June 12, 2020

Spices

What is Saffron? Saffron is a flower-grown spice grown mostly in the Middle East.  It grows as threads from bright purple saffron crocus flowers. Once picked, saffron goes through a drying process.  Saffron is bright red and made of long, thin threads, which are the stigmas of the crocus flower.  It has a sweet, grassy

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June 12, 2020

Dairy, Cheeses

What is Feta? Feta is a type of sheep’s milk cheese originating from Greece.  Feta may also be made out of a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk.  It is a crumbly white cheese with a moderately soft texture.  Feta is usually found in cubes or blocks and served in a brine liquid.  Feta does

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June 12, 2020

Seasonings and Flavorings

What is Salt? Salt is a mineral that is used as a flavoring in cooking.  Most salt is mined, but some salt comes from seawater.  Because salt is considered to be an important cooking and baking ingredient, it is found in almost every dish.  The flavor of a dish changes completely if salt is added. 

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June 12, 2020

Legumes and Grains

What are Legumes? Legumes are a type of food grown from a specific family of plants.  Legumes are similar to one another because they grow from a pod.  There are many types of legumes, but popular legumes include peanuts, beans, soybeans, peas, and lentils.  Legume shells and pods differ and range from soft to hard.

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June 12, 2020

Vegetables

What is Jicama? Jicama is a root vegetable from Mexico.  It is sometimes called the Mexican potato or yam bean.  Jicama is brown on the outside, a creamy white on the inside, oblong in shape, and quite large, similar to an oversized potato.  Jicama has a crisp texture inside, similar to an apple, and is

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