Pomegranate Molasses...Another Flavor Enhancer

Or Debs Remman (in Lebanese). Did i forget to mention my origin? Yes, i am a very proud Lebanese. :-) That fact alone is hopefully going to contribute great things to my blog.

Now let's go back to the molasses. It's a syrup-like reduction of pomegranate juice usually combined with lemon juice, sugar and water. It has a unique deep purple color and an exotic tartness/sweetness flavor. Used in a wide variety of Persian and Middle Eastern dishes, some of which i'll share with you today. It brings a meal to a whole new level: from salad dressings , meat glaze, dipping sauces and even desserts.

You can find it at many Middle Eastern food stores and wider-ranging supermarkets (international isle). There are simple recipes if you decide to make it yourself.

I mix it every time with my fattoush salad. In fact, i strongly recommend its use to jazz up your greens next time you make a salad. It can also enliven any type of meat like my beef patties or "kafta" adding juiciness, tanginess and appeal.

Nutrition Facts: With 40 calories in 1 tablespoon, "it helps add the nutritional value of the pomegranate---polyphenols, antioxidants that protect from cancer and cardiovascular disease---to many kinds of meals."

Product Facts: Cortas is specialized in manufacturing "the finest Lebanese gourmet products". Click here for more info.

Nutrients have a shelf life too...

Do you ever think about the nutritional value of a” good” food you’re eating or about to eat? Well, you may not be getting enough of that healthy value. According to research, it all depends on how long the food has been sitting on the shelf, what it has been exposed to, or just the way it has been stored.

For example, frozen orange juice has double the vitamin C content as the regular one.

Olive oil loses 40% of its vitamin E content after direct exposure to light or sitting next to the stove.

Green tea, if not stored in air-tight container, gives up 32 % of its antioxidants.

Honey, which i thought would last for ages, loses 30-50% of its antioxidant power after 6 months.

Note: These are eye opening facts for you to consider the next time you feed yourself or family these super healthy foods. And make sure to diversify your diet.