The Big Coconut: Tarragon

Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon is a perennial herb the grows wildly in North America; it is used in culinary and also in medicine as well. It is under the Sunflower family and can grow up to 59 inches tall. The leaves are lance-like in shape, broad and green. The flowers are formed in knob-like cluster and in each knob, it produces about about 30-40 tiny flowers. Some other species of Tarragon does not produce flower sand seeds like the French Tarragon but this specie has a strong flavor compared to the Russian Tarragon which on the other hand, does grow from seeds but it has a mild flavor. Tarragon actually tastes like Anise but milder.

This herb is rich in antioxidants as well as Vitamin A, C, and B-complex. Tarragon extract and Tarragon is also added in some medicine that help promote healthy blood vessels preventing platelet adhesion and aggression. It also have lots of minerals like calcium, iron, copper and manganese.

Tarragon can be added to your daily sautéd vegetables. It can be also added in salad dressings and garnished on salads. This herb is not only used in vegetables but also this can be added into meat dishes to add flavor as well. You can also make Tarragon Vinegar by infusing white wine vinegar and a bunch of Tarragon leaves.

The Big Coconut: Knife

No one knows exactly who or when the knife or knives were invented because clearly knives were used as a weapon millions or billions of years ago. Scientifically, cavemen used sharp stones to hunt animals or even as a weapon to kill enemies. These stones were sharpen enough to act as blades to cut meat and other things as well. In the Bronze Age, metal was discovered and stones were replaced. During the Middle Ages, stainless steel was used by blacksmiths to produce improved knives, daggers, sword, spears and other sharp weapons as well. As time goes by, knives evolved and were designed according to its purpose like Kitchen Knives were used in culinary, Combat Knives were used by soldiers, Hunting Knives were used by hunters and so on.

There are various types of Kitchen Knives in the world of culinary. Each one has its own purpose and these are:

Chef's Knife - used for preparing food. Also known as French Knife

Butcher's Knife - used for dressing animal meat, especially for butchering.

Boning Knife - used to debone poulty, fish and meat.

Oyster Knife - used to pry open oysters.

Bread Knife - also known as the Serrated Knife, used to cut bread , cakes and crusty pastries.

Paring Knife - used to core fruits and in some cases, can be used for carving fruits.

Carving Knife - used for carving cooked meats or poultry like hams or turkeys.

Cleaver - a large knife usually rectangular in shape, used for chopping meat with hard bones.

Kitchen Knife - all purpose knife.

Butter Knife - also known as Table Knife, used for slicing butter, cheese, jam and other spreads.

The parts of the knife includes:

Handle - handle of the knife.

Blade - metal part of the knife.

Tip - it the end of the blade, used for piercing.

Blade Edge - thinner side of the knife and is very sharp.

Spine - thicker side of the knife.

Bolster - screw or any security which holds and attaches the blade to the handle.

Butt - end of the handle.

Guard - some knives have these part where it separates the blade from the handle and protects your hand from slipping to the blade.

The Big Coconut: Puffer Fish

Scientific Name: Tetraodontidae

Puffer Fish is a poisonous fish that can kill anyone who tries to eat it because its skin and liver contains toxins. It has various names such as Bubble Fish, Swell Fish, Balloon Fish, Honey Toads and Blow Fish. Their species is related to the Porcupine Fish which looks the same as them but it has big spines surrounded on their body if they inflate. This defense mechanism is really helpful for them because they travel very slow. But once there is a predator close by or if it happens to get near a Puffer Fish, the Puffer Fish inflates by letting water or air come into their stomach then the spines protrudes.

Puffer Fish can be a remedy for cancer patients but mostly it is not really advisable to eat Puffer Fish because of it's poison which can literally kill people in minutes.

Puffer Fish can be fried and grilled. In Japan, Puffer Fish Sushi is very popular although it is really not that advisable to eat Puffer Fish because if it is not properly cleaned and prepared, it can be deadly.

The Big Coconut: Pegions

Scientific Name: Columbidae

Pigeons can be seen all over the world except at dry places like deserts and even in cold places such as Antarctica. Pigeons are mostly found in tropical forests and woods. Pigeons and Doves are very similar to each other because they are of the same family. Pigeons are stout birds with short necks. Common Pigeons are colored gray with hints of black, white and green. The young Pigeons or Doves are called "squabs". They also have other species like:

Black-banded Fruit Dove - Australia

Eared Dove - South America, Britain, China and India

Laughing Dove - Africa

Whistling Dove - Fiji Island

Somali Pigeon - Somalia

Pigeons are rich in Vitamin B, Iron, Calcium, Copper, Selenium, Omega-3, Omega-6, Protein and many more Vitamins and Minerals because Pigeon meat or Squab meat are very healthy to eat. Eating Squab meat will improve thyroid function, lowers risk of cancer and heart diseases. 

Pigeons and Doves can be fried, roasted, steamed, barbecued and stuffed, Examples are Pigeon or Dove Tortelli, Japanes Grilled Teriyaki Doves, Turkish Roast Pigeon, Cajun Grilled Doves and many more. 

The Big Coconut: Chickens

Scientific Name: Gallus gallus domesticus

Chickens are domesticated fowls over 3000 years ago by the Chinese and are very common world wide. Chickens are consumed for their meat and eggs. Their species are more than other birds around the world. Adult male Chickens are called "cocks" or "roosters" while younger male Chickens below one year are called "cockerels". Adult female Chickens are called "hens" while the younger females are called "pullets". Chickens are omnivores and they usually eat seed or worms from the ground. Even they have feathers and wings, Chickens cannot fly very high.

Chickens are a good of source of Protein and Vitamin B6. They also contain Phosphorous and Niacin.

Chickens can also be cooked in many ways. The most popular dish for Chicken is Fried Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Wings and Barbecue Chicken. In Philippines, there is the Chicken ala King which is a baked dish. Usually the sauce is made by combining spices with mushroom sauce and sliced vegetables with Chicken. The baking dish is covered with a pie crust. Other Chicken dishes includes Braised Chicken, Chicken Skin Cracklings, Chicken Soup, Chicken Kiev, One-pot Chicken, Chicken Salad and many more.

The Big Coconut: Beef

Scientific Name: Bos primigenius

Cattles have been domesticated since 8000 BC for its milk, meat and leather. The cattle's meat is called Beef which is from the Latin word "bos". Beef is commonly used in American, European and Australian cuisines. It is also divided into different cuts such as Dutch Primal Cuts, Brazilian Primal Cuts, Argentinian Primal Cuts, UK Primal Cuts and American Primal Cuts. Beef can be taken from Cows, Steers and Bulls.

Beef is rich in Protein, Vitamin B6 and B12. In other types of Beef, depending on how the cattle is raised, it can contain Selenium and Omega-3. 

There are many ways to cook Beef and some examples are Beef Steak, Beef Sausages, Braised Beef, Beef Soup and many more. Other parts of the cattle like the intestines, eyes, tail, tongue and even the testicles can also be cooked.

The Big Coconut: Lobsters

Scientific Name: Homarus americanus

Lobsters are crustaceans and they have a very hard exoskeleton which they undergo molting once in a while in order for them to grow. They are caught using bait cages that are submerged into the ocean about 900 meters or more. There are other types of Lobsters too and their color varies from black, brown, blue, red-orange and many more. They have two huge claws for gripping and for crushing things either for food or for self-defense. They also have ten legs for walking, antennas as sensors and mandibles for eating. They have a greenish liver and pancreas which in culinary it is called a tomalley.

Lobsters are good for boosting the immune system, for brain development and good for the reproductive system. They have low calories which means they are good for the body. Lobster meat contains copper and it is good for the tissues and bones. Eating Lobsters can also avoid arthritis, kidney problems and other various diseases.

Lobsters are cooked in many ways like Lobster Salad, Lobster Bisque, Boiled Lobster, Steamed Lobster, Baked Lobster, Lobster Rolls and many more.

The Big Coconut: Oyster Mushrooms

Scientific Name: Pleurotus ostreatus

Pleurotus comes the Greek word which means "side ears". Oyster Mushrooms are also known as: Abalone Mushrooms, Tree Mushrooms and Elephant Ear Mushrooms. They usually grow on trees, straws, saw dusts and even dying trees. It has a wide oyster or fan-like shape and is colored white, dirty white, grayish and light brown. The caps are gilled underneath and it is either they have stems or laterally attached with one another. Oyster Mushrooms are cultivated throughout the world and they different species.

Oyster Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin B3, Protein and Calcium which beef, pork and chicken meat contains. Oyster Mushrooms are fat free and has no cholesterol plus they boost the immune system.

Oyster Mushrooms can be stir-fried, barbecued, grilled and omelette. But personally I love Fried Oyster Mushrooms. It is done by making a batter of your choice then dipping the Oyster Mushrooms in it. Then you will deep-fry it for a few minutes until it turns golden brown. It's best served with onion-mayo dip, or any dip of your choice.

The Big Coconut: Azuki Beans

Scientific Name: Vigna angularis

Azuki Beans are widely grown throughout the Himalayas and some parts of Asia. They are originated from China and very popular in Japan and in Korea. The name "azuki" is a transliteration of the native Japanese name. While in China, it was considered as the "red bean".

Azuki Beans helps promote bowel movement and is rich in fiber. It also has a good source of Vitamin B and protein. In Japan it is believed that eating Azuki Beans can help support the bladder and kidneys

In China, Azuki Beans are used in mooncakes, red bean paste and zongzi. In Japan, it is used for daifuku, taiyaki, monaka and anpan. Mostly, Azuki Beans are used for desserts and pastries.

Foodie Adventure: Coffee Project

     Coffee shops are our best friend! It's the perfect place to unwind and relax. It is the place where you can hang out with your family, friends and love ones. All you have to do is to order some coffee or tea, maybe some bread or cake, then look for the best spot to spend a couple of hours and be comfortable! A few days ago, we were about to go to our usual coffee shop to spend the evening when we saw this shop. My best friend who was the one insisting me and my partner that we should try this out since it's new. So with that, we entered the glass door and what we saw really amazed us!

     Manny Villar, a senator of the Philippines, established the first Coffee Project in Starmall Alabang, 2014. Then later on, as the business progressed, he opened more shops in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Bataan. Manny tells that drinking coffee was his and his mother's bonding time after a tiring day selling fish in Divisoria martket. He also stated that whenever his family goes to other places or countries, they would always stop by a coffee shop to have coffee. His love for coffee made him venture into the coffee business and since he also loves plants and flowers, this became the main theme of his coffee shop. He wanted to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere that when customers come in, they will immediately feel the warm and relaxing mood of the shop. That's why the decors are mostly of flowers, plants, leather sofas, books, vintage items and classy chandeliers. Coffee Project also offers cakes, cookies, biscuits, and other pastries. The branch we went to is at Vito Cruz, Taft Avenue Malate, Manila.

     When we entered, we were welcomed by a friendly staff. The place was indeed so cozy and huge, we just had to check every nook and cranny to see where can the customers hang out. There were plenty of areas to choose from! Personally, I do not know how they call it but based on what I saw, there were like living room area, dining room, library area, lounge area, and so much more that I wish I asked one of the staff how they call it. They also have a second floor, that means this is not the usual size for a coffee shop. 

What attracted me most are the shelves filled with vintage books, classic items and the artificial potted plants that looked real!

Not to mention those hanging books and succulent-filled light bulbs. Are we in Hogwarts? Wow!

The Menu

(click to see the larger picture)

They also have an outdoor lounging area. No Smoking!

What we ordered? These! Plus, each of us were given a stub which contains the password of their WiFi connection good for two hours.

Vanilla Macadamia, White Mocha and Coffee Creme Brulee

We were also given a Frequency Card wherein you will fill this out with stamps for every purchase of coffee. You get to have freebies and free upsizing =]

     Our stay was really relaxing! There was no distracting sounds, the whole area was so clean and we will definitely go there again. The staffs are really friendly and courteous too. The coffee definitely tasted great! Coffee Project is highly recommended for coffee lovers, catering to those who want to relax from a tiring day and most of all, this is a perfect place to hang out and rest.

The Big Coconut: Almonds

Scientific Name: Prunus dulcis

Almonds are a native to the South Asia and the Middle East then spread to other countries. It is a small tree, with gray stems and trunks that are green when young, which produces a fruit called "drupe", similar to peaches and cherries. Each drupe has a seed inside with a very hard shell and inside the hard shell contains an inner seed which is the Almond.

Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous and Zinc. Eating Almonds is regularly will give you a healthy skin. It regulates blood pressure to give you a healthy heart. Almonds are great for the brain because it contains nutrients that help develop the brain. It can also prevent cancer and is good for pregnant women.

Almonds are used in making marzipan and nougats. It can also be added into cakes, ice creams, cookies, breads and jellies. In Greece, Almonds are used in wedding sweets. In China, Almonds are combined in tea or milk for added flavor. In Italy, Almonds are used in making Almond Macaroons which they call Amaretti. Almonds extract and syrups are also used in some desserts. 

Recipes to Share: Double Sausage Spaghetti

Here's a new recipe for Pasta Lovers. But be warned! This is full of meat =]

Ingredients:

1.5 kg Spaghetti noodles, cooked until al dente and strained

1.5 kg pre made cheesey spaghetti sauce

150g bacon strips, sliced into small squares

500g ground pork

500g German franks, sliced

1 can 450g sliced mushroom, water drained

1 kg Hungarian sausage, sliced

1 small box 250g cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup water

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 medium red onion, chopped

basil

rosemary

salt

pepper

Procedure:

1. In a non-stick pan (no need to add oil since the bacon's natural fat will become the oil) sauté bacon squares until it is slightly brown. Add in sliced German franks and Hungarian sausages. Continue sautéing until brown. Set aside.

2. In a wok, sauté garlic and onion then add in ground pork. Add salt and pepper while continue mixing until the meat turns white. Add sliced mushroom then mix again.

3. Add spaghetti sauce, water, basil and rosemary. Continue mixing until well incorporated. You can add additional salt and pepper to taste and you can even add a tablespoon sugar if you want a hint of sweetness. Add in bacon and sausages then let it simmer for 5 - 10 minutes.

4. Add grated cheese before turning off the fire then mix.

The Big Coconut: Corns

Scientific Name: Zea mays

Corns or "Maize" in Spanish, is a popular crop that is spread world-wide and is originated from Mexico. It has a leafy stalk that when it matures, it produces "ears" which the corn is form. It has a bamboo-like structure stems with leaves that are colored green. It produces ears which is the actual corn, covered in layers of leaves. When it matures, a tuft of hair called "silk" emerges from the tip of the ear. The silk is colored green then turns into yellow or red later on. The ears are called female inflorescence while the tassel is called the male flowers. The kernels of the corn are the seeds.

Corns are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Thiamin and Niacin. Eating Corns regularly will help prevent Rectal Cancer and Hemorrhoids.

The Corn kernels and Corn meal are considered grains and is used in making corn chips, taco shells, nachos and cereals. Corns can be grilled and steamed. Corn meal is used to make soups and drinks (fermented corn meal). In Asian Cuisine, Young Corn, a type of corn that is small in size, is sautéd with other vegetables and meat. Corn on a Cob is a common dish in Canada, United States and in Europe. Corn Starch is also made from Maize Flour, which in used in cooking. The most popular snack in all parts of the world is Pop Corn. Corn kernels can also be used in salads and is used as garnish.

The Big Coconut: Mozzarella Cheese

Italian Name: Mozzarella

The name Mozzarella came from the Neapolitan dialect which has the root word "mozzare" meaning, "to cut off" or "moza" which means "cut. There are also other types of Mozzarella Cheese such as the Mozzarella di bufala Campana which is made from the water buffalo's milk. The color of Mozzarella Cheese is light yellow to white and the process of making this cheese has not changed at all. The process of making this is by curdling the buffalo's milk with rennet then pour boiling water over the curds. The product is drained afterwards discarding the whey. The next step is to knead the product by hand until it will be elastic then it will cut into equal portions which they call "mozzatura".

Eating Mozzarella Cheese with help prevent bone defects since it contains Calcium. It can help lower blood pressure because it has Vitamins B6 and B12 plus Folate. It contains Zinc which help promote good immune system.

Mozzarella is usually added to pizzas, lasagna and other pasta dishes.

The Big Coconut: Strawberries

Scientific Name: Fragaria ananassa

Strawberries originated from France, these were cultivated in the 17th century and these were considered as ornamental plants before. It has a scaly leaf and if you touch it, you can really feel its roughness. Stalks are hairy and the leaves are spiky at times. The flowers are white in color, producing white berries after a couple of days, then these berries turns red. The fruits have a sweet aroma when ripe which can attract pests.

Strawberries are good for the eyes and they are also good for the skin. They are also known to prevent cancer and lower blood pressure. Strawberries are also good for enhancing brain memory and also prevent birth-defects.

In culinary Strawberries are used as jams, jellies and flavoring. Strawberries are also made into ice creams, pies and milkshakes. 

The Big Coconut: Lasagna

Lasagna or Lasagne in Italian is a flat sheet type pasta and its name is also called to the dish itself where the sheets are cooked then layers with meat sauces and cheese. How its name came up is based on three theories. First, it was said that the name Lasagne means "Pot Stand" which the Greeks took its name from where these sheets are being cooked. Second, its name is based on the dish itself which is similar to the present idea of what Lasagna is: The layering of cooked Lasagna sheets with red sauces or white sauces. Third, its name means "a flat unleavened bread".

The process of making Lasagna sheets is by combining flour (all purpose flour or using the original semolina flour or durum semolina wheat), egg, olive oil and salt then kneading it thoroughly until you form the pasta dough. After the dough is made, you have to cut the dough into small pieces. Using a pasta machine, roll out the dough several times until you obtain a thin Lasagna sheet. Then cut out the edges so that you will have the rectangular shape.

Lasagna sheets are not only for making the typical Lasagna but you can actually create lots of dishes with it by using your imagination. Try making Lasagna Rolls, Lasagna Meatloaf or Lasagna Chips with dip.

The Big Coconut: Mint

Scientific Name: Mentha

There are over 250 species of mint and there are plenty of varieties. These herbs are very aromatic and they can propagate fast either by cutting or by seeds. The leaves are colored light green to dark green and sometimes bluish purple. The leaves are oblong in shape and has veins. The stems are square in shape and when the plant gets old, roots grow from the bottom sections of the branch which can be cut and re-planted again.

Mint is good for coughs and other respiratory disorders because it can open up clogged stuffy nose, throat and lungs. It is also good for asthma because the minty or refreshing after taste can really soothe the respiratory system. Mint is also used as balms for relieving inflamed skin and eating mint with meals promotes good digestion. Mint is great as breath fresheners and sometimes, it can be used in cosmetics.

In the culinary world, mint is used as a flavoring especially for candies and desserts. It can also be used in beverages for a refreshing after feel. In Morocco, it is a tradition to drink mint tea with friends.

The Big Coconut: Onions

Scientific Name: Allium cepa

Onions are often used in dishes world wide and these were used since 5000B.C.. During the ancient times, Egyptians considered onions as gods because of the ring patterns inside the onions which means eternity. In Greece, onions were used by gladiators to firm up their muscles by rubbing onions on their body. Ancient doctors also used onions as medicine to cure many ailments including prevention of diseases. Until this time, onions were not only used in culinary but also used as home made remedies as well.

Onions have three colors such as red, yellow and white. Other types of onions are: Canada Onion, Japanese Onion and Egyptian Onion. 

Onions are good for the cardiovascular system. Eating a certain amount of onions a day will help the heart function well. It is also good for cancer prevention. Chinese doctors usually use onion extract for ointments and this are used to rub on areas where the cancer takes place. Eating onions also increases appetite and also encourages water intake. Since onions lived during ancient times where commercialized medicine did not exist yet, it was used often to treat wounds and other diseases as well. Onions contains Vitamins A, C, E, Iron and Calcium.

Onions are used in cold salads such as Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad. It also adds flavor to any dishes when sautéd. Onions can also be cooked as it is like Onion Soup. In China and Korea, onions were pickled with sugar and vinegar along with other spices then this is served with fried foods such as Fried Chicken. Onions can be dried up and ground to produce Onion Powder.

The Big Coconut: Scorpions

Scientific Name: Scorpiones

Would you believe that Scorpions can actually be eaten? Scorpions are arachnids that have eight legs, two claws and a tail. At the end of the tail, there is stinger which is poisonous. This is the Scorpion's "weapon" to drive its enemy away or in some point, kill it for its meal. It lives in dry and hot places such as deserts.

Scorpions have sources of Niacin, Vitamin B1 and B3. They are also good to lower one's cholesterol. It was said that Scorpions taste like shrimps and it is somewhat spicy because after eating it, it makes you feel hot inside. It can also cure diseases.

The most common dishes that was made from Scorpions are Roasted Scorpions on a Stick and Scorpion Candies. These are found in Chinese restaurants.

The Big Coconut: Rabbits

Scientific Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus

As much as I DON'T like to talk about it, yes, these cute Rabbits are also a delicacy in some countries. Rabbits have been a popular dish since in the times where kings reign their kingdom and until now, Rabbits are served in Asian and European restaurants. They are small and furry mammals that live in meadows, grasslands, forests and woods. They are a native to the North American area and also in some continents like Europe and Asia. Some of other species of Rabbits include: Cottontail Rabbit, Amani Rabbit, Pikas and European Rabbits.

Rabbits are good for reducing excess body fats and also they are good for eliminating bad cholesterol. It has a good source of protein and Zinc.Riboflavin is also present in Rabbit meat which is good for the digestive system.

Rabbit dishes includes Braised Rabbit, Rabbit Stew, Fried Rabbit, Lemon Pepper Rabbit, Fried Rabbit and many more.