[php snippet=1]A berry is a fruit developed from the ovary of a single flower, where the outer layer of the ovary wall generates the fruit pericarp (e.g. tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, and grapes). The botanical definition of berry does not include the commonly known berry fruit such as strawberries, black- currants, blackberries, and raspberries. Berry fruit are also known as soft fruit and are a kind of aggregate fruit containing seeds deriving from different ovaries of a single flower. The common word “berry” includes small, juicy, rounded, brightly colored, sweet or sour fruits, which can contain many pips or seeds. Some…

The genus Vaccinium comprises about 400 species, many of them found in tropical mountains. Vaccinium meridionale Swartz is a native Colombian plant that belongs to the family Ericaceae. This plant grows in the Andean region. The fruit of Vaccinium meridionale, Andean berry, has six stages of maturity based on the color of the skin, ranging from green (unripe) to dark purple (mature). The right conditions for Andean berry growth are: altitude between 2000 and 3800 meters above sea level, rainfall between 958 and 1350 mm per annum, temperature from 13.5 to 22.3 °C, solar radiation between 16.1 and 21.3 MJ/m2,…

Wild Bergamot scientifically known as Monarda fistulosa is a wild flower belonging to mint family Lamiaceae. It is native plant in North America. The plant blooms pink to lavender summer blooming flowers and used often as medicinal plant, honey plant and garden ornamental. It is a perennial native plant in mint family which grows 24 to 36 inches tall. Leaves are oppositely arranged on square stems and are slightly toothed and hairy. Flowers are showy having individual pink blossoms emanating from center seed head. Its spicy fragrance is identical to cultivated oregano. Plant Wild bergamot is an herbaceous perennial which…

Sweet corn is one of the members of grass family Gramineae with wheat, barley and rice. It is inherent to tropical environment of Americas. Sweet corn is the sweet version of maize. Various varieties could be found, some have white kernels whereas others have combination of white and yellow kernels. The sweetness differs in varieties. Yellow sweet corn is the common variety. This cereal has high content of sugar. Sweet corn is an outcome of naturally occurring recessive mutation in genes restrain conversion of sugar to starch inside ENO of corn kernel. This maize species differs genetically from field maize.…

Rice noodles are considered to be the highest consumed form of rice product alongside cooked rice grain in Asia. Noodles are served by frying and blending with meats and vegetables or are served as soup noodle by boiling in broth. Rice protein misses gluten thus lack of functionality of continuous visco elastic dough. Rice noodles are noodles produced from rice. The major ingredients are water and rice flour. The ingredients such as corn starch and tapioca could be added advance transparency or raise gelatinous and chewy texture of noodles. It is common in cuisines of Southeast and East Asia and…

Hamburger commonly known as burger or beefburger is a sandwich which consists of cooked patties of ground meat commonly beef and is placed inside sliced bun or bread roll. Patties are grilled, pan fried or flame broiled. Usually it is served with lettuce, cheese, bacon, tomato, pickles, onion or chiles and condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, relish, ketchup and special sauce. The hamburger which is topped with cheese is known as cheeseburger. Hamburger is a meat product which consists of 2.2 to 2.4% salt and 50% of daily recommended amount of sodium in serving size of 100 grams. In spite…

Mostly cane syrup is made from sugarcane juice and concentrated by evaporation or after clarification before any sugar is crystallized or removed. The word “cane syrup” used in consumer products having regional orientation to Southern USA and also sugarcane processing areas. Cane syrups as well as blends are used on biscuits, pancakes and cereals and in cooking. Cane syrup is produced at sugarcane factories in Hawaii and Louisiana for use of food industry. The fusion of brown and golden colored streams is mixed for producing syrup. This syrup is dark golden brown in color having medium flavor intensity is upturned…

Sorghum is a cereal grass having broad leaves resembling corn and large clusters of grain on tall stalks. Sorghum is believed to be originated in Africa considering it as a substantial food grain and an ingredient in beer. It is deemed as the third largest food grain. In U.S. Sorghum is mostly grown as animal feed, some to ethanol production and small portion for making liquid sweetener. Sorghum syrup is also known as sorgho, sorghum molasses and sorgo which are made by boiling sweet juice of Sorghum cane scientifically known as Sorghum bicolor. Syrup of good quality could be produced…

Turbinado sugar is a brown sugar which is accessed from initial pressings of sugar cane. This results sugar cane juices to allow evaporate and leave light brown sugar crystals behind. Turbinado sugar is more moist or flavorful. It is considered to be a healthy substitute to white sugar. Turbinado sugar crystals are coarser in comparison to processed sugar. It possess the taste of molasses which are by-product occurring naturally during processing of sugar. Sugar derives its name from centrifugal procedure used to dry crystals. The name is derived from turbine. Turbinado sugar has large crystals and is medium brown in…

Flan is a dish having an open and rimed pastry or sponge base which contains sweet and savory filling. It is round with shortcrust pastry. Some examples are custard tart, quiche Lorraine, South African melktert and leche flan. It is a light or tasty dessert which is well-known on Spanish peninsular. It is considered that flan was discovered in central European regions of France and Germany but literally the term “flan” is derived from German word “flado” which means cake. The humble flan is favored across Spanish speaking world. An escalation of flan led to various varieties of dish. Recipe…

Chewing gum is a soft and cohesive substance formed to chew without swallowing. Chewing gum of present days consists of sweeteners, gum base, flavors, softeners/plasticizers, colors and hard of powdered polyol coating. The texture is similar to rubber due to the physical-chemical properties of polymer, resin components and plasticizer contributing sticky, elastic-plastic and chewy characteristics. It consists of latex both artificial and natural. People used naturally chewy or aromatic substances as thirst quenchers and breathe fresheners throughout history. Greeks used mastic tree resin, Italians used frankincense, Arabs used beeswax and West Indians used aromatic twigs. The resin of tree is…

Chocolate is processed or raw food which is produced from seeds of tropical tree such as Theobroma cacao. Seeds are roasted and grounded and often flavored with vanilla. It is prepared in form of liquid, paste or in block and used as a flavoring ingredient in sweet dishes. Also called semi-sweet chocolate or black chocolate, it is made by adding sugar and fat to cocoa. The dark one is semisweet and extra dark ones are bittersweet and the ratio of cocoa butter to solids vary. Chocolates are considered to be beneficial for health. Especially dark chocolate is helpful to treat…

Generally marmalade refers to fruit preserve which is made from peel and juice of citrus fruits boiled with water. It could be made from kumquats, limes, lemons, mandarins, grapefruits, bergamots, sweet oranges and other citrus fruits. The preferred citrus fruit for production of marmalade in British Isles which has been Spanish Seville orange prized for high content of pectin content which readily sets thick consistency expected of marmalade. Peel provides bitter taste. The word marmalade is not universal, precise nor definitive but until stated marmalade is distinguished from jam by the fruit peel. It is used in senses other than…

Barley is considered as the fourth abundant crop cultivated around the world. Usually it is produced for human consumption, pharmaceuticals, animal feed and alcoholic beverage products. Barley malt syrup is unrefined sweetener which is processed by extraction from sprouted or malted barley which contains about 65 percent maltose, 3% protein and 30 percent complex carbohydrate. This syrup is thick, dark brown and sticky possessing a strong and distinctive flavor mostly malty. It is as sweet as refined white sugar. Sometimes it is used in combination with other sweeteners for malt flavor. Malt syrups (clear spring) has rich and mellow taste…

Fruit molasses or fruit syrup are the concentrated fruit juices which are used as sweeteners. They are made with less expensive fruits such as pears, apples and pineapples in modern industrial foods. It is used to extend the shelf life of foods and products. How to make Fruit Syrup? Ingredients: 1 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar 1 ½ cups fruit (frozen or fresh, or squeezed fruit juice). Peel the fruits, washed and cut into smaller pieces. Instructions: Boil sugar, water and fruit. Turn on the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes or…

Molasses is a sweetener or thick syrup make during sugar making process and is considered to be healthier than sugar. It is made from crushed sugar cane and sugar beets. Similarly, Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of refining process of sugar cane. It is mashed for making juice and boiled one for creating cane syrup. The second boiling makes molasses. After syrup is boiled for third time, it emerges a dark viscous liquid known to be blackstrap molasses. Considered to be superfood, it possesses strong nutritional value having various benefits. These molasses contain all minerals and vitamins that were absorbed…

It is a flat oven baked Italian bread which has similar style or texture to pizza doughs. Focaccia is common of Liguria and well known throughout Italy and seasoned usually with salt and olive oil. It is flavored with vegetables, herbs and cheese. It is made from simple ingredients such as water, yeast, flour, salt and olive oil seasoned with herbs. It is used as side dish to sandwich bread or meals. Being a typical bakery product of various Italian regions, it has variants that depend on productive area. Various focaccia types have similar productive steps such as mixing, kneading,…

Rice milk is made from rice grains usually brown rice and unsweetened uncommonly. Sweetness in rice milk varieties is created by natural enzymatic process which splits carbohydrate into sugars especially glucose similar to Japanese amazake. Nevertheless, some rice milks are sweetened with other sugars or sugarcane syrup. The milk is made by pressing rice through mill with the use of diffusion to strain out pressed grains. It could be made at home with the use of brown rice protein and rice flour or boiling brown rice with enormous water, blending and straining mixture. People who are not tolerable to lactose…

Grapes are the fruit of Vitis vinifera which has been used for thousands of years due to its medicinal and nutritional value. It has high content of flavonoids, sugar, proanthocyanins, anthocyanins, tannin, organic acids, vitamins and mineral salts. Study shows that resveratrol is considered to be strongest natural antioxidants which are found in grape seed, juice and skin. Juice is made from grapes which have 5000 to 10000 different subspecies or cultivars of grapes. Grape juice is the popular drink for children and adults but grape juice found in store is loaded with sugar making less healthy. Grape juice has…

Tomato is considered to be the well-known vegetable fruit. It is cooked on its own or combined with potato. This fruit has good nutritive value which has good amounts of Vitamin C and other minerals such as iron, phosphorus and calcium. Due to its low cost, it could be included to daily diet of growing and young children. Tomato juice is a juice made from tomatoes and used as a beverage or plain or in cocktails such as Michelada or Bloody Mary. The juice is pasteurized and unconcentrated in Canada usually made from rope tomato pulp or whole tomatoes. Skins…

Passion fruit juice is a beverage which is made from pulp or seeds of plant Passiflora. Technically, passion fruit is a berry which has three different varieties such as yellow passion fruit, purple passion fruit and giant passion fruit. Literally, this juice is made by squeezing or pressing berries of passion fruit. Passiflora edulis is a type of vine which is inherent to various regions of South America. Juice has sweet aroma and is very tart due to which it is mixed with other fruit juices for adding flavor. How to Make Passion Fruit Juice? Ingredients: 6 ripe passion fruits…

Red raspberries are highly valued for its versatility in culinary uses and also many other applications. About 3% of red raspberries are sold fresh and rest ones are processed into juices or other products such as jellies, jams, yogurts and confectionery products. Raspberry juice is a liquid extracted from raspberries which is often consumed itself, used as a part of mixed drink or added with other liquids such as orange juice. This juice is loaded with high content of Vitamin C and iron. Red raspberry juice is an excellent source of phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity such as elagitannins and…

Blackberry is the fruit produced by many species in Rubus genus belonging Rosaceae family. Historically blackberries are confused due to apomixes and hybridization so that species are grouped together and known species aggregates. Blackberries are deep purple to blue-black in color is a sweet treat during late spring and summer. Loaded with various nutrients, it could be consumed fresh or for making jellies, jams and sauces. Blackberry juice is the best way to reap entire health benefits. The delightful purple juice possesses delicate sweetness and mild peppery taste. It is loaded with antioxidants that keep the skin look healthy and…

Perideria is a genus of plant in parsley family. The genus of this plant is known as yampa or yampah. Eppaw botanically known as Perideridia oregana, is a species of flowering plant belonging carrot family also known as Oregon yampah and squaw potato. It is inherent to California and Oregon in western United States where it is found in woodland or other habitat. The appearance of plant is variable. Generally, it is a perennial herb which grows about 10 to 90 centimeters tall and the green to waxy-grayish stem grows from a cluster of small tubers. Leaves near plant base…

Date palm scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is a monocot plant belonging to family Arecaceae which is cultivated in dry tropical regions worldwide for its sweet edible fruit. The native range is crucial to ascertain as it is spread through cultivation for thousands of years but is believed to have originated in region around Persian gulf- the Arabian peninsula and Northwest India. Since ancient times, dates have been cultivated from Mesopotamia and Babylonia to prehistoric Egypt as early as 4000 BCE. Fruits are used by Ancient Egyptians to make date wine and consume them at harvest. Dates are medium sized…

Curry powder is the blend of spices used to impart taste and flavor in various culinary uses. The mixture of various spices with various formula and various blends of curry powder are processed to suit various tastes. Curry powder differs from other types of spice mixtures such as rasam powder, sambar powder, pickle masala, chutney powder and garam masala that are used for human consumption. India has been exporting substantial quantities for different spices for long and increase in attention has been concerned in the recent past to exports of curry powder which is the major processed item of spices…

Rosé is French for “pink.” Rosés are made from red grapes, but the juice and skins are only in contact for a short time (anywhere from a few hours to several days) before the juice is separated. When the winemaker is happy with the color, the winemaking process continues as it would for white wine. Rosés are rarely aged in oak. Rosés have always been drunk in Southern France. Originally they were made from leftover grapes that didn’t make it into the local red wine. That winemaking philosophy has changed, and rosés are now being made on purpose and have…

Maraschino cherry is believed to have originated in Oregon. But we could say that Oregon is the birthplace of modern maraschino cherry industry and from here the process of making preserved cherries started. Ernest H. Wiegand (1886-1973), an Oregon State University professor was the father of modern Maraschino cherry. In 1919, after Wiegand arrived, he was accessed to solve problem bothering Oregon cherry growers. Queen Anne is the type of cherry which thrived here uses to spoil quickly and has a mushy consistency when preserved. The wealthy American brought preserved cherries with them from travels through Europe where Maraschino is…

Fish soup is prepared by mixing seafood or fish with stock, vegetables, another liquid, water and juice. Basically, hot soups are obtained by boiling solid ingredients in liquids in a pot till the flavors are extracted forming a broth. Soups are classified into 2 main categories such as thick soups and clear soups. Bouillon and consommé are the established French classifications of clear soups. The classification of thick soups depends upon the type of thickening agent used: cream soups are thickened with béchamel sauce, bisques are prepared from pureed shellfish and vegetables thickened with cream and veloutes are thickened with…

Botanically, beet belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and subfamily Betoideae. It has scientific name Beta vulgaris. This plant is a cool season crop which grows best under loamy, organic-rich and well-drained soil. Beet root is an underground fleshy taproot from which leaves appears directly from its crown with stem like petioles. Beet greens are leafy young tops of beetroot plant. It is loaded with more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The plant measures 1 to 2 feet in height. The long petioled leaves feature light green, pink, crimson red veins and broad or deep green succulent leaves. The top greens are…