You have to hand it to kale: this is a vegetable that knows how to be loved. During the harsh winters of Europe in the Middles Ages, for instance, kale would be one of the few vegetables that could withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees… much to the joy of hungry peasants. Throughout World War II, many British citizens relied upon kale for sustenance during periods of extensive rationing. Even today, certain towns in…
The shiitake, also called the black forest mushroom and the oakwood mushroom in English-speaking countries, is an edible brown mushroom that is native to Japan, China, and Korea. It has been cultivated for over a thousand years, and fresh and dried shiitake remain popular in East Asia today. Like maitake, which bear a similar nutritional profile, shiitake is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its alleged healing properties. Though less popular in the…
The maitake, also known in English-speaking countries as the hen-of-the-woods, is a large, earthy-brown mushroom that grows at the base of trees, especially oaks. It is native to northeastern Japan and certain parts of North America, and – along with shiitake – is one of Japan’s major culinary mushrooms. It is equally popular in China, where it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its alleged healing properties. The maitake is one…
Depending on how one looks at it, parsley can be considered either a herb, spice, or vegetable. It is, however, most commonly known as a herb that can add a unique flavor or seasoning to any dish to which it is added. Indeed, it is extremely popular as a garnish, and many of the best chefs often add freshly chopped parsley atop their signature dishes before declaring them finished. Despite parley’s reputation as a serviceable…
It’s hard not to feel bad for broccoli. Babies hate it. Children hate it. Most adults hate it. Even a huge number of vegetarians and vegans hate it… even if they don’t admit it. The sad fact is that, for many people, broccoli encapsulates everything unappealing about vegetables. It tastes bad, it smells bad and – as if to add salt in the wound – it loves to elbow its way into curries and stir…
