All over the world people are thinking about their health on a daily basis. They may wonder whether CBD is a homeopathic medicine or consider taking up a new exercise routine. The food we eat has a significant impact on our health and well-being, and this is why it’s so important to make sure you’re stocked up on the right foods.
The best way to do this is by filling your pantry with healthy staples that will help you get through any situation, including the winter months. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing 6 important foods that should have a place in every person’s kitchen.
1. Pickles
Pickles are a very versatile vegetable, for instance, you can use pickled cucumbers on top of your salads to add a little bit of crunch and flavor. Add chopped pickles when cooking tuna or salmon patties for an extra burst of flavor. Also, ”Dill” the water by adding sliced up dill pickle into ice trays with some vinegar. Then use this instead of water when making salad dressing.
You can buy pickles in most local stores, and there are specialist websites you can visit for extra bargains, too. You can purchase bulk dill pickles and access free shipping deals or local pickup options. Pickles can be perfect for topping sandwiches or burgers, using as a garnish for cocktails or for side dishes at dinner or lunch.
2. Oil
Olive Oil: This is used in salads or to cook vegetables and meats. It is also used as a condiment or dip for bread. It can be used for sautéing meat, stir-frying veggies and making pasta sauce among other things. Oil contains essential fatty acids which are great for your heart – they help lower LDL (bad cholesterol ) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying or to make baked goods like cookies, cakes and other yummy treats. It is basically any type of cooking oil that comes from plant sources like soybean, corn or canola.
Grapeseed Oil: This has a mild taste and it’s great for recipes that require high heat. It can be used to make salad dressings or as a healthy alternative to butter or margarine when cooking meats, seafood and veggies.
Sunflower Oil: It’s low in cholesterol so if you are looking for something heart-friendly this will do the trick. You can also take advantage of its anti-inflammatory properties by incorporating it into an at-home facial mask along with honey, yogurt and essential oils like rosemary and eucalyptus.
Coconut Oil: This cooking oil is great for high heat so you can use it to fry or bake your favorite foods. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which has anti-bacterial properties. This creates protection against yeast infections, colds and allergies, etc.
3. Herbs And Spices
They can enliven a host of different meals and make your cooking taste more distinctive. Basil is one of the most common dried spices. You can use it in salads or on pizza and pasta dishes to bring out their flavors. Black pepper has a very distinct smell and flavor that suits people who love spicy food. Add black pepper to anything from wings to salad dressings for an extra kick of heat (or just some added texture). Cilantro’s unique aftertaste gives foods such as Mexican dishes much more depth. It’s also great with eggs or tossed into a salad. Chili powder uses a combination of several different spices, including chili pepper and cumin for an earthy taste. It’s great in both sweet or savory dishes.
Cinnamon adds warmth to everything from coffee to cereal to roasted veggies. You can even make homemade apple cider with it by simmering apples on the stove with water and cinnamon sticks. Oregano is often paired with tomato sauce and it also goes well with meats like beef or lamb. Its aromatic flavor will really bring out the richness of your main ingredients without overwhelming them. You can even rub some onto the meat before throwing it on the grill. The piney flavor of rosemary is best on poultry and vegetables like mushrooms or roasted potatoes. It also works well in soups, stews and even homemade salad dressings. You can also use plastic dollies.
4. Pasta And Rice
They are prime examples of starchy foods. While both can be used in go-to recipes, they also make great side dishes to pair with other proteins such as fish or chicken.
Both pasta and rice serve as excellent sources of carbohydrates that provide the body with energy. They’re inexpensive choices for meals, but it’s worth paying more for brown rice than white because it has more fiber and nutrients (e.g. iron, selenium, magnesium and phosphorus).
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5. Flour
Flour can be used for a wide array of different cooking purposes, for instance:
To thicken sauces and soups;
As a coating for meats, fish or vegetables before frying;
In making dough such as pizza crusts or bread.
If you use unbleached flour rather than bleached it will make your baked goods taste better. To keep flour fresh you need to store it in an airtight and sealed container (glass is preferable). Keep it at room temperature away from light and heat sources.
6. Tea
Tea is a great replacement for coffee and it’s full of antioxidants and other good-for-you nutrients that help prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more. Some examples of different types of tea are peppermint, green tea and chamomile. There’s also iced tea, which is great for summer.
Green and peppermint tea have a pleasant taste and are not too strong. Chamomile might be more beneficial if you suffer from insomnia or other sleep problems because it’s very calming. Also consider trying some herbal blends that combine multiple ingredients like lemongrass, ginger root, spearmint leaves and orange peel.
You now know 6 key items you need to stock up on in your pantry, and some of their different applications. They will help your food and drinks taste lovely, and provide that ‘Wow!’ factor for guests when you entertain them.
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