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Did You Know These Foods Are Rich in Antioxidants?

January 7, 2016 by

You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know where they come from? If you’re one of the many people who would say that they aren’t entirely sure how to get that daily dose of antioxidants, these antioxidant-rich foods are great places to start.

  • Raisins. Dried fruits, like raisins, contain well over 2,000 total antioxidants per serving.
  • Blueberries. These sweet, plump berries have more antioxidants than a whopping 40 other types of fruits.
  • Strawberries. One of the next best berries is the delicious strawberry, which helps to protect your body’s cells.
  • Plums. Plums contain more than 4,800 antioxidants per serving, and dried versions offer even more.
  • Oranges. Oranges are rich in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin. It helps to lower your risk for arthritis.
  • Spinach. That’s right—some veggies contain antioxidants, too. Spinach is packed with the types that promote healthy eyes and prevent blindness.
  • Brussels sprouts. This tasty vegetable is becoming increasingly popular, which is a great thing because it is packed with isothiocyanates antioxidants that help to prevent cancer.
  • Beets. Pink beets not only look pretty on top of a salad, they also deliver a hearty dose of antioxidants.
  • Eggplant. Eat eggplant to take in the antioxidants that protect against plaque buildup in the arteries and prevent cancer.

20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants [WebMD]
Which Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Should You Be Eating? [Reader’s Digest]
8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants [FitDay]
10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods [Food Network]

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Today’s Imponderable: Why Does Popcorn Pop?

September 18, 2014 by

Popcorn is a tasty snack to make while having a movie night at home, and its noisy popping sounds make it especially fun for the little ones. By now you’re probably used to the popping noise of popcorn, but have you ever wondered how this happens? What is it that makes popcorn pop, while corn on the cob simply cooks?

On the inside, popcorn kernels are filled with oil, water, and starch, and the outside is covered with a protective shell. Heating popcorn—say, in the microwave—causes the liquids inside to expand into steam. Because the hard outer coating leaves nowhere for the steam to go, it simply gets hotter and hotter inside of the kernel until it eventually reaches 365 degrees, which is hot enough to burst through the shell! The action of the starch and oil expanding so quickly and with so much heat transforms the mixture into the familiar foam-like puff that we eat as popcorn.

The next time you make a bag of popcorn at home, examine the kernels and think of the science behind your favorite movie snack!

What Makes Popcorn Pop? [Popcorn.org]
Why Does Popcorn Pop? [Tell Me Why Facts]
Why Does Popcorn Pop? [Mental Floss]
How Popcorn Pops [About.com]

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Clever Cooking With Fresh Oregano

June 19, 2014 by

Outside of Italian fare, many home cooks are at a loss when it comes to cooking with oregano. This warm, aromatic herb is actually much more versatile than you might think, however, and it can be added to dishes ranging from meats to pastas and even to sweet desserts. Check out these creative recipes for ideas that will have you craving oregano.

Blackberry-Oregano Pie
You’ve tasted sweet blackberries and you’ve likely used oregano, but you’ve probably never had the two seemingly opposite ingredients together in one dish. This sweet and flavorful pie combines fresh blackberries and tart lemon juice with finely chopped fresh oregano to create a traditional berry pie with just the right amount of savory flavor. Add an intricate pattern in the crust and this sweet treat makes an impressive dessert for your next gathering!

Charcoal-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Fresh Herbs and Roasted Garlic
Grilling juicy, tender pork shoulder over hot charcoal gives the meat a perfectly crispy exterior that’s well worth the extra effort. The addition of a thoughtful blend of herbs, including oregano, bay leaves and parsley, makes a perfect seasoning that really completes this main course. Because the recipe calls for both a brine and a garlic herb rub, you can feel confident that this pork shoulder will be full of flavor.

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