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August 2009
The Taste of August
Whether on holiday or at home on your balcony – summer herbs and spices will conjure up an exotic atmosphere in no time. And the best thing about them – they taste good and they’re good for your body.
Cooling and healing at the same time
The essential oils contained in some summer herbs, which give them a sweet or bitter aroma, also have a cooling effect in food. In addition, these herbs possess a variety of health-promoting properties, although mainly when they are fresh and organically grown.
A little herb primer
Coriander stimulates the appetite, strengthens nerves, brain and eyes – and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive system. It is also used to cure skin diseases and migraines. Thanks to its very mild aroma, it rounds off vegetable dishes containing bell peppers, aubergines and tomatoes, giving them a slightly sweet and fresh taste.
Turmeric, a component of Indian spice mixes, is a true beautifier which protects your skin and gives it a radiant glow. Its yellow colour pigments are anti-inflammatory, cleansing and energising. Rosemary is good for your stomach and revitalises. Therefore, add a few fresh or dried needles to hard-to-digest dishes. Fennel is another herb that helps in the digestion of heavy foods while giving them a pleasant aroma. Fennel goes especially well with potato dishes and legumes. Chicory, radicchio and spinach salads also provide the perfect backdrop for the delicate aroma of fennel.
A cucumber salad with a generous portion of dill will keep bones and teeth healthy, since dill contains a lot of calcium and fluorine. The herb is also a good source of the anti-inflammatory mineral zinc and beta carotene, a natural protectant against sunburn. Ginger is another miracle herb. This root will give food a fresh and spicy kick, while tea made of ginger is refreshing and anti-inflammatory.
Maybe we have piqued your interest in a summer barbeque with herbs galore – think chicken legs marinated in ginger, chilli pepper and garlic; aubergines, zucchini, bell peppers and potatoes baked in foil with a taste of turmeric, coriander, thyme, rosemary and fennel. Yummy!
