Tags

Noodles are the fast food of Asia. They’re inexpensive, taste great and come in varieties too numerous to mention. In fact, the number of countries that have adopted them as an important, and in some cases defining, part of their national cuisine is astounding. And, unlike most Western fast food options - which tend to be overburdened with saturated fat, salt and sugar – noodles, when thoughtfully prepared, have the capacity to be used as the foundation for many nutritionally balanced meals. With a young family, that’s an important consideration for me. So, it’s with some considerable interest that I’ve noted the rise of some outstanding noodle options available for today’s organic consumer. Before going further, I have to confess...

Locating a bottle of premium organic sake can be a difficult challenge, especially in regions where the value of this complex and historic beverage is defined in terms of its alcohol content and ability to shock the western palate. I’m far from experienced in the cultural intricacies of sake, but have gained some valuable insights through careful observation and listening. One of the most frequently repeated recommendations is to choose the best quality sake one can afford. Upon further questioning, this advice is sometimes refined by reference to the term “munouyaku” which means no agricultural chemicals. In Japan, traditional varieties of sake rice have been selectively bred over many centuries. The best sake rice is characterised...

Grain can be defined as the edible seeds from a wide variety of grass-like plants. Complex whole grains are a natural source of digestible carbohydrates, protein, essential oils, in addition to minerals and the fibrous material of their external husks and bran layer. When raised in healthy, unpolluted soils, they provide the foundation for an optimally balanced diet and active lifestyle. Throughout history, most societies depended upon one or more of these foods to provide their basic nutritional requirements. The unique characteristics of the grains combined with their manner of processing assumed a significant role in the development of many cultural practices and traditions. Increased consumer choice Unlike earlier periods in history, the...