and were thought to be good for diabetics, until it was discovered that inulin, a starch, is not retained in the body but tends to pass straight through. However a sweetener is now made from inulin and this may be used safely by diabetics.

  The leaves contain dietary fibre, so make a good mild laxative and prevent constipation and therefore piles, as well as having vitamins A, B-complex thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3) as well as vitamin C. They are rich in the mineral calcium and also contain iron. The plant also contains bioflavonoids such as quercetin and sesquiterpenes.

  It is best to use roots that are less than two years old and young leaves. They can both be dried after harvesting for later use, and it is best to harvest the roots in the autumn when they have finished flowering, so October would be a good time, in most countries. A decoction of the roots is said to be good to reduce liver enlargement, and it has been found that extracts of chicory have liver-protective properties. Traditionally the roots have been used for rheumatism while the leaves have diuretic properties. A decoction of the whole plant used to be given to people with gravel or stones in their internal organs.

The latex in chicory stems was used to get rid of warts.

  A decoction can be made with 1 ounce of the fresh, cleaned root, to 1 pint of water, boiled down to ¾ pint for liver problems and for the inflammation caused by gout and rheumatism.

  A poultice of the bruised leaves can be applied to reduce swellings and inflammation although for swellings, mallow leaves are probably best. An infusion of the root, 1 ounce of root to 1 pint of boiling water, poured over the chopped root and left to stand for 15 minutes can be applied to eruptions on the skin and to soothe irritation. Distilled flower water was used to reduce eye irritation and in Jacobean times the flowers were used to make a sweet dish along with the flowers of violets, called “Violet plates.”

  The seeds contain a soothing oil which is good for the skin and it is the seeds which have been found to have the most potent antioxidant properties in the plant. The seeds have proved to be liver-protective.

   The polyphenolic acids in the plant have antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating and anti-oxidant properties and research has shown that the extracts of the plant could possibly be used to combat the HIV virus. It is also thought that extracts of this chicory plant could help with heart irregularities, although much more research is needed before scientists can prove that the extracts from the plant work on people.

  

HOPBUSH ( DODONAEA VISCOSA): USES AND BENEFITS OF HOPBUSH

HOPBUSH, DODONAEA VISCOSA

The hopbush is so-called because its colourful fruits can be used as a substitute for hops in brewing. It is native to the Southern hemisphere where it grows in South and South-East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and Latin America, as well as elsewhere. It gets the name Dodonaea in honour of Rembert Dodoens a 16^th century Flemish botanist, royal physician and professor. The name viscosa comes from the Latin which means sticky, referring to the texture of the plant’s leaves. It is a member of the soap tree family, the Sapindaceae and so a relative of reetha, the soap berry tree.

  In Pakistan it is called sanatha and the leaves and bark are used for fevers and to reduce swelling caused by inflammation and bumps. The fruit and bark have astringent qualities so are used to treat diarrhoea and to heal wounds externally.

  In some countries the leaves are chewed for their stimulant qualities, although as they contain saponins and the oil in them is cyanogenic, this is not advisable, although I’m told they spit out the leaf having masticated it well. Cattle have reportedly suffered liver damage after eating the foliage, although there are no known reports of this having adverse affects on humans.

   The bark is sometimes used in poultices for swellings and headaches and is added to baths. The leaves have pain-killing, wound healing and diaphoretic (sweat-promoting) qualities as well as being astringent and useful for skin rashes, toothache and sore throats. A decoction or infusion can be made from them and the liquid applied to affected areas of the skin.

  In some countries such as New Guinea they are used for house construction, as the shrubs can grow to 8 metres high, although they normally reach between 1 and 3 metres tall. They can also be used as live fences, and the wood is used to make cabinet, hammers and other small items as it is strong and durable.

  Modern research has shown that the hopbush has potential benefits as the leaves have been found to have anti-fungal, anti-diabetic (in vivo on rats) anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory anti-oxidant properties. They can also help to combat ulcers. They contain flavonoids and tannins as well as saponins and steroids and triterpenes, but further research is needed to discover exactly which substances have the most active beneficial properties.

HENNA ( LAWSONIA INERMIS): INFORMATION, USES AND BENEFITS OF HENNA

HENNA, LAWSONIA INERMIS

Henna is a shrub or small tree that is widely cultivated for its medicinal purposes as well as its decorative ones. It is the dried powdered leaves that produce henna hair dye, and the dye from this shrub is also used for leather and textiles. Unlike annatto it is not added to food. The substance that makes the red colour is Lawsone.

  The European Commission have been slow to approve the use of henna for any other purpose than hair dye because it is sometimes adulterated and when used on the skin has exacerbated already existing allergies. However it has been used on the skin at least since the Bronze Age in countries which include Greece (some figures on wall paintings show women decorated with henna). It is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus which is a medical text from ancient Egypt dating back to the 16^th century BC. The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his household used it and it figures in the “Prophetic Medicine” book which lists medicinal plants and natural substances that the prophet used.

  Henna has been used by followers of most of the world’s religions including Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Zoroastrians among others. It grows from North Africa through to Indonesia, and was imported to Spain by the Arabs in the 12^th century. The Night of Mehndi (henna) is still celebrated in Pakistan and other countries on the night before a marriage, with the bride and her female friends decorating each other’s feet and hands with intricate henna designs. The traditional designs have become more intricate as the mehndi can be bought in easy applicators, and glitter and other colours are now also used to enhance the effects of this traditional body art. Henna has been used in this way in celebrations for millennia, and the Romans also used it for hair dye.

  In Pakistan villagers still follow the ancient traditions and decorate their horses, donkeys and mules with henna to protect them from evil and presumably accidents while traveling on the increasingly busier roads.

  To use it as hair dye you use 100 grams of powder to 300 mls of boiling water and mix this to a paste. Let this cool then apply the pulpy mixture to your hair and leave it for 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the intensity of colour you require. Be warned though, if you have grey or white hairs, they will turn vibrant orange. In Pakistan I have been stunned by elderly men with orange hair and beards, and elderly women with orange hair who have let the white grow back. The donkeys look pretty though.

  The flowers are usually white and have a fragrance which is used in perfumes, and they are also steeped in vinegar and then applied in a poultice to foreheads to relieve headaches.

  This site’s owner used to use henna on his feet to relieve the prickly, burning sensation he gets in winter on the soles of his feet, but as it stains his feet orange, he has now taken to using turnips or kaddo which he says are equally beneficial. Apparently this remedy is also used in the Philippines.

  The roots are used in traditional medicine to treat gonorrhea and to increase a woman’s fertility, while made into a decoction they are used as a diuretic and for bronchitis. A tisane of the leaves and flowers is used externally for skin problems, rheumatism and taken orally for tetanus, epilepsy and stomach problems. The leaves are also used to treat leprosy, jaundice and scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) and a leaf decoction is used to regulate a women’s menstruation and to bring on a period. A decoction of the leaves is given to relieve abdominal pains after childbirth too. In some countries a tisane of the leaves is given to people who are obese to aid weight loss.

   I’ve just been informed that there is a traditional remedy for strong hair; you heat 250 grams coconut oil and add a handful of henna leaves and heat almost to boiling point. Then you leave to cool and store in an airtight container.

   The shrub (which can grow anywhere between 2 and 6 metres tall) is used as a live fence as some plants are spiny, and it can be helpful in preventing soil erosion. The wood can be made into small objects such as tent pegs, and is used as fuel for cooking. Animals forage for the leaves, so the plant is put to many uses. It is an ornamental shrub as you can see from the pictures.

Henna powder

  Modern medical research has been done on extracts from the plant and has found it to be antimicrobial and antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparastic and antiseptic. It is thought that it could be employed for its natural antibiotic properties as some micro-organisms have become resistant to synthetic antibiotics. It also has possibilities for the textile industry as they search for anti-microbial fabrics.

  If you thought that henna was strictly for the hair, then this should make you rethink those ideas.

 

RUDRAKSHA-TREE FROM SHIVA'S TEARS; HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES

THE ROSARY BEAD TREE, RUDRAKSHA, ELEOCARPUS SPHAERICUS

This tree is an evergreen with white flowers in the Eleocarpaceae family, which is native to the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan regions. It is said by Hindus to have sprung from Lord Shiva’s tears, and is used for its medicinal properties as well as for its spiritual ones by Hindus and Buddhists. It should not be confused with the Bead Tree or the Chinaberry tree (Melia azadarach). It is a symbol of purity, and the bead that is most prized has to be given as a gift by a holy person for it to work.

  The tree is especially valued for its seeds, which are made into prayer beads, or soften a person wears just one bead around the neck to protect from evil. There are several categories of seeds, the one most prized being the one with only one line on it, which is believed to protect the wearer for life against any accident. There is a whole site devoted to the spiritual side of the seed, Rudraksha 101 if you are interested in pursuing it.

  In Ayurvedic medicine, the seeds and blue fruit surrounding them (which gives rise to the name blueberry beads for the rosary beads) are used for all manner of ailments, including:- insanity, epilepsy, bronchitis, coughs, colds, neuralgia, arthritis, mental problems, insomnia, headaches, jaundice, high blood pressure, and fever. However this list is not exhaustive.

  The berry contains flavonoids such as quercetin and 7 alkaloids whose properties are under investigation.  In fact although there have been several clinical studies in vivo they have been on animals and more research is needed into how the extracts of fruit and seeds actually work to produce the effects they have on animals.

  The various extracts have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and to be effective against fungal infections such as Candida albicans (thrush). They have also lowered anxiety levels and proven to be a mild sedative. They also have pain-killing properties. Studies have shown that they have anti-convulsion properties, and can relieve the symptoms of asthma and help with bronchial problems. They can also lower blood cholesterol levels and so protect the heart as they also show that they can lower blood pressure. They can relax the smooth muscles in the body and can help cure ulcers. Perhaps the main benefit we will eventually be able to gain from them is that they may be a useful anti-depressant.

  

BOTTLE GOURDS-SUMMER SQUASHES-HISTORY, USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS: RECIPE KADDU GOSHT

THE BOTTLE GOURD, KADDU, LANGENARIA SICERARIA

The origins of the bottle gourd are uncertain, but they either originated in Asia or Africa, where they can still be found growing wild. They are summer squash and members of the Cucurbitaceae family which includes pumpkins, courgettes, marrows and the ash gourd. We eat the unripe fruit of the plant, as the ripe fruit has a very hard rind and when dried and hollowed can be used to make bowls, dippers for water and decorative items, as well as a huge variety of musical instruments. I spent one summer in south western Turkey painting the ripe ones to make Turkish figures to decorate restaurants and shops. I was amazed when tourists wanted to buy them as I have never thought of myself as an artist!

  These days I content myself with eating kaddu or kaddo as they are called in Pakistan. These are pale green and round, and apparently are good to ease the burning prickly sensation some people have in the soles of their feet. Apparently the best part to use is the part near the stem and you rub this onto your soles to relieve the sensation. You can also use turnips or a henna paste to do the same thing, but henna leaves its orange mark on the feet (and toes).The fruit of this gourd can be dried for later use, for its cooling properties. It is an aid to digestion and has many uses in traditional medicine both in the Indian sub-continent and Africa, as well as other parts of the world where it is cultivated.

  It is one of the oldest cultivated crops and was grown in the Mediterranean in the Bronze Age. The gourds have been put to many uses, such as being made into penis sheaths in Papua New Guinea.

   In traditional medicine in the Indian subcontinent, a glass of the fresh juice of the fresh unripe gourd is mixed with lime juice and drunk to relieve urinary tract infections such as cystitis. The juice is also a thirst quencher and good for diabetics and for those who have consumed too much fatty food. It is also said to prevent fatigue.

  They say that if the juice is mixed with sesame oil and massaged into the scalp at night it will prevent insomnia and ensure a good night’s sleep. The juice has been prescribed for insanity and mental disorders as well as for epilepsy and to help with stomach ulcers and combat acidity in the gut. The juice mixed with ginger and pepper prevents constipation, bleeding and helps combat obesity, so they say. The fruit has a fairly high fibre content so is good for constipation and so for piles.

  The flowers are said to be an antidote for poison, and if you make a poultice with the crushed leaves of the plant and put it on your forehead, this will get rid of a headache. The stem bark and rind of the fruit makes a good diuretic, (personally I’d rather drink sattu or a tukh malanga and gond katira drink or eat a mooli).The fruit is said to be good to remove gravel and stones from the organs, and has cooling properties, and I think this last part is true at least. A poultice of the baked seeds is put on boils to burst them and then get rid of them, and it is good for diabetes. The seeds are used to remove internal worms, and the pulp around the seeds is used for its purgative properties.

  Some people eat the tender young shoots and leaves from the plant as a vegetable, and the leaves can be chopped and used to flavour soups and stews. The seeds yield pale yellow transparent oil which can be used in cooking and which like laverbread and spinach contains iodine.

  The fruit is rich in the B-complex vitamins, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids. It has antioxidant properties and so can help prevent cell damage from free radicals which can cause cancer. The fruit also contains 13 amino acids, including glutamic acid and the minerals calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium and potassium.

  Modern medical research suggests that an extract from the bottle gourd can help with cases of Obsessive–Compulsive-Disorder, although more tests are needed. It has pain-killing properties and antiviral ones, as well as being a possible cancer preventative. It is a diuretic and has anti-inflammatory properties too. It may also protect the liver and regulate the immune system, so it is a very beneficial fruit to add to your diet. Why not try the recipe below?

  You need to scrape the outer skin from the fruit rather than peel it so that it retains its nutrients.

KADDO GOSHT (KADDO AND MEAT)

Ingredients

½ kg beef, cubed

½ kg kaddo

1 onion, sliced

2 tomatoes roughly chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 inch ginger root, peeled and finely chopped

1 handful fresh coriander leaves, shredded 

6 green chillies, finely chopped

1 tbsp garam masala

1 tbsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp coriander seeds

1 tbsp chilli powder

salt to taste

6 whole black peppercorns

1 cup oil

Method

Scrape the kaddo and cut into cubes then put it into water until ready to use.

Heat the oil in a deep pan and add the garlic, cumin seeds and ginger and fry for 1 min.

Put in the meat and seal on all sides (3-4 mins).

Add the onion and fry for 2 mins and then add the tomatoes and green chillies and fry for 2 to 3 mins.

Add 2 glasses of water with all the spices and stir well.

Cover the pot and cook over a medium heat for about ½ hour.

Put the drained kaddo in the pan and stir to mix. Keep stirring for 5 mins.

Add 2 more glasses of water and stir the mixture well, then cover and cook over a low heat for a further ½ hour.

Remove from the heat and add the coriander leaves, and stir them into the mixture.

Leave to stand for 10 mins and then serve with breads (roti or naan).

This has Taste and is a Treat.

CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS - FORAGERS' TREASURE: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF CHANTERELLES: SIMPLE RECIPE FOR CHANTERELLES

CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS, CANTHARELLUS CIBARIUS

Chanterelles have a meaty texture, with a mildly peppery taste and smell a little of apricots or peaches when freshly gathered. They grow under not on trees so if you go foraging for chanterelles (and they are well worth the effort) remember this point as they resemble other fungi which are poisonous. This is true of the False Chanterelle (Hygrophropsis arantiaca) which has orange gills and a darker cap than a true chanterelle. The Latin name Cantharellus comes from the Greek kανθαρέλλος which means cup or drinking vessel, given to it because of the shape of the chanterelles’ cap.

  Chanterelles grow in many parts of the world, although there are variants. It is the state mushroom of Oregon USA (but that’s the Pacific golden chanterelle) and is the girolle of Europe, (gallinaccio in Italian). The Italian variety has an intense flavour although the ones in Britain may be mild or intense in flavour, depending on where they grow. In German it is known as the pfifferling, because of that peppery taste. They grow in Asia too and I’m told there are a lot of them in Pakistan’s Kashmir province along with morels (gucchi).The locals call them siri.

Golden Pacific chanterelles

   They are one of the more expensive mushrooms, but are not anywhere near as expensive as truffles. Our ancestors would certainly have eaten them and they would have been gathered by peasants throughout history, with these and truffles, peasant food wasn’t too bad, although of course such food is seasonal with chanterelles being found mainly in the spring and autumn or in the rainy seasons. Traditionally mushrooms particularly chanterelles have been assumed to be aphrodisiacs, with the 11^th century Normans in Britain feeding them to grooms at their wedding feasts. The minerals they contain along with the amino acids and vitamins, probably make them good for the libido, especially for men with erectile dysfunctions.

  Chanterelles have an affinity with certain trees and particularly birch, beech, oak, and pine in descending order, as they seem to like birch trees best, but they also seem to quite like larch and sweet chestnut trees too. They grow in soil which is damp, but not swampy or marshy ground.

  If you go picking them, make sure that you wash them thoroughly and clean the gills. This is best done with a soft toothbrush.

  They are great added to soups and stews and go well with eggs, but can be used to accompany any meat dish. Treat them as you would any other mushroom as far as cooking goes. Personally I love them and am always happy when I find them either in woods or on a supermarket shelf.

False chanterelles- poisonous!

  Like other mushrooms they contain vitamins A and D as well as some of the B-complex ones. They contain all the essential amino acids and glutamic acid is believed to boost the immune system and may help fight cancer, infections and rheumatoid arthritis. There is evidence that it inhibits blood clotting, which is valuable in the fight against heart disease. As for minerals, they contain potassium which regulates blood pressure and the contractions of the heart muscle; copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium which is good for the mood and the brain. It’s not so long ago that people used to think that there was little nutritional value in a mushroom; they thought they mainly consisted of water. (The same was true for lettuce.) They also contain fibre in the form of cellulose, which helps with the disposal of wastes from the body and so helps to prevent constipation and piles.

  Try this simple recipe, or use your chanterelles as a stuffing for crêpes or a topping for a homemade pizza. You can use this as a side dish or with pasta.

SIMPLE CHANTERELLES

Ingredients

Chanterelles, cleaned thoroughly and chopped

50 gr butter

3 tbsps olive oil

3 or 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 onion, finely sliced

a few sprigs curly-leaves parsley, shredded

freshly ground black pepper

salt if necessary to taste

a little brandy

¼ pt natural yoghurt or fresh single cream

Method

Heat the oil and butter in a pan and add the onion and garlic and fry until the onions are translucent, stirring so that they don’t burn.

Add the chanterelles and fry for 5 mins, stirring so that they don’t burn.

Add the brandy if using and the parsley and cook for two or three minutes, stirring.

Now add the yoghurt or cream, stirring and the black pepper, and bring to just under boiling point.

Remove from the heat and serve as a side dish or as a sauce for pasta.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

SPINACH ( PALAK ) - HISTORY: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF SPINACH: SPINACH AND PINE NUTS STIR-FRY RECIPE

SPINACH, PALAK IN URDU, SPINACIA OLERACIA

Spinach is a native of south-west and central Asia, and comes in many forms. It is a member of the Amaranth family, Amaranthaceae, so is a close relative of the Elephant’s Head. It was not known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, because of its origins. The ancestor of spinach is thought to have been Spinacia telreindo an edible wild green which possibly came from the ancient Persian Empire, and which is still foraged for in modern-day Anatolia in Turkey. Spinach was cultivated by the Arabs in the 8^th century AD and found its way to Spain with them by the 12^th century. The first references to spinach in surviving literature is from Persian between 246 and 640 AD, and we know that it was taken from Nepal into China in 647AD where it became known as “the Persian green” a name by which it is still known today. It became a popular vegetable in France in the 15^th century and in the 17^th century the English philosopher John Locke who was a supporter of the French Revolution, mentions in his writing that he ate a soup of spinach and herbs while he was in France. He must have liked it to have written about it, I suppose.

  The Italians took to spinach and used it in the Arabian style, mixing it with pine nuts and sultanas, and in Turkey by the 13^th century it was served with a garlic and yoghurt sauce with meat in much the same way as döner kebab is served today. The Italians, of all the Europeans have been the ones to most readily adopt new vegetables; just think of how much the tomato is associated with Italian cuisine.

  Red spinach such as elephant’s head has been used for its medicinal properties in the Asian subcontinent and China for centuries, and elsewhere it is used to relieve constipation and so help with piles, and for the skin, taken internally or externally. Bruised spinach is good for stings and insect bites and mixed with milk thistle (Silybum marianum) it has been a home remedy for poisoning by the Amanita mushroom, although if you suspect you have mushroom poisoning, go to hospital, don’t try to treat yourself! It is believed that the alpha-lipoic acid (also found in broccoli and red meat), which has antioxidant properties, may help against such poisoning, but this has not been proven.

  Spinach has also been used for anaemia, because of its iron content, think about Pop-Eye here, and it contains lots of vitamin C so can help in any diet, especially in summer when there is a dearth of fresh citrus fruit. The fibre in spinach is also good for the digestive system. The brighter the green of the spinach leaf, the higher the vitamin C content is.

  It contains all 8 essential amino acids and 10 others and is packed with nutrients, which are still being investigated by scientists. For example, the carotenoids “epoxyxanthophylls” abound in spinach and it is thought that these may protect against cancers despite the fact that the body does not absorb them as well as it does other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein. Two of these are violaxanthin and neoxanthin which are found prolifically in spinach leaves, but scientists have yet to research their possibilities fully. The glycoclycerolipids which are necessary for photosynthesis to occur may from spinach at least help protect the lining of the digestive tract and prevent inflammation occurring in it.

  It is though that, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts etc, consumption of spinach may protect against certain cancers, such as prostate cancer. The flavonoids present in spinach ensure that it has potent antioxidant properties, which also inhibit the growth of cancerous cells as they combat the free radicals which damage cells. Spinach contains vitamins A, K, 5 of the B-complex ones including B3 niacin, and folate. It also has most of the minerals, in particular potassium, but also iron, calcium, phosphorous, copper, selenium, boron, sodium, zinc, iodine (like laverbread), chloride, magnesium, manganese and sodium. Add to this Omega-3 and other “good” fats, and you can see for yourself how nutritious these leaves are.

  The carotenoid, lutein, contained in spinach is good for eyes and can help to at least delay the onset of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. The body can absorb this better if it has a little oil such as olive oil with the spinach. In fact, you should at least blanch spinach leaves in boiling water for 1 minute to get rid of the oxalic acid in the leaves. It is doubtful that you could ingest enough to harm you by eating spinach, but perhaps it’s better to be on the safe side. You can refresh the blanched leaves in cold water to perk up the colour before adding to a salad.

  Spinach can boost the immune system, possibly protect against cancers and having anti-inflammatory qualities can assist in cases of arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma and migraines. It is also good for the heart and can lower blood pressure. The nutrients in spinach can also help protect the brain and its cognitive abilities from premature aging, and helps to retain memory. Not only does it do all these things when eaten, but you can also use it as a beauty treatment by making face packs with it. Try one of these: - for combination skin or problem skin (spots or acne) you need ½ a cup of spinach, 1 egg white and 1 tbsp of aloe vera juice. Blend these together or mash them and put the mixture on your face and leave it for 20 minutes; rinse off with warm water. This protects you skin from atmospheric pollution, smoothes out wrinkles, and nourishes the skin. Use this twice a week to get rid of spots and help with acne.

  For dry skin and wrinkles mix 2 tbsps cooked spinach with the same quantity of natural organic yoghurt and 1 tbsp of grated carrot. Use this face pack at night though as it can make the skin sensitive to UV rays. Leave this one on your face for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water and use this mask twice a week for the best results.

  If your skin is sensitive, you should mix 2 tbsps cooked spinach leaves with the same quantity of fresh chamomile leaves and lettuce. Blend them together and leave on your face for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Again use this twice a week for the best results.

  Try our saag or spinach soup recipes or try this side dish given below. It’s good with fish, white or red meats and with pasta.

SPINACH AND PINE NUTS STIR-FRY

Ingredients

1 bundle of spinach, thoroughly cleaned and large stalks removed

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

50 gr pine nuts

20 gr sultanas soaked in lemon juice

2 tsps cumin seeds

1 small handful mint leaves shredded

freshly ground black pepper

olive oil for frying

freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Method

Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds, then after 30 seconds add the onion and garlic and fry until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add the pine nuts and sultanas and fry for a minute or two.

Now add the spinach and stir until the leaves have wilted, and add the black pepper.

Stir for 5 minutes or less then remove from the heat and serve as suggested above.

Serve with Parmesan.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

TARO/ TARO ROOT - HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES: TARO AND BEEF CURRY RECIPE

TARO, DASHEEN, COLOCASIA ESCULENTA, KACHALO IN PUNJABI

Taro is a starchy corm which originated probably in Malaysia and India, where it still grows wild. It can grow in wet or dry places although there is one variety which has been bred to only grow in dry ones. It has heart shaped leaves which can be eaten like spinach, and the root looks like a Jerusalem artichoke only bigger. In Urdu it is arvi and kachalo in Punjabi. It was cultivated in the Indian subcontinent by 5000BC. The Hawaiians call it kalo and have really taken to this root over the centuries. It comes into their Creation myth, and they believe that people are related to this root. It is now found throughout SE Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is known by other names around the world apart from those already listed, in Africa it is the old cocoyam and edoe or eddo is another name for it. It arrived in the Caribbean at some stage, and is now grown in many countries around the globe.

  The taro that grows on dry land is has a dark purple skin and white roots, and has a nutty flavour when cooked, and it must be cooked as it contains calcium oxalate a crystal-like substance that breaks down when cooked. You should take care when peeling taro as it can cause skin irritation.

  The Hawaiians hold this root sacred, and there are various ways of using it. It is used in traditional medicine, and when made into a purple paste they call poi, it turns up at the luaus or pig feasts. Research has been done into the health benefits of poi, and as the root is highly nutritious and easy to digest, it is good for infants who fail to thrive. Recent research has found that the root may be liver protective and can detoxify the liver, although the experiments were carried out in vitro on rat livers. It is also good for people who suffer from allergies.

Taro leaves

  In 2004 researchers Amy C. Brown and Ana Valiere found that poi might be beneficial to sufferers of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diabetes, a depressed immune system, inadequate lactose digestion and some cancers, and Dr. Brown and others published results in 2005 which suggested that poi “might have novel tumour-specific anti-cancer activities”( Phytotherapy Research Journal 2005).

  It is believed that taro corms can help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, and may help protect us from cardio-vascular disease and cancer.

Taro field

  Taro corms contain vitamins A, C, E and K plus the B-complex ones of thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, B6, folate B12 and pantothenic acid (B5) and choline. It also contains the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, sodium, zinc and selenium, as well as Omega-3 and-6 fatty acids. There are 18 amino acids in the corm and bet-carotene, so it is packed with nutrients and a very healthy addition to a diet, which is good as it is a staple food in some Asian and African countries.

  It was also a staple in ancient Egypt and from there it became known to the Greeks and Romans. They ate not only the root or corm, but also the leaves which they say taste a bit like cabbage. I have only eaten the corm, which tasted like a starchy Jerusalem artichoke to me, in fact when I first saw it that’s what I thought it was. You can do the same with a taro corm as with a potato, a sweet potato or even a yam, and add them to soups or stews to thicken them.

  The leaf juice is used to treat piles and as a laxative in some traditional medicines systems, while in Hawaii poi is mixed with arrowroot for diarrhoea. The heated tubers are applied to joints to ease rheumatic pains, and the raw juice is mixed with other plant juices for fevers. The ash of a burnt coconut shell is mixed with grated corms for thrush (candida) and it is also used for insect stings. In Pakistan and India taro corms are sold on the street in much the same way as in Britain you can buy a baked potato at a stall and take it away to eat.

  Because taro corms contain a fair amount of sodium, you may not want to add salt to them. Try this recipe and is you haven’t got taro you can substitute potatoes or yams.

TARO AND BEEF CURRY

Ingredients

½ kilo beef, cubed

4 large taro corms, peeled and cubed

1 large onion, chopped

3 or 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ tsp mustard seeds

2 or 3 curry leaves

3 tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 tbsp tamarind (imli) paste

½ tsp turmeric (haldi)

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tbsp cumin seeds

2 tsps garam masala

2 tsps dry-fried coriander seeds, ground

1 cup water

oil for frying

Method

Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin and mustard seed; fry until they release their aroma.

Add the onion, garlic and curry leaves and fry until translucent. Then add the meat and seal it on all sides.

Add the taro corms and fry for 3-4 minutes.

Now add the tomatoes, chilli powder and coriander and fry for 4 minutes.

Add the tamarind pulp cover, with water put a lid on the pot and cook for 30 mins.

Add the garam masala and black pepper, freshly ground if you want to use it (I do, but I can’t not have black pepper).

You shouldn’t need to add more water, but if you do add a little now.

Cook for 10 to 15 minutes then turn off the heat and let it settle for about 10 minutes.

Serve with rice.

This has Taste and is a Treat.