Food

They look like little brains, but is it smart to eat them? Walnuts are high in fat, it’s true, but they also contain many beneficial nutrients that may help protect your heart, digestive system, and, yes, your brain. So are walnuts good for you? And what about their environmental impact? Do they use too much water to be sustainable?

From their early days of cultivation to their status as a food of the gods in ancient Rome, walnuts have long provided top-notch nutrition and unmatched flavor. In this article, we dive into the world of walnuts, including the different types, how to store and toast them, and how to include them in both sweet and savory dishes.

Food prices have risen dramatically in the last few years. But why? And how can you reduce your food bill without sacrificing your health?

Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile and delicious foods out there — and they’re incredibly healthy to boot. From their origins in the highlands of Peru to their place on the festive tables of England’s King Henry VIII, societies have long had a love affair with these colorful tubers. So let’s find out how to choose, store, and prepare sweet potatoes to eat them on a regular basis.

Imagine a food crop that defies drought, thrives in depleted soil, and is easy on the environment. It packs a powerful nutritional punch, and is gluten-free and rich in whole grain goodness. This supercrop not only tastes amazing but also cooks quickly, conserving energy. Introducing fonio, the most amazing cereal crop most people have never heard of. Discover why, despite its many positive qualities, fewer and fewer farmers want to grow it, and what you can do to help.

Ready to explore the amazing world of figs? Would you be surprised to discover that they aren’t actually fruits? Or that their pollination can involve a multigenerational family drama? From their unusual biology to their nutritional value and health-giving properties, get ready to dive into the hidden secrets of figs.

Discover the mouthwatering world of umami, the so-called “fifth flavor.” Recognized in the West only for the last few decades, umami foods have long occupied a place of pride in traditional Asian cuisines. But there’s been concern about the use of the flavor enhancer MSG, a synthetic source of umami often associated with Chinese restaurants. So is there a difference between MSG and natural sources of umami? And can we enjoy umami flavor from plant-based sources?

Grapes are the world’s biggest and most valuable fruit crop — and are among the sweetest natural foods we can eat. But given their high sugar content, can grapes truly be part of a healthy diet? And what about wine, grape juice, and jelly?

Figs are far more than cookie fillings and strategically-placed leaves in Bible paintings. Discover the versatility of figs in enhancing various dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Learn how to choose, store, and make the most of the nutritious fig, a natural sweetener that can elevate your culinary game.

Dark chocolate is beloved both as a delicious treat and a source of health-promoting antioxidants. But recently, a couple of comprehensive studies have shown that many of the most consumed dark chocolate bars contain potentially hazardous levels of cadmium and lead — toxic heavy metals that can cause serious and long-lasting health problems. How are they getting into chocolate? Are some bars safer than others? And is it possible to still enjoy the flavor and health benefits of dark chocolate without exposing ourselves to these toxins?

Why are so many people talking about bone broth? Let’s explore why health enthusiasts seem to be jumping on the bandwagon, what the research says about some of the most prominent bone broth benefits and claims, and the potential downsides of participating in this popular food trend.

Eczema is a common skin disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the causes and effective treatments for eczema remain elusive. So why do people develop the condition in the first place? What triggers symptoms? How can flares be prevented? And might a plant-based diet provide relief for eczema sufferers?