When You Say 'Eat Healthy', I Think 'Eat Salad'

People (especially me) always associate healthy eating with salad. My mother rarely served salads with our meals. They were meat, starch, and vegetables. She never served us a salad (like lettuce and tomatoes), nor did we get dessert. We didn't complain. I got used to not eating salad.  

Then I became an adult and went to university and found out that salad was "expected".  Except for this one guy that I knew.  He kept saying salad was "rabbit food" and wouldn't eat it.  Not me.  When I went to the cafeteria I could eat as much salad as I wanted.  And I did!  Do you know why?  Because it was "healthy" and I could eat a lot of it!  It was one of the few foods that I could eat a healthy amount of and I didn't gain weight.  

So whenever I gained a few extra pounds because I was wolfing down too many pizzas with my friends late at night, I went on a diet and ate salads for lunch and dinner for the next two weeks. The pounds came off easily. That was THEN (1970s). This is now (2021). The pounds don't come off so easily now, but I still enjoy eating salads. I also enjoy collecting salad recipes and sharing them. I hope you like these!

Image Credit: Acacia Wood Salad Bowl with Servers Set - Large 9.4 inches Solid Hardwood Salad Wooden Bowl with Spoon for Fruits ,Salads and Decoration by AVAMI ( https://amzn.to/3vmT57c )

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Ever have Tabouli salad?  “Tabouli is a traditional Levitan recipe, which is the common name for the area of Eastern Mediterranean sea. … Tabouli is derived from the word, “Tabil” which means spice. Its also translated as “Dip” ...”

Tabouli Recipe with Amaranth Grain | Healing Tomato Recipes

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"This classic salad pairs well with a variety of Japanese or Asian mains. Best of all, it is packed with nutrients, making it an all-star side dish. There is plenty of variations to enjoy this recipe too! ..."  

Chrysanthemum Greens and Tofu Salad (Shungiku Shiraae) 春菊の白和え • Just One Cookbook

~ Related Link:  15 Easy Japanese Salad Recipes ~ "... 15 tasty, vibrant, healthy, easy-to-follow salad recipes ..."

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Do you like Indian food? I watch a lot of cooking shows and videos. One thing I noticed about Indian cooking is that they really know how to blend herbs and spices and do amazing things to enhance the flavor of vegetables. Whether the veggies are cooked or eaten raw in a salad, they are so tasty. 

Methi Sprouts Salad Recipe - Delicious Diabetic Snack by Archana's Kitchen

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Anybody who says that salad is just  an refuses to eat  is missing out. 

Kale Sprouts and Apricot Dressing | Sproutpeople

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Final share.  I know some people don't like kale. They complain that it's too tough and chewy for a green leafy vegetable. So, just in case you don't like eating kale, here are some “kale substitutes”.  Use them instead of sale and enjoy your salad anyway!

The Best Simple Kale Substitutes | Stonesoup

Similar Posts at This Blog:

• Choose Sides: How Do You Like Your Green Salad? Fruit or No Fruit

• Winter Salad Binging

"Pickled Ginger Salad with Wasabi Dressing is packed with citrus, and is an explosion of spicy, sweet and fresh flavors. It’s mind-blowingly delicious!"

Food Blurb: Strawberry Chocolate Cake

I watched this time travel Korean drama where an acupunturist from the past (Joseon, 400 years ago) traveled to the future and met a lady doctor, a heart specialist. They fell in love and in one of the scenes, they were at a restaurant in Seoul. She told him to try the strawberry chocolate cake. She said it was one of the most popular desserts.  I have never had a strawberry chocolate cake, so that comment sent me searching for a recipe. Found one very easily published at one of my favorite food blogs. This looks like a dessert that should be made for a holiday or a special occasion.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe | two peas and their pod

Have you ever had strawberry chocolate cake?

Was it a holiday or special occasion? 

Were you dining out or dining in?

RELATED POST: Korean Drama TV Series: Live Up toYour Name (2017)

While you're here, check out some of my other food blurbs:

Japanese Fun Food

Zucchini Flowers

Who Invented Chicken Nuggets?

What Should Kids Drink?

WARNING: Delicacies Can Be Dangerous!

Five (5) healthy and holistic ways to get more energy

Food Blurb: Much Ado About Mushrooms

If you have been following this foodie blog then you know that my love affair with mushrooms began the same time that I started dating my late husband, I shared those details in this blog post:

• Mushroom: Real Food of Fantasy and Fairy Tale.  

Geyee Vintage Mushroom Poster Fungus Wall Art Prints Rustic Mushroom Wall Hanging

This short post (or food blurb) is just an add-on to tell you more things I have discovered about this wonderful fungi!  Did you know that there is such a thing as a Mushroom of Immortality?

“Reishi/lingzhi has been referenced as far back as 100 B.C. as a supplement used to improve human health.” It is called a Mushroom of Immortality and you can grow it on your own. They're quite tasty. Just don't believe for one minute that they will make you live forever.  

😊  Read more: What Is The 'Mushroom Of Immortality'? 

Here is a wonderful veggie soup will get you through the winter months. Totally comfort food!  It includes a variety of mushrooms:  cremini, shiitake, and reishi. 

Reishi Mushroom Veggie Soup | CBC Life  

Also, if you love Asian noodles, you'll love this Reishi Mushroom Ramen Bowl.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH!

Zucchini Flowers Are Edible Wonders

Zucchini flowers are also known as squash blossoms. Ming Tsai was the first TV chef I saw who used them in a recipe. My additional research disclosed that lots of countries include them in their recipes and they have awesome health benefits. 

Zucchini flowers are enjoyed in various cuisines around the world, each with its own unique preparation methods. Here’s a look at how different countries use them:

• The Greeks stuff zucchini flowers with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, and then baked.
• The Italians make a dish known as fiori di zucca fritti. Zucchini flowers are stuffed with ricotta or other cheeses, then battered and fried. Squash flowers are also a key ingredient in many pasta dishes.
• Zee French use zucchini flowers as a garnish, a sort of decorative touch for gourmet dishes. But they also add them to soups.
• Lastly, in United States, zucchini flowers are popular in upscale restaurants and gourmet dishes, which explains why I didn't know about them. Usually not on the menu at fast food restaurants. LOL.

A quick list of some of the health benefits include:

• Low in calories.
• Provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Rich in antioxidants.
• Anti-Inflammatory.
• Good source of dietary fiber.
• Has vitamin C which helps boost the immune system.
• Has potassium which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

Zucchini Flowers are elegant and every part of the bloom are edible. There are male and female blossoms. You can eat them raw. But most people like to fry them. Be sure to gently wash the flowers under cold water and pat dry before using in a recipe. It's best to eat them fresh but they can be frozen and will keep for several months in the freezer. Below are some recipes from my favorite food blogs.

Traditional Italian Fried Squash Blossoms and Zucchini Blossoms Recipe | Christina Cucina

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms an Italian Classic | Chef Dennis 

6 Ways to Cook with Zucchini Blossoms | Food & Wine 

Food Blurb: Traditional Meal on the Sabbath

I am always interested in learning about world cuisine.  I especially like Jewish food or Israeli cuisine.  In a social community where I am an active member, people love to share food-related posts.  One of the members, Vasya007, shared a post about cholent or hamin (see below).  I was inspired to look up some recipes and additional information..  

“Cholent or hamin is a traditional Jewish stew. It is usually simmered overnight for 12 hours or more, and eaten for lunch on Shabbat. Cholent was developed over the centuries to conform with Jewish laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath.”  (Wikipedia)

Image credit: Gilabrand - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

TRY THESE RECIPES:

What Is Cholent? Plus: A Tasty and Easy Cholent Recipe - Shabbat 

Authentic Hamin Recipe - Jamie Geller 

The Best Cholent Recipes From Around the Jewish World - Jewish World - Haaretz.com

Cholent: A Delicious History - aish.com Kosher Recipes, Family

Cholent: The Sabbath Stew | My Jewish Learning

Coffee Recipes for Coffee Lovers

My mother and her siblings (her brothers and sister, my aunts and uncles) have all passed away. All I have now are my memories. One fond memory that I have of one of my aunts is that her favorite way to drink coffee was a tall glass of iced coffee. My sister always loved iced tea. I had no idea people could drank iced coffee. Imagine my surprise! She didn't make it fancy. Just some coffee, cream, sugar and lots of ice. If you happen to be an iced coffee lover, I found some recipes to take your coffee loving to another level.

Image Credit:  Coffee Mug Warmer

I want to try the Iced Caramel Latte. Although? I've heard a lot about how delicious Vietnamese coffee is. I might try that too!

9 Easy Iced Coffee Recipes to Elevate Your Morning Routine

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Here are some more coffee recipes.  I love cheesecake! But the strawberry cheesecake latte is a bit too much for me. I won't be trying this coffee recipe.

7 #HomeCafe Coffee Recipes On TikTok That Will Make You Feel Like A Barista

15 Holiday Coffee Recipes That Will Keep You Warm This Winter

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy your coffee?

Fruits and Veggies : Exotic Fruits Are Wonderful Natural Delights

Tropical fruit must have been abundant in the Garden of Eden. Don't you think? At least, that's how I imagine it anyway. Do you like exotic fruit? My first visit to The Bahamas opened up a whole new world for me. There were so many delicious fruits of paradise that I had never heard of or tasted.

That was more than 30 years ago. These days, the wonderful thing about grocery shopping in America, is that you can find foods from almost anywhere in the world. These foods were not always available and so plentiful. It's not my imagination. Even Chef Jacques Pepin mentioned during one of his TV episodes that when he first arrived in the United States to begin his career as a chef, there were many ingredients that he could not readily find at the local grocery store. You had to go to a special market or a gourmet shop. Not so, these days. Thanks to the Internet, it's easy to research and learn more about tropical fruit or “exotic fruit” or “super fruit” or “wonder fruit”, and why they are so good for you. Uh huh. Right. As if people need to twist your arm to get you to eat them. :)

Check these out!

- Acerola, also known as the Barbados cherry, is native to the West Indies, and also to Southern Mexico, and Southern and Central America. They claim this fruit has numerous health benefits, but healthy or not, the taste of this tropical fruit is irresistible.

- Cherimoya tastes like bubblegum. People have even given this fruit nicknames like “ice cream fruit” or “custard apple”, so-called because it has a creamy, sherbet-like texture. But beware of the seeds, as they can be poisonous.

- Dead man’s fingers originated from China. They really do look like fingers and their color is bluish-black. The taste is similar to watermelon.

- Kiwano or the horned melon has many names. It is native to Africa and is called African cucumber. But it is also known as English tomato. (???) On the outside it is yellow and orange, but the flesh inside is lime green. It's been part of African cuisine since ancient times.

- Mangosteen grows in Southeast Asia and is considered a “wonder fruit”. One might think because of the name that it is similar to a mango, but actually it is more like a peach. Research indicates that the mangosteen contains more xanthones than any other fruit. They call it the "X-Factor".

These are just a sampling of fruits. The intent is to whet your appetite and peak your curiosity. There is also dragon fruit, starfruit, Buddha’s hand (citron), cloudberries, durian, moringa, abiu and more! 

• Additional Information:
  15 Unusual Fruits to Try From Around the World
• 25 Weird And Exotic Fruits From Asia You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
  
• Exotic Fruits From A to Z
  

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Related articles

• Mangosteen
• African Baobab Tree
• Top 10 vegetables to grow in your garden | Mother Nature Network

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Image credit: Kiwano fruit (Public Domain)


© Photographer: Andreas Fischer | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Content previously published at Literacy Base on Aug 3, 2016.

Read.Cash (Spanish)

Food Blurb: Basil, the Sacred Herb

Basil has a revered status in various cultures, and some refer to it as “the sacred herb”. It serves as a symbol of spirituality, protection, and even divinity. References to basil's sacred nature are found in religious texts, historical manuscripts, and cultural literature.

Image credit: Basil Kitchen Herb Watercolor Wall Art

For example:

• In Hinduism, basil is considered sacred to the god Vishnu.

• In Greek Orthodox Christianity, basil is used to prepare holy water during the Feast of the Epiphany, symbolizing the blessing of the waters.

• In medieval European folklore and superstitions, basil was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

In traditional medicine, basil is praised for its potential health benefits. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People who prefer holistic herbal remedies use basil to treat address ailments such as, digestive issues and respiratory conditions,

Last, but not least, basil is a culinary delight. Its leaves are very aromatic leaves and the herb has a distinctive flavor. Basil's popularity extends to many countries and culinary traditions:

• Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

• India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

• Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

That short list includes just a few examples. But is it any wonder that basil is found in spice cabinets and herb gardens all over the world? 

Just a few quick notes about the mythology behind the wonderful herb basil.

~ Basil comes from the Greek word "basilikos", which means "herb worthy of a king". 

~ Hindus regard basil as a sacred plant. Historians say basil originated in India and was brought to the West. 

~ Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were aware of this plant's medicinal qualities and as a flavoring for food. 

~ Pliny, a famous Roman citizen, friend to the emperor, a writer, philosopher, and a naturalist, was convinced that basil was a powerful aphrodisiac. Consequently, basil became a symbol for love and lovers. 

~ In the Middles Ages, in Europe, basil was used for exorcism, to drive out devils. But the Italians eventually figured out it made a great pesto! 

~ Napoleon Bonaparte believed the scent of basil made him smarter, so he would sniff it before preparing plans for battle. Interesting huh? 

REF: Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil | Ancient Origins ~ www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

Which Clam Chowder is on Your Menu?

Do you like clam chowder? New York OR New England? Manhattan or Boston?  Red OR White?

I prefer the white or New England clam chowder. But I'll eat either one that's served to me.

New York vs. New England: Who has the better clam chowder?

Quick Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe | Allrecipes

~ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/

New England Clam Chowder - Spend With Pennies

~ https://www.spendwithpennies.com/new-england-clam-chowder/

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NOTES:

Sometimes people call New England clam chowder Boston clam chowder. So if you hear somebody say Boston clam chowder, it's just New England clam chowder by a different name. But I've never called it Boston chowder.  Also, I have never called Manhattan clam chowder, New York chowder.  Come to find out there is a Long Island clam chowder which combines "two types of clam chowder: New England and Manhattan" and results in a "creamy, tomato-based clam chowder".  

Some recipes don't add corn. But I add corn to mine.  I thought I was being clever.  Plus I knew my kids liked corn.  However, a little food history research revealed that earlier chowder recipes also added corn.

If you don't have clams, you can make it vegetarian (and then you'll really appreciate the addition of corn to the recipe).

• "Chowder is a type of soup or stew often prepared with milk or cream and thickened with broken crackers, crushed ship biscuit, or a roux. Variations of chowder can be seafood or vegetable."  (Wikipedia)
• "The word chowder is a corruption of the French chaudière (“cauldron”), and chowder may have originated among Breton fishermen who brought the custom to Newfoundland, whence it spread to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England."  (Brittanica)
• " ... a soup is usually made with stock or broth and can have vegetables, meat or fish as ingredients and is generally not very thick. A chowder may have the same ingredients, but is more chunky, creamy and thick, much like a stew." (Soup vs Chowder)

Considering A History of Chowder: Four Centuries of a New England Meal. - British Food in America

History Of Chowder, Clam Chowder, Whats Cooking America

Which clam chowder is on your menu?

Foodie Friday: Upside Down Cakes

Do you remember when you first learned how to cook?  Do you remember when you made a dish or a dessert that you thought was impossible to make with your limited culinary skills but when you followed the recipe you ACED IT!!  

I remember when I made my first Pineapple Upside Cake. 

I was a teenager and I was trying to teach myself how to prepare meals for my family, including dessert. I was quite proud of my cake even though I used a cake mix. I had not realized that the part of the recipe I thought was the most difficult ~ that is, getting the pineapple on the bottom to be on the top.  It was so easy! Once I learned what to do I started thinking: 'I can probably do this same recipe with fruit other than pineapple.'  I thought that but I've never done it! I'm not sure what fruit I would substitute for the pineapple.  Although I have seen a cooking videos upside down cakes for other than pineapple.

Below is a link to a great recipe for pineapple upside down cake, if you have never baked one.  And ...???  I'm just curious.  If you have already made such a cake, have you ever made an upside down cake with a fruit other than pineapple??  Mango? Nectarines? Peaches?  Bananas? Apples? Rhubarb?  Some exotic fruit that grows in abundance where you live?

Pineapple Upside Down Cake - Sally's Baking Addiction

RELATED VIDEOS:

Food Blurb: The Key Ingredient in Nigerian Food

I love watching cooking shows on television. There is this one show where the host goes all over America and shines a spotlight on the various ethnic cuisines. I once lived in Houston, Texas and I wish I had know this but I did not. As most people do, whenever they move to a new place, they bring their customs and traditions with them. They especially bring their food. Because there nothing better than the taste of home when you are now living in a foreign land. It turns out that many Nigerians relocated from their country and there is a thriving community in Houston, Texas. There are some popular restaurants in Houston that serve Nigerian cuisine.

A key ingredient in many Nigerian #recipes are peppers. Here is link to an article that explains "The different types of peppers in Nigeria | Pulse Nigeria". 

• World Cuisine: Four (4) Nigerian Dishes You Must Try (Guest Post)

Taste Of Nigeria was featured on "No Passport Required" 

Food Blurb: Herbs and Spices: Angelica keiskei

I love watching Korean drama and love to learn about the teas they drink. In one K-drama there was a lady who worked at the Commoners' Clinic and she offered a man a tea called Angelica keiskei. Did you know:

~ Angelica keiskei, commonly known under the Japanese name of ashitaba (アシタバ or 明日葉), literally "tomorrow's leaf", is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family. It is native to Japan ...” (Per Wikipedia); AND

~ Some strawberry growers have shifted to growing ashitaba (or Angelica keiskei) because they say it's a better money-maker and easier to cultivate.

Various healthcare websites offer information about this plant's medicinal value. Of course, this is yet another one of those plants that holds the "key to extended youth".

ASHITABA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews  

It's edible and here is a video on ways to eat it. 

~ Ways To Eat Ashitaba ~ youtu.be/Sig5Nm8NHMk

"... a plant called ashitaba is important in supporting a person’s health & well-being. ... researchers are suggesting that a compound in this plant boosts cellular health and may prolong youth." This Japanese plant could hold the key to extended youth ~ https://t.co/TZ0qOrDsSk

— Rx4Wellness2018 (@Rx4Wellness2018) September 9, 2022

Ashitaba is a large herb that grows primarily in the central region of Japan. Its root, leaf, and stem are used to make medicine.

ASHITABA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews ~ https://t.co/32FKQZNJ0n

— Rx4Wellness2018 (@Rx4Wellness2018) September 9, 2022

What Kind of Broth Do You Use in Your Ramen Noodles?

Ramen noodle, the instant noodle that the whole world now loves to eat, was invented by Momofuku Ando (1910 - 2007), a Taiwanese-Japanese inventor in Japan. It was first marketed in 1958 by his company, Nissin. Incredible! I can't remember exactly when I started eating Ramen noodles. I think it was in the 90s. I could get 5 packages for a dollar at the grocery store. I could eat a package every day. That's 20 cents for a meal. Why not?

At first I just followed the package directions and ate them that way. Later on I learned you could add meats, vegetables, eggs, etc. and come up with all kinds of recipe variations.

My favorite addition to Ramen noodles is cabbage; preferably bok choy; and also mushrooms. My daughter likes to add a bolied egg to the broth.

The broth! That's another thing I like about eating Ramen noodles. I prefer chicken broth. My daughter likes beef broth. This recipe makes a broth out of black tea and ginger. Interesting. I never even thought to change the broth flavor ... UNTIL NOW!

RamenRecipe (Made with Black Tea + Ginger Broth!) - Fit Foodie Finds

Food Blurb: Sharing a Soup Recipe That Soup Lovers Will Love

The classical music composer Ludwig van Beethoven once said “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”

Do you believe that soup is good food?  I do!  I also believe it's a food of love for families and having a pure heart when you make it for those you love, no doubt adds substantially to the flavor.

In a previous post I shared information about miso, which is a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine.  You can it ready-made off the grocery store shelf or make your own.

Some say the reason the Japanese live so long is because miso is an integral part of their diet. Maybe. Maybe not. I also read that soup should be an important of one's daily diet. They say you should eat a bowl of soup every day. I'm OK with that dietary advice. Even though January is National Soup Month, I could eat soup every month of the year, whether the weather is hot or cold. And I don't mean cold soups, because I'm not really a fan of cold soup. But if I was given only one hot bowl of soup every day to survive off, I could totally do that and be content. 

For me, the best part of any soup is … THE BROTH! 

You could have all kinds of ingredients in a soup … meat or no meat. But if the broth is tasteless, the soup is useless. The broth is all about comfort. Don't you think so? 

That's why I know this recipe which I am sharing is awesome! The ingredients for the broth are: “garlic, ginger, scallions, toasted sesame oil, miso and fermented chile paste”. 

How could you not love this soup? LOL. 

Spicy Summer Miso Soup | 101 Cookbooks

Miso is Good for Your Health

Miso is the fermented soybean paste miso that is used in Japanese cuisine. It offers many nutritional health benefits. Actually nutritionists say that most fermented foods are very good for you. But miso is “recognized as one of the top superfoods for gut health”

.

FUN FOOD FACTS:

“According to the Japan Miso Promotion Board, there are over 1,300 kinds of miso!”

“...the Japanese drink a bowl of miso soup three times a day ...”


WEIRD FOOD FACT:

Even though miso has a high salt content, it's not bad for your heart like other high-sodium foods.


The Health Benefits of Miso ~ Just One Cookbook

~ You can buy miso ready-made or make your own. 

* * * Homemade Miso 

 

FOOD FACT: Did You Know: Japanese cuisine is one of only three national food traditions recognized by the UN for its cultural significance. 

10 Things You Should Know About Japanese Food

Herbs and Spices: There is Ginger and Then There is Blue Ginger

Spice Spotlight: Blue Ginger or Galangal 

One of my favorite Asian TV chefs is Ming Tsai. He had a restaurant called Blue Ginger, which sadly, closed in 2017, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. I never really thought about the name of his restaurant until I learned that there is a plant called “blue ginger”. It is not in the ginger root family but it looks like ginger; and its stems have beautiful blue flowers. So people call it “blue ginger”. If you accidentally put galangal or blue ginger in your recipe thinking it is ginger, you'll know as soon as you taste it that you made a mistake. Although, you might not mind the difference in the flavor.

This tropical plant is native to Indonesia and is a seasoning that adds flavor to numerous Southeastern Asian dishes. Blue ginger is used as a ornamental plant for home or garden; as well as a cooking ingredient. Also, like most herbs and spices, it has medicinal purposes.  

(NOTE: Also called Thai ginger or Siamese ginger.)

REFERENCES:

PropagatingBlue Ginger: Tips On Growing Blue Ginger Plants

Top6 Galangal Nutrition facts and Health benefits

What’sthe Difference Between Galangal and Ginger? | Kitchn

(The Kitchn article shares recipes that use galangal and recipes that use ginger.)

* * *

Galangal is available on Amazon in Grocery and Gourmet.

World Cuisine: Exotic Vegetables: Winter Melon

Thanks to being active in various global social communities, I'm learning about all kinds of food like the “winter melon”. This is not a produce that I am familiar with. Even when I checked to see if maybe I knew it by a different name, it turns out I did not know the alternative names either. I don't recall seeing this melon in my local grocery store but it is probably in the produce section at an Asian market. Nevertheless, now it's a food that I am curious to try. 

Image credit:  Amazon.com

OK. Let me explain myself. I like cucumbers and I like melons. But I say a cucumber is a vegetable and anything called melon has to be a fruit. Right? WRONG!!

The Spruce Eats is my favorite GO TO site for when I want to learn about anything food-related. They published content titled “What Is a Winter Melon?” and it tells you all about it.  

The winter melon is a large vine vegetable; a type of gourd and a distant cousin of the cucumber. Commonly called ash gourd, wax gourd, white gourd, white pumpkin, and Chinese watermelon. It is a native to parts of Southern Asia and used in both Indian and Chinese cuisine.

You can cook it, but don't over-cook it because it will become mushy. It pairs well with a lot of different foods: watermelon, mushrooms, scallions, pork, chicken, duck, and ham, seafood like shrimp and scallops. I love that it can be cooked in soups and stews because soup is on my unofficial list of Top 5 comfort foods.

• Some sources say it can not be eaten RAW.
• Other sources say, add it to salads RAW just like you would with a cucumber.

???????

Here are some additional food facts and most of the sources seem to be in agreement.

“Chinese people believe winter melon is a Yin food that can help our bodies to counter the summer heat and humidity.” This soup dish is so popular they even serve it at weddings.

Chinese Winter Melon Soup Recipe ~ TheSpruce Eats

Winter melon can also be used to make drinks. There are recipes for Winter Melon Tea and Bubble Tea Latte. Sounds interesting.

18 of the Absolute Best Winter MelonRecipes to Try This Year - Backyard Boss  

A few of the health websites sing praises about the health benefits of the winter melon. It's good for digestion; promotes heart health; can detox your body; can improve your vision; and more!

9 Surprising Benefits of Winter Melon |Organic Facts

FINAL LINK SHARE:

Figured there had to be a candy recipe.  Petha / Winter Melon soft Candy !!! | Shailja's Kitchen [ Meals & Memories Are Made Here ] 

Food Blurb: Exotic Fruit: CUCAMELON

A cucamelon is known by many names, such as, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, mouse melon, or pepquino.  The taste is described as a cucumber with a touch of sour lime mixed in. Most people use it in salads, pickled or used in salsa. They are usually eaten raw, but you can cook them lightly and add them to a stir-fry. They can be refridgerated (will last up to 1 month) and frozen (will last up to 3 months).

Image credit:  Amazon.com

Links below supply some additional information and a few recipes you may want to try.

• Cucamelons Are the Cutest Superfood You Can Grow Yourself | Better Homes & Gardens
• EverythingAbout Cucamelons | How to Grow In Your Garden
• CucamelonPickles | Love and Olive Oil  
• EasyCucamelon Pickle | South Indian Recipe - Cooking with Thas
• CucamelonSalad, lightly marinated and easy! - Feathers in the woods

Red Pepper Flakes Are a Secret Ingredient

Lidia Bastianich is an award-winning TV chef.  Her specialty is Italian food.  She says that the “secret ingredient” in Italian recipes is RED PEPPER FLAKES.  I did not know that.  I have tried to cook Italian food and never thought to add red pepper flakes.  Although I do sprinkle it on my pizza. 

I don't usually have red pepper flakes in my spice cabinet.  If you don't happen to have any, here are 6 alternatives or substitutes.

1. Ground cayenne pepper

2. Ground habañero pepper

3. Paprika 

4. Chile de Arbol powder

5. Hot sauce (Tabasco OR Sirachi)

6. Chili powder

REF:  Substitute For Red Pepper Flakes: 6 Fantastic Alternatives

Fortunately, I usually have Paprika OR Chili powder on hand.  

What about you?

If You Liked This, You Might Also Like:

Air-Dried Herbs Make Great Food Gifts

There is Ginger and Then There is Blue Ginger

6 Spices For Indian Cuisine

5 Exotic Spices From Around the World (Guest Post)