Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks.
Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.
Adapted from “The Cane Mutiny,” New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.
Food Focus: Chocolate Ahhh! Chocolate! The thought of it can bring up certain emotions. Chocolate has been associated with love for generations. Almost everyone I know loves chocolate! Many of us have even been known to crave the stuff. But did you know that chocolate has many amazing health benefits? Cacao is high in iron,…
Food Focus: Tomatoes Folklore Tomatoes used to be grown solely for decorations. In fact, during Colonial times, tomatoes were thought to be poisonous and that its poison would turn blood into acid. Meanwhile, the native people of South and Central America regarded tomato seeds as aphrodisiacs. The first tomatoes were probably first cultivated in Peru…
Food Focus: Ginger Ginger has been used for centuries. It was used by the Greeks as early as 4400 years ago and by the Spanish in the 16th century. It is spicy, yet soothing and is an easily recognizable ingredient in Oriental cuisine. Ginger is widely used in cooking and in the healing arts, as…
Agave Nectar (This article previously appeared in the September edition of A Healthy You). Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a “sugar rush.” It has a delightfully light and mild flavor.
Food Focus: Collard Greens Prep Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 20-40 minutes (depending on cookware)Yield: 2-3 servingsIngredients 1 bunch of fresh collard greens (chopped)1 onion, thinly slicedfresh garlic (as much as you want)olive oilsoup broth (vegetable or chicken broth)salt & pepper to taste (we used smoke-seasoned salt)red chili flakes to tastetabasco to tasteDirectionsSauté minced garlic in olive oil…
Food Focus: Pineapple Did you know that pineapple is a compound fruit? I didn’t even know what a compound fruit was until I did my research for this article. A compound fruit is a fruit that develops from many small fruits that become fused together around a central core. It’s low in calories: around 50…