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| Alfalfa And Mung Bean Sprouts |
| Sprouts, in particular mung bean sprouts, have been used in Chinese cookery for well over 3,000 years. Mung bean sprouts are very useful in stir-fries, but can also be eaten raw as a side dish or in salads. Alfalfa sprouts are best in salads and sandwiches as they are a bit too delicate to be cooked. |
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| Sprouts are very nutritious as they are high in protean and very low in fats. They are cholesterol free. Sprouts are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. They have many minerals including Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium and Zinc as well as trace elements, Amino Acids, Carotene and Chlorophyll. |
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| Alfalfa Sprouts in particular have many phytochemicals that are thought to have healing properties. Amino Acids that may fight cancer, plant estrogens that may help with osteoporosis and menopause symptoms. And Saponins that may help lower bad cholesterol and stimulate the immune system. |
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| Silverbeet |
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Silverbeet has been used in Mediterranean and European cooking since at least the time of Ancient Rome (over 2,000 years). It is a very close relative of both beetroot and sugar beet and a relative of Spinach. Silverbeet has commonly been mistaken for Spinach. |
Like Spinach, Silverbeet is high in Iron but in a form that is not easily assimilated by humans. Silverbeet is also a good source of vitamins A, B, B6, C, K and folate as well as the minerals Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Copper, Manganese and Zinc. It is also high in Sodium and thus must be taken into account if you are on a low salt diet.
Silverbeet should be used within a few days, but that should be easy as you can use it in many ways - such as in salads, cheese and silverbeet dishes, stir fries, soups and, of course steamed. |
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| Asparagus |
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Asparagus is a member of the lily family that has been cultivated in Europe since the days of Ancient Rome. It is thought to have reached Rome from Persia via the Greeks who ate the wild form. Asparagus is normally steamed or boiled but can even be Bar-B-Qed. It can also be sautéed, poached and microwaved. It is |
delicious with butter and can be used by itself as an entrée or as an accompanying vegetable. Asparagus is said to be calorie negative as it takes more energy to digest the cellulose in the spear than it provides in total.
Asparagus is also very nutritious as it contains very good levels of folate. In fact, 5 spears contain 50% of an adult's daily dietary requirement. It also contains useful levels of Vitamins A, C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6 and E. It also has Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Copper as well as being high in protein with no fat or cholesterol. |
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| Grapes |
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There are many varieties of grape but most come from the one species, Vitis vinifera the European wine grape. There are some commercial varieties that come from North American species of Vitis. Grapes have been in use since time immemorial in Europe. The Romans cultivated grapes in England 2000 years ago. |
The low incidence of heart disease in France despite the high levels of animal fat in the diet is thought to be because of poly phenol antioxidants in the red wine the French drink. Anti oxidants are also high in grapes and grape seed extract. They are also thought to fight cancers. The beneficial compounds are found in grape skins and therefore not in white wines which are fermented 'off' the skins.
Redgum supplies several varieties of grape including Menindee seedless, Flame, Premium White and Sultana. |
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| Passionfruit |
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The Passionfruit is a native of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It was introduced into Australia in the 1800s where it was almost naturalized in coastal Queensland before being introduced from there into Hawaii in 1880. There are two varieties commonly grown. The purple |
(which we sell) and the yellow which has a weaker more acidic flavour. The flavour and perfume are strong.
The Passionfruit is also called the granadilla in South Africa and markisa in Malaysia and Indonesia.
It is thought in Puerto Rico that the fruit relieves high blood pressure. But beware, it is also thought that you will fall in love with the next person you make eye contact with after eating it.
The Passionfruit flower is named for the passion of Christ but why is not clear. The flower is so very striking in appearance that it is worthwhile growing the vine for the flower alone.
Passionfruit can be eaten chilled by itself or in a Pavlova. Passionfruit mousse is a favourite in its native country, Brazil. |
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