Going to Seed!

Let's talk about seeds.  There are literally dozens of seeds we eat all the time and we don't even think about them as seeds.  For example, when you eat peas you are actually eating the seeds of the plant.  They live and grow in the pod of the plant.  Did you know that string beans are really the pod that holds its seeds?  They have been developed so the pod is fleshy and are picked before the seeds are fully mature.  With other beans like, navy, black eyed peas (which are actually beans), pinto beans, etc., we do not eat the pods which are too hard.

But wait a minute; didn't I start by talking about seeds?  Yes, and let me clarify.  Beans are considered seeds.  They grow in a pod and that makes them a sub-type of seeds.  So, beans are seeds.  But not all seeds are beans.  For example, the seed of an apricot is its pit.  Sunflower seeds are housed in a hard pod, but are not beans.

The most important thing to know about seeds is that they hold the entire building block of the plant they come from.   The next most important thing to know is the nutritional value that seeds play in our life.

Here's a breakdown of how seeds can fit into your daily nutrition:

• Chia seeds are high in iron, foliate, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber. Now don't go and scrape your chia pet for the seeds. Purchase fresh seeds and blend them in your smoothie or sprinkle in salad.
• Hemp seeds are a great complete protein and have lots of fiber. They are a good source of fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and support brain and cardiovascular health. Not to worry, though. While a part of the cannabis family, hemp seeds do not contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. You won't get high by chewing on these seeds.
• Pumpkin seeds (Pepitas) are powerhouses of vitamin B, iron, magnesium, zinc and protein. The amino acid in pumpkin seeds is call tryptophan, which helps lower anxiety. And the fatty acids help keep blood vessels healthy. Add them to your trail mix or roast them as a healthy snack.
• Sunflower seeds are a wonderful source of foliate which promotes a healthy immune system, not to mention being a great source of vitamin E. Toss a few in your next salad or grab a handful as a quick snack. 
• Flax seeds are such a great source of fiber. They help in lowering cholesterol, make you feel fuller longer, and can help in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Flax seeds need to be grinded before eating them, otherwise the seeds will simple pass through your system. Add some ground flax seeds to yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies. Once ground, flax should be refrigerated in an air tight container.
• Cardamom seeds help the body eliminate waste through kidneys, helps to sooth mouth ulcers and infection, not to mention bad breath (halitosis). It can combat nausea, heartburn, bloating, gas and constipation. Remember when using cardamom as a spice that a little goes a long way.

There is more to say about cardamom.  In fact, it is the seed of today's recipe.  So let's learn a bit more about this exotic spice.

Cardamom Seeds

Cardamom is a native to the Middle East, Africa and Scandinavia.  It grows in a pod that is not edible, but it is best to purchase your spice in their pod and grind them fresh because they loose much of their flavor rather quickly. 

Cardamom has a strong taste, and, as mentioned earlier, a little goes a long way.  This is good, because it is more expensive than other spices.  It has a unique, spicy taste with a hint of sweet.  It can be used in all kinds of recipes.  I've included a site for you to visit will more information.

Our recipes for today are for the hot drinks that get us in the mood for fall and cool nights and chilly breezes.

Recipe number 1 is hot chocolate:

What you need:

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoons Dutch cocoa

dash of salt

1 cup whole milk

dash of ground cardamom

What you need to do:

Add sugar, cocoa, and salt to your mug.  Heat milk in microwave or stove top just until hot. Do not boil.  Add milk to your mug and stir to combine completely.  Sprinkle a dash of cardamom on hot chocolate

Recipe number 2 is Cardamom Coffee:

What you need:

Fresh ground coffee

3-5 cardamom seeds (for a 12 cup coffee maker)

cream (optional)

sugar (optional

What you need to do:

Using your coffee grinder and grind the cardamom seeds.  Add ground cardamom to your ground coffee and brew as you normally do.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee and add cream and sugar, if using.

So drink a cup of coffee or cocoa and get comfortable with a book or your favorite classic movie and enjoy.

Now, go out and make something good.