Eggplants, also known as aubergines, belong to the nightshade family of plants and are used in many different dishes around the world. They are usually considered a vegetable but because they contain seeds and grow from a flowering plant, they are actually a fruit. There are many varieties. Eggplants with a deep purple skin are most common, but they can be red, green or even black.
Dragon Fruit looks exotic, but its flavors are similar to other fruits, like kiwi and pear.
Dragon fruit, native to southern Mexico and Central America, grows on the Hylocereus cactus, whose flowers open only at night. The two most common types have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon. The most widely available variety has white pulp with black seeds, though a less common type with red pulp and black seeds exists as well. Another variety — referred to as yellow dragon fruit — has yellow skin and white pulp with black seeds.
Even in small amounts, cloves are a good source of manganese.
Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum. Found in both whole and ground forms. Cloves are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice in baked goods and in Indian cuisine. Even in small amounts, they are a good source of manganese. Animal studies have found that the compounds in cloves may support liver health and help stabilize blood sugar levels. However, for medicinal purposes, cloves are used in larger amounts, which can cause undesirable side effects. You should consult a medical professional before using cloves in large doses.
You can use any kind of cinnamon in small amounts for cooking, but for therapeutic use, consult a health provider and use Ceylon cinnamon from a reliable source.
Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of foods. The aroma and flavour of cinnamon derive from its essential oil and principal component, cinnamaldehyde.
Cinnamon is not only delicious, it has many reported health benefits. However, if you are using cinnamon for medicinal purposes, it should be Ceylon cinnamon, not Cassia, which is the common variety sold in grocery stores. Cassia cinnamon in large doses may have detrimental effects on health.
What does calcium do? Calcium is needed to build and maintain strong bones.es. The heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, protects against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
How much do I need? Adults need at least 1000 milligrams a day of calcium. For women over 50 and all adults over 70, the recommendation is 1200 milligrams.
What are some good plant food sources of calcium?SOY MILK, TOFU, SOY BEANS, EDAMAME, CHICKPEAS, CHIA SEEDS, and BROCCOLI are good plant-based sources of calcium.
Are supplements recommended? Food is the best source of any nutrient, and some plant foods are rich in calcium. Include a variety of calcium-rich foods in your daily meals. Talk to your health care provider if you have doubts about whether you need a supplement in addition to the food sources.
Almond is the edible seed of Prunus dulcis, a species of tree native to Iran but widely cultivated elsewhere. It is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by corrugations on the shell surrounding the seed. Almonds are sold shelled or unshelled. Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seedcoat, which is then removed to reveal the white embryo.
When I decided to look for ways to enjoy life without meat, I found myself in a world of strange ingredients, passionate opinions, and confusing factions. I didn’t know the difference between vegan and vegetarian, and I wondered if I could use nutritional yeast to make my bread rise. I had known for a long time that raw fruits and vegetables are more beneficial than cooked, but I was unaware that raw veganism is actually a thing. I believe it’s better to avoid processed foods, but I hadn’t heard of whole food plant based eating (wfpb) nor did I suspect that there were strong opinions about all kinds of non-animal but nevertheless forbidden (depending on which practice you follow) foods. It was insensitive of me, but I had not even considered the implications, contradictions, and possible immorality of wearing leather shoes while vegan. I keep my mind open to information that might result in better health outcomes, end cruelty to animals, and save the planet from climate disaster, but I don’t attach labels to myself or my choices, and I am the only person who decides what I may and may not eat. When it comes to food, informed common sense is my only rule. The benefits of going vegan may be cancelled by the stress of worrying whether some particular culinary fault disqualifies one from membership in a given community of orthodox meat abstainers. I am not a vegan. I am a person who chooses not to eat meat. I am attentive to facts and opinions that may have a significant effect on my health and the health of people I care about. Fruit and Stuff is where I collect, sort, and interpret confusing and contradictory information and opinions related to health, especially on life without meat and on becoming as healthy as I can from eating mostly fruit and stuff!
Dates (español: dátiles) are an ancient food, mentioned 50 times in the Bible and 20 times in the Qu’aran. They have been a staple food of the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence of date cultivation in Arabia from the 6th millennium BCE, and fossil records show that the date palm has existed for at least 50 million years. Although they are high in calories, they are an excellent substitute for the empty calories of refined sugar because of their nutritional benefits. Deglet Noor dates are the most common variety seen in the West, but Medjool dates, which are sweeter and softer, are frequently recommended in recipes. They are more expensive and may be harder to find. They are similar in nutritional content.
Nutrition: 3.5 oz (100 g) dried pitted dates
calories 277 carbohydrates 75 g copper 18% RDI fiber 7 g iron 5% DV magnesium 14% RDI manganese 15% RDI potassium 20% RDI protein 2 g vitamin B6 12% RDI
Cumin (español: comino) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to a territory that stretches from the Middle East to India. Its seeds, which are contained within a fruit are dried and used whole or ground in the cuisines of many cultures. Cumin has a high content of nutrients such as iron (512% of the Daily Value in 100 g), thiamine, magnesium, and manganese, but it is used in tiny quntities (less than 1/2 teaspoon in a typical recipe). Although cumin is thought to have uses in traditional medicine, there is no high-quality evidence that it is safe or effective as a therapeutic agent. It is, however, indispensable in many Mexican dishes and other international cuisines.
Pour off the soaking water, rinse the beans, and add 2-3 cups of water
Cook the beans until tender with 2-3 slices of onion, 1 diced tomato 1 clove of minced garlic, a few sprigs of cilantro, and the ancho chile (remove the seeds); add salt to taste when they finish cooking
In a large pot, saute the other TOMATO, diced, with the rest of the onion, diced, and the GREEN CHILE, finely chopped with the seeds removed
Add the cooked BEAN mixture to the sauteed vegetables, stir well, and heat through; you can mash the beans lightly or serve them whole
Hominy, or nixtamal is produced from dried maize (corn) treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization. Hominy is also a favorite in the southern United States, often served in the ground-up version known as hominy grits.
Tortillas (and all their variations–enchiladas, gorditas, tostadas and sopes to name a few) tamales, and atole, a thick drink, are made from nixtamal masa (dough). Pozole features the nixtamal grains.
Chia is a healthful and effective thickening agent. Use 1 cup of your favorite fruit and adjust the sweetener to your taste for tasty jam of any flavor.
preparation
ingredients
PREP 20 min
1 c PITTED CHERRIES
COOK 15 min, MEDIUM HEAT
1 Tbsp HONEY
NEED SAUCEPAN
1 Tbsp CHIA SEEDS
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine CHERRIES and HONEY in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook 5 minutes, stirring gently; as they heat, mash the cherries gently with wooden spoon
3. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
4. Remove from heat and stir in CHIA SEEDS; mixture will thicken as it cools
5. When cool, adjust sweetness to taste; may be stored in refrigerator up to two weeks in airtight container
Cherries contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.
Cherry (español: cereza) is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit). Commercial cherries are obtained from cultivars of several species, such as the sweet Prunus avium and the sour Prunus cerasus. Cherries contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. These support a healthy system and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.
Phytochemicals protect against certain enzymes that can lead to inflammation. This can help reduce arthritis pain. Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke, and cherries have more per serving than strawberries or apples. Compared to sweet cherries, raw sour cherries contain 50% more vitamin C per 100 g (12% DV) and about 20 times more vitamin A (8% DV). Recipe for Cherry Jam
Cilantro is especially rich in Vitamin K, which aids in healthy blood clotting.
Coriander (español: cilantro) (Coriandrum sativum), also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro, is related to parsley, carrots, and celery. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most used in cooking. It may help lower blood sugar, fight infections, and promote heart, brain, skin, and digestive health. In the United States, Coriandrum sativum seeds are called coriander, while its leaves are called cilantro. Coriander seeds, extract, and oils may all help lower blood sugar. Animal studies suggest that coriander seeds reduce blood sugar by promoting enzyme activity that helps remove sugar from the blood. Coriander offers several antioxidants, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that coriander may lower heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Many brain ailments, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, are associated with inflammation. Coriander contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight certain infections and foodborneillnesses. Dodecenal, a compound in coriander, may fight bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause life-threatening food poisoning.
Cilantro can grow roots if the stems are placed in a glass of water. Once the roots are long enough, plant them in a pot. In a few weeks new sprigs will be starting, and in a few months you’ll have a full plant. How to grow plants with cuttings from the kitchen.
Nutrition: 3.5 oz cilantro (100 g)
calories 23 calcium 7% DV carbohydrates 3.67 g fat 0.52 g fiber 2.8 g folate 16% DV iron 14% DV magnesium 7% DV manganese 20% DV niacin 7% DV pantothenic acid 11% DV phosphorous 7% DV potassium 11% DV protein 2.13 g riboflavin 14% DV sodium 3% DV sugar 0.87 g thiamine 6% DV zinc 5% DV vitamin A 42% DV vitamin B6 11% DV vitamin C 33% DV vitamin E 17% DV vitamin K 295% DV
One cup of chayote provides 31% of daily folate requirements and 17% of Vitamin C.
Chayote (español: chayote) (Sechium edule) is a type of squash that belongs to the gourd family. Chayote is green and pear-shaped with a white inner flesh that is mild, sweet, juicy and crisp. The chayote plant is perennial and native to the tropics of the Western Hemisphere. Chayote is available year-round but its peak season is fall.
It is loaded with B vitamins, potassium and vitamin C. Chayote is rich in folate, a B vitamin essential to cell division and DNA formation. Extracts of chayote leaf, stem and seed have antimicrobial benefits against strains of bacteria, even some that are antibiotic-resistant.
A folate deficiency can lead to lack of energy, poor immune function and impaired digestion. Folate is especially important nutrient for pregnant women to prevent birth defects like spina bifida.
Nutrition: 1 cup chayote
calories 25 carbohydrates 6 g fat 0 g fiber 2.2 g folate 31% DV magnesium 4% DV manganese 12% DV niacin 3% DV potassium 5% DV protein 1.1 g sugar 2.2 g zinc 7% DV vitamin B6 5% DV vitamin C 17% DV vitamin K 7% DV
Chaya is recommended in folk medicine for diabetes, obesity, kidney stones, hemorrhoids, acne, and eye problems.
The scientific name of chaya (español: chaya) is cnidoscolus aconitifolius. It is known as Chaya or Mayan Tree Spinach. It is a large fast-growing perennial shrub that is believed to have originated on the Yucatan peninsula. Chaya can be cooked just like spinach, and is an excellent addition to a stir-fry. It is high in protein, vitamins, calcium, iron and antioxidants. In folk medicine, chaya is recommended for diabetes, obesity, kidney stones, hemorrhoids, acne, and eye problems. Chaya shoots and leaves serve as a laxative, diuretic, and circulation stimulant. They are used to improve digestion, to stimulate lactation, and to harden the fingernails. Like most food plants such aslimabeans, cassava, and many leafy vegetables, the leaves contain hydrocyanic glycosides, a toxic compound easily destroyed by cooking. Even though some people eat raw chaya leaves, it is risky to do so.
WARNING: Chaya leaves must be cooked; raw leaves are toxic
Chaya is believed to have these and other health benefits:
Improve blood circulation Aid digestion Improve vision Help lower cholesterol Help reduce weight Prevent coughs Increase calcium Deconges and disinfect lungs Prevent anemia Improve memory and brain function Combat arthritis Improve glucose metabolism and prevent diabetes.
Celery provides 37% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels.
Celery (español: apio) has the scientific name Apium graveolens. is a vegetable in the plant family called Apiaceae. Celery stalks are the best-known part of this plant, but the green leaves and seeds are edible and beneficial too. Celery seeds are known to help lower inflammation and fight bacterial infections. Celery is high in antioxidants, beneficial enzymes, fiber, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and polyphenols. Celery supports liver, skin, eye and digestive health. Parts of this vegetable were administered in folk medicine as natural anti-hypertensive agents. Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Celery acts as a natural detox tonic that may prevent sickness because of its hydrating qualities and high nutritional content.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup chopped raw celery (100 g)
calories 16.2 carbohydrates 3.5 g calcium 4% DV fat 0.2 g fiber 1.6 g folate 9% DV magnesium 3% DV manganese 5% DV potassium 8% DV protein 0.7 g riboflavin 3% DV vitamin A 9% DV vitamin B6 4% DV vitamin C 5% DV vitamin K 37% DV
Cashews pack 67% of the daily copper requirement, needed to form red blood cells.
Cashews (español: marañón) are commonly referred to as nuts, but they are really seeds, native to Brazil but grown in many other warm climates nowadays. They are rich in nutrients and are reported to help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and a healthy heart.
Nutrition: 1 ounce (28 g) raw unsalted cashews
calories 157 carbohydrates 9 g copper 67% DV fat 12 g fiber 1 g iron 11% DV magnesium 20% DV manganese 20% DV phosphorous 13% DV protein 5 g selenium 10% DV thiamine 10% DV zinc 15% DV vitamin B6 7% DV vitamin K 8% DV
A recipe for fruit salad serves as inspiration more than strict guidance. You can add or omit ingredients to your taste. Fruit salad is full of nutrients! It is quick and easy, but if you have time and artistic inclination, you can create elaborate fruit arrangements for special occasions.
PREPARATION
INGREDIENTS
PREP 30 min
1 RIPE BANANA
COOK 0
1 c DICED PINEAPPLE
BOWL / CUTTING BOARD / KNIFE
1/2 c BLUEBERRIES
SERVES 4
1/2 c BLACKBERRIES
1 c STRAWBERRIES
2 MANDARIN ORANGES, PEELED AND SLICED
2 KIWIS, PEELED AND SLICED
1/4 c HONEY
1 Tbsp LIME JUICE
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Whisk together HONEY and LIME JUICE; set aside
2. Mix all fruits together, toss lightly, add honey and lime juice mixture just before serving
Fruit & Stuff 
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