email this pageNext time you’re at the farmers market look beyond the red tomatoes. Researchers from Ohio State University report that orange tomatoes have a type of lycopene (a beneficial antioxidant) that is absorbed better than the lycopene in red tomatoes—two and a half times better. Purple tomatoes may have added benefits as well, as their purple pigment is due to compounds called anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the blue, purple and red color of berries and grapes. Anthocyanins are also antioxidants and can protect against oxidative damage. In addition, orange and purple tomatoes are often heirloom varieties and tend to be tastier too.
What’s in a Name?
Apparently, a lot when it comes to ham. If it’s going by its Italian name, “prosciutto,” it commands a respect it never gets as just plain “ham.” Of course, when it’s genuine Prosciutto di Parma (the famed Parma ham of Italy’s gastronomical center), the respect is well earned. One of the world’s oldest hams, Prosciutto di Parma is made using an ancient dry salt and air cure, exactly like America’s celebrated country hams, except those are often smoked. Parma’s hams aren’t. Dry-salt curing safely “cooks” prosciutto, so while it’s sometimes used in cooking, it’s best cut wafer thin and eaten unadorned, with only the simplest accompaniments—chunks of cool melon, ripe figs, and slivers of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. —Damon Lee Fowler
Secrets of a Former Fat Girl
If you’re having trouble losing those last few pounds, pick up a copy of Secrets of a Former Fat Girl (Hudson Street Press, 2007, $21.95). In this inspiring story, Lisa Delaney shares the trials, tribulations and strategies of an insecure overweight adolescent on her way to confident, trim, successful writer and editor. A diet book this is not; instead it’s an empowering account of changing the way you think and act toward food and yourself. Check out her website at aformerfatgirl.com
What’s a nib?
Here’s a new ingredient that’s popping up in cookies and brownies—cocoa nibs. Nibs are what remain after cocoa beans are roasted and separated from their husks. While not sweet, they’re high in antioxidants and add a dark, nutty crunch to our Bourbon Brownies on page 7. Order them from Oraganic (oraganic.com, [800] 991-8871) or World Wide Chocolate (worldwidechocolate.com, [800] 664-9410).
Related Stories
If you enjoyed reading this story, This and That May 2007, then you might enjoy these other stories.- A Ham Homecoming
- Show-Stopping Beef
- Super Foods for Staying Young
- açaí
- Purple Hull Peas Outstanding in Their Field
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