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Gourmet Food

Bulk Herbs By The Pound-All Bulk Herbs

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Soy Lecithin has a natural, nutty taste so you can enjoy Lecithin as a daily food supplement in many different ways…Sprinkle it on cottage cheese, yogurt, granola or cereal. Blend it with orange juice or your favorite nutrition beverage. Add it to fresh salads, fruit or mix with salad dressings. Use it to enhance soups, breads or other baked goods. Lecithin is a fat-like substance called a phospholipid. It is produced daily by the liver, if the diet is adequate. It's needed by every cell in the body and largely makes up cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Our soy lecithin is a mixture of fatty substances that are derived from the processing of soybeans. Studies show most soy-allergic individual can safely eat products containing soy lecithin without experiencing any allergic reactions. Soy Lecithin provides a naturally-occurring combination of Phosphatidyl Choline and other valuable phospholipids. Just one tablespoon supplies a rich source of Choline (approx. 250 mg), almost as much as one egg, but without the cholesterol! Lecithin is important in preventing arteriosclerosis and assisting in protecting against cardiovascular disease. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation, and helps make up the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. Using lecithin can improve brain function and has also been known to promote energy. Lecithin is manufactured in the body by choline and inositol. It is composed largely of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Lecithin is high in phosphorous and unites with iron, iodine and calcium. W.S. Hartroff, M.D., Ph.D., reported in the American Journal of Public Health that the lack of choline was found to head infants toward high blood pressure. Furthermore, it has been found that a choline deficiency induced tendency to high blood pressure can not be reversed. Interestingly enough, human milk contains lecithin while cow’s milk does not. Lecithin aids in the absorption of thiamine by the liver and is needed to help repair the damage to the liver caused by alcoholism. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier—lecithin enables fats, such as cholesterol, to be dispersed in water and removed from the body. Hence, it also supports the circulatory system by preventing fatty buildup in the arteries and vital organs. Without sufficient lecithin, the body cannot utilize the fat soluble vitamins A,D, E, and K. Lecithin improves the digestion and utilization of these vitamins. When a person exercises regularly to improve their muscle tone, the amount of lecithin contained in the muscles increases. This increase in muscle lecithin is in part responsible for the greater endurance of the muscle. Dr. H. Dietrich of Texas has found that often a diabetic's insulin requirements are reduced when lecithin is added to the diet. Psoriasis is apparently due, at least in part

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Papain Powder 1 lb: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as a dietary supplement in smoothies, deserts, beverages. Papain is a proteolytic digestive enzyme derived from the papaya fruit, and it is used as an aid in digesting protein. It may also help to stimulate protein synthesis and repair. Papain is a protease (protein digesting enzyme) that is an anticancer agent. Papain is used to treat allergies, asthma, indigestion, chronic diarrhea, digestive disorders, gluten intolerance, hay fever, sports injuries and warts (topically) and weak lungs. In medicine, chymopapain, from papaya, is used to treat ruptured discs and back pain. Papain powder is applied to bee stings to reduce pain and inflammation. Papain powder is also used as a tooth and gum cleanser. Long ago people learned that papaya latex is a very effective meat tenderizer. Tough meat was wrapped in fresh leaves for several hours to make it tender. The active tenderizing ingredient is a protein-digesting enzyme called papain, which is very similar to human stomach pepsin. Interestingly, some of the early, crude studies of plant protein structure were made by digesting the proteins into pieces with the use of papain. Papain has been commercially produced by scoring unripened fruits with longitudinal cuts and then collecting the copious latex in containers set on the ground below. The latex is sun- or oven-dried into a powder; the papain powder most commonly recognized is marketed in the United States as Adolph's Meat Tenderizer. Papaya and papain share many of the same uses. Papaya leaf decoction is strongly astringent with an anti-parasitic and vermicidal action - that is, it is an antidote to Montezuma's Revenge. It can also be of profound use with chronic indigestion. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The juice of the tree or an infusion of the leaves and fruit makes the toughest meat tender when rubbed with it or cooked in the leaves; if chickens and pigs are fed on the leaves it will make their flesh tender.' 'The leaves are used as a substitute for soap... The fresh leaves have been used as a dressing for foul wounds...' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'The chief property of the milk of the carica is its action upon food, similar to that of pepsin, exercising, like this latter article, a digestive influence upon albuminoid substances. But the difficulty of procuring and preserving a sufficient amount of it for therapeutical use, together with its deeply irritating action, will prevent it from coming into use as a remedy for dyspepsia or gastric affections.' 'To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Mauriac instituted a series of experiments with the leaves of the tree, and found that a concentrated decoction of them exerted upon albuminoid substances an action analogous to that of the milky juice of the tree and of the green fruit, without any appreciable irritation of the gastric mucous membrane.' 'This decoction must be administered in

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Alfalfa Sprouting Seed Cert. Organic (Medicago sativa) 4 oz: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Beansprouts have outstanding nutritional value. They are rich in protein as well as vitamin A, the vitamin B complex, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as various minerals and enzymes. Alfalfa sprouts have a mild flavor, mild crunch, big time nutrition, and are easy to grow. From seed to sprout in 5 - 6 days. This sweet-smelling nutritive grass is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Alfalfa is a rich source of Vitamins A, B Complex, C, D, E, K, biotin, carotenes, calcium, phosphorus, choline, inositol, PABA, octacosonal, trace minerals including iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorophyll, and many other nutrients. It is an excellent tonic for the whole body, and it may help build iron levels in blood. Animal studies indicate that Alfalfa's saponins block cholesterol aborption and thereby prevent arterial plaque. Alfalfa's isolflavones have an estrogen-like effect, thus confirming Alfalfa's traditonal use for menopausal symptoms, It contains natural fluoride that may help rebuild tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel. It is a good infection fighter and and may help cleanse the body of toxins. Alfalfa, containing eight digestive enzymes, thereby aiding the digestion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The resultant improved assimilation is helpful for gastritis, indigestion, morning sickness, and nausea. Alfalfa tea is an appetite stimulator. Good for the pituitary gland and to help the quantity and quality of mother’s milk. Two tablespoons of Alfalfa leaf contain: * Twice as much calcium as an ordinary glass of milk * Almost as much protein as one hamburger * Nearly the same amount of iron as two ounces of liver * Enough B-complex to soothe upset nerves * Plenty of enzymes for good metabolism of ingested fats * Sufficient fiber to lower high cholesterol American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'On taking large doses of an infusion of the leaves of alfalfa as one would drink tea or coffee, there is a sensation of warmth in the stomach with fullness of the blood vessels of the head.' 'There is an increased secretion of the kidneys from this agent and in the female, of the milk glands; increased peristaltic action of the bowels; increased appetite; increased assimilation of food, and increased weight.' 'In every case so administered, the patient showed a satisfactory increase in flesh and strength. The digestive apparatus, whatever the disorder, assumed its normal function, and in some cases the patients took on a fair increase in flesh.' 'Dr. Bradley believes that a tea made of alfalfa will readily take the place of ordinary tea and coffee, and as a beverage for certain periods, he has found it to take away the taste for these commoner beverages and preserve an excellent condition of the stomach.' 'He finds in alfalfa a superlative restorative tonic, but it does not a

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Red Clover Seed Cert. Organic (Trifolium pratense) 4 oz: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. These are viable seeds that will sprout – either in your garden, or for kitchen salads. Uncooked sprouts are among the most nutritious and strengthening of foods. Red clover sprouts add a delicious crunch to fresh salads. You can also grow your own garden-fresh red clover blossoms. Red clover blossoms are used as an infusion, decoction, extract, tincture and salve. Delicious Red Clover Tea: Red Clover Blossoms Lemon Honey Fresh mint leaves -and/or- Several dandelion leaves Put the fresh or dried blossoms and leaves, with or without the mint and dandelion, into a 2-cup earthenware teapot. Fill teapot with boiling water, cover, and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes over very low heat. Strain into a hot cup, add a twist of lemon and sweeten with honey. Red Clover salve is useful for children with skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis. Also useful for adults. Red Clover is also a reliable expectorant and anti-spasmodic, thus useful for bronchitis and whooping cough. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The fluid extract of Trifolium is used as an alterative and antispasmodic. An infusion made by 1 oz. to 1 pint of boiling water may with advantage be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough. Fomentations and poultices of the herb have been used as localapplications to cancerous growths.' 'Dosages: 1 drachm of fluid extract, 1 to 2 drachms of infusion.' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Red clover is an excellent alterative, and one of the few remedies which favorably influences pertussis. In earlier editions of this work it was stated that 'a strong infusion of the plant is said to afford prompt relief in whooping-cough, suspending the spasmodic cough entirely in 2 or 3 days; it is to be given in ½ fluid ounce, every 1 or 2 hours, throughout the day.' Since then the remedy has come into extensive use, but the statement should be modified, as it does not reach all classes of cases. When the proper case is found it acts promptly, but as yet the specific indications in this complaint have not been discovered.' 'It is also a remedy in other spasmodic coughs, as those of measles, bronchitis, laryngitis, phthisis, etc.' 'It is also highly recommended in ill-conditioned ulcers of every kind, and deep, ragged-edged, and otherwise badly-conditioned burns. It possesses a peculiar soothing property, proves an efficient detergent, and promotes a healthful granulation.' 'The infusion may be used freely; a strong tincture may be prepared from the recently dried flowers (viii) in 50 per cent alcohol (Oj) The dose of this will range from 1 to 60 drops; specific trifolium, 1 to 60 drops.' American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'The agent is also prescribed in irritable conditions of the larynx and air passages, especially if evidenced by spasmodic cough. It has served a good purpose in whooping cough, in the cough of measles, and in general bronchi

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Shiitake Mushroom Whole (Lentinula edodes; Dong Gu Ru Ben) ½ lb: K

This is Frontier’s double wall silverfoil pack. Some Frontier packs are double wall wax-lined paper. Shiitake mushrooms are a legendary gourmet treat, used for centuries in Asia as both food and remedy. Sweet Simmered Mushrooms - Shiitake No Nimono: http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/side/veg/swtsimmershroom.html: 4 medium to large dried Shiitake mushrooms Simmering Sauce 1 C water 1 T sugar 2 T mirin 2 T soy sauce 2 T sake ½ tsp. dashi-no-moto (kelp) powder (see note above) Serves 2 Place mushrooms in a medium bowl and add warm water to cover. Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes drain mushrooms and squeeze them dry. Cut off the discard stems. Prepare simmering sauce by combining all ingredients in a medium saucpan. Add mushrooms to simmering sauce and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mushrooms for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid had almost all evaporated and mushrooms are well coated with the sauce. Divide mushrooms and any remaining sauce between two small serving bowls. Shiitake Mushroom Soup: http://www.bloodroot.com/assets/html/recipes/fall/s_shiitake.htm: This soup is the one to make for someone who doesn't feel up to par. It is more effective than the proverbial chicken soup since shiitake mushrooms are known to enhance the immune system. It also tastes wonderful. 1) Soak 12 dried shiitake mushrooms in 2 qt. water for ½ hour, or until they are soft. Remove them and squeeze the water back into the bowl. Soaking liquid should be reserved for the broth. Thinly slice the shiitakes. Set aside. 2) Chop 1 small onion, thinly slice 1 carrot, peel and slice 1 small yam. 3) In a soup kettle, heat 1-2 Tb. oil. First sauté the shiitakes until they turn golden, then add the onion. At the same time add 1 Tb. sesame oil. As the onions begin to brown, add the carrot and yam. 4) Next add 1 c. Chinese cabbage, sliced thinly, 1 clove garlic, chopped, and ½ Tb. fresh ginger, grated. Turn all vegetables in the pot frequently. Add more cooking oil only if necessary. 5) When vegetables are well-browned, add reserved shiitake soaking liquid and bring to a boil. Add a few leaves of fresh spinach, 1/3 c. shoyu (soy sauce), and fresh grated pepper. Taste and correct seasoning. 6) Serve hot, with sliced scallions on top. Optional: Cooked soba noodles (Japanese pasta made of buckwheat) add a pleasant texture to this soup. Serves 6 Shiitake Mushroom Saute: http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/pa/press/Shiitake.html: Makes 4 Servings 16 Ounces Shiitake, small dice 1½ Ounces shallot, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 ounce butter 3 ounces carrot, julienned 1 ounce snow peas, julienned 2 ounces sake ½ ounce chicken glace ½ teaspoon thyme, minced season to taste salt and pepper Peel carrot and julienne. Clean and julienne snow peas. Mince shallot, garlic, and thyme. Saute

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Papaya Juice Powder Concentrate (Carica papaya) 5 kg (11 lbs): Q

Also called pawpaw. Used as a tea or decoction. Papaya leaf decoction is strongly astringent with an anti-parasitic and vermicidal action - that is, it is an antidote to Montezuma's Revenge. It can also be of profound use with chronic indigestion. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The juice of the tree or an infusion of the leaves and fruit makes the toughest meat tender when rubbed with it or cooked in the leaves; if chickens and pigs are fed on the leaves it will make their flesh tender.' 'The leaves are used as a substitute for soap... The fresh leaves have been used as a dressing for foul wounds...' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'The chief property of the milk of the carica is its action upon food, similar to that of pepsin, exercising, like this latter article, a digestive influence upon albuminoid substances. But the difficulty of procuring and preserving a sufficient amount of it for therapeutical use, together with its deeply irritating action, will prevent it from coming into use as a remedy for dyspepsia or gastric affections.' 'To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Mauriac instituted a series of experiments with the leaves of the tree, and found that a concentrated decoction of them exerted upon albuminoid substances an action analogous to that of the milky juice of the tree and of the green fruit, without any appreciable irritation of the gastric mucous membrane.' 'This decoction must be administered in small doses. Dr. Mauriac and others, however, prefer papain, the action of which does not appear to be interfered with by an acid or neutral condition of the stomach, and which, being more energetic than pepsin, must be given in smaller doses, and in aqueous solution. Papain has been used in atonic and fermentative dyspepsia, with painful acid eructations, flatulence, and constipation.' American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'Where papoid or any form of pawpaw is used as a digestive agent, there may be observed an increase in the amount of uric acid when that substance is deficient, and if oxalates are present they are diminished.' 'It is a reliable remedy for general distress or pain in the stomach and bowels during the process of digestion. It can be prescribed almost without discrimination in these cases, and the results are in some cases surprising. It may be given during the meal, and pain not occur for an hour. At that time, its influence being probably spent, another dose will continue the effects of the first. Its effects become permanent usually in acute or subacute cases after a few days, when it may be discontinued.' 'It is a most valuable agent in catarrh of the stomach and in the digestive failure accompanying continued fevers. It stimulates the stomach in the beginning of convalescence, and in some cases increases the appetite and promotes absorption of the digested pabulum.' 'It is serviceable in the digestive disorders of pregnancy, stimulating appropriation and assimilation. In tho

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Guar Gum Powder (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus) 1 lb: K

This is Frontier’s double wall silverfoil pack. Some Frontier packs are double wall wax-lined paper. Cluster bean is an annual plant, probably native to India, adapted to semiarid regions and grown as a forage crop and for its seeds, from which guar gum is obtained. Widely grown in the southern US. Guar gum is an edible emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer approved for use in a wide range of foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is sold as a white to yellowish odorless powder. One advantageous property of guar gum is that it thickens without the application of heat.

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Ginkgo Biloba Extract Powder: 24/6% (Ginkgo biloba; Bai Guo Ye) 1 lb: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. 24% Flavonoglycosides 6% Terpine Lactones Used as an infusion, decoction, food additive and supplement. Medicinal use of Ginkgo leaf tea is ancient in Chinese herbal medicine. It helps clear the mind and improve the power of concentration. Modern clinical trials have demonstrated the usefulness of ginkgo in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive decline and depression. Ginkgo's flavone glycosides and terpene lactones do indeed increase circulation to the brain and other parts of the body as well as exerting a protective action on nerve cells. The unique terpene lactone components found in ginkgo are known as ginkgolides and bilobalide. Ginkgolides apparently improve circulation and inhibit platelet-activating factor. Bilobalide protects the cells of the nervous system. Recent animal studies indicate that bilobalide may help regenerate damaged nerve cells. One double blind study found that ginkgo could help people with macular degeneration, an oxidation-related disorder causing decreased or lost vision. Ginkgo’s antioxidant activity in the brain and central nervous system may help prevent age-related declines in brain function. The brain and central nervous system are particularly susceptible to free radical attack. Free radical damage, that is, oxidation damage, in the brain is widely accepted as being a contributing factor in many disorders associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends a dry extract from the dried leaf of Ginkgo biloba for '(a) symptomatic treatment of disturbed performance in organic brain syndrome within the regimen of a therapeutic concept in cases of demential syndromes with the following principal symptoms: Memory deficits, disturbances in concentration, depressive emotional condition, dizziness, tinnitus, and headache.' '(b) Improvement of pain-free walking distance in peripheral arterial occlusive disease in Stage II of Fontaine (intermittent claudication) in a regimen of physical therapeutic measures, in particular walking exercise. (c) Vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) of vascular and involutional origin.' 'The following pharmacological effects have been established experimentally: Improvement of hypoxic tolerance, particularly in the cerebral tissue. Inhibition of the development of traumatically or toxically induced cerebral edema, and acceleration of its regression. Reduction of retinal edema and of cellular lesions in the retina. Inhibition in age-related reduction of muscarinergic cholinoceptors and 2-adrenoceptors as well as stimulation of choline uptake in the hippocampus. Increased memory performance and learning capacity. Improvement in the compensation of disturbed equilibrium. Improvement of blood flow, particularly in the region of micro

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Kelp Powder Atlantic (Laminaria digitata) 1 lb: K

This is Frontier’s double wall silverfoil pack. Some Frontier packs are double wall wax-lined paper. This large and sturdy brown seaweed is one of the most common of the 'kelps'. Extensive 'forests' of this species, usually partly exposed at low tide, are found around the coast of Scotland. These kelp forests provide a highly diverse habitat for many crustaceans, molluscs, fish, seals and other seaweeds. Laminaria digitata is a traditional coastal food, a very rich source of natural vitamins and minerals, including essential trace minerals. Oarweed contains 33-50% total fibres, higher than levels in most higher plants. Nutritional analysis: Protein: 8-14 % Fat: 1 % Carbohydrates: 48 % Vitamin C: 12-18 ppm Vitamin B1: 5 ppm Vitamin B2: 22 ppm Vitamin B3: 34 ppm Vitamin B12: 0.6-0.12 ppm Laminaran: 0-18 % Mannitol: 4-16 % Calcium: 12400-13200 ppm Iodine: 2479 ppm Iron: 50-70 ppm Magnesium: 6400-7860 ppm Manganese: 1-16 ppm Sodium: 2-5.2 % Mineral-rich Oarweed is a popular salt substitute. Because the plant's nutrients come in a natural form, they are easily assimilated by the body. It can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, broths, and chowders. Can be added to marinades and sauces or to everyday recipes for extra goodness. A favorite addition to soothing cosmetic baths, it tones, hydrates and clears the skin. Laminaria digitata is recorded by Martin Martin (18th Century) as being used to induce appetite in a young man who would not eat. The leaf-blade was boiled and the resulting water drunk with a little butter. This species is used as a vegetable and can be eaten along with dulse or boiled and served with butter, pepper and vinegar. In some areas it was a favourite of children who roasted the stipes and spread the resultant paste on bannocks. Laminaria digitata is also a traditional animal feed and fertilizer. It is common on all coasts of Britain and Ireland except for the east and south-east coast of England, otherwise distributed from Iceland and N Russia south to Brittany. In the western Atlantic from the NE coast of Greenland south to Cape Cod and, although less common, to Long Island. English: Oarweed, Tangleweed, Sea Girdle, Sea Tangle, Kombu. Gaeilge: Coirleach, Leathach Fada, Leathrach, Feamannach Dubh, Leath, Learach. In the late 1600s, a new use for seaweed was discovered which was to provide a major industry for the Western Isles and Orkney archipelago. Extraction of soda and potash from Fucus spp., Ascophyllum spp. and Laminaria spp. provided a ready supply of these chemicals for the British isles. Soda and potash were important chemicals in the soap and glass industry and were widely used for linen bleaching. This allowed independence from the other main centre of production in Spain, where the chemicals (called barilla by the Spanish) were extracted from another coastal plant, the glasswort (Salicornia spp). This was to be of particu

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Tapioca Granules (Manihot utilissima) 1 lb: K

This is Frontier’s double wall silverfoil pack. Some Frontier packs are double wall wax-lined paper. Tapioca is a refined starch obtained from the root of the cassava plant Manihot utilissima (synonym Manihot esculenta), which is also variously known as manioc and yuca, and, in the old herbals, mandioca. Cassava is native to South America, but is now extensively grown in tropical regions the world over and is among the top half dozen cash crops of the tropics. Mrs. Grieve covers the history of this originally South American food below. Cassava has a very high starch content at 24%, most of which is stored as food reserved in the root of the plant. Cassava starch has an interesting property of forming into a stringy mass once dissolved in water; so most tapioca is sold as small balls, or pearl tapioca. Pearl tapioca is manufactured by extracting the juice from cassava roots leaving just the pulp. This pulp is soaked in water, then kneaded to release as much starch as possible. The fibrous remains of the root are strained away and the resultant liquid is dropped onto a hotplate, where they dry, gelatinize and form into the familiar pearls. Tapioca is also sold in flour form, which is simply known as tapioca starch. Tapioca starch is used as a thickening agent, in much the same manner as cornflour (cornstarch), while tapioca pearls are generally used in sweet dishes. South-East Asia has become the spiritual home of pearl tapioca desserts, where a mouthwatering array of differently scented confections can be found. A tapioca drink originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It is a sweet beverage served in a myriad of mostly fruit flavors -- honeydew, mango, kiwi, strawberry, lemon -- but what makes it so much fun are the large globules of tapioca in each glass. Tapioca drinks are known by many names: bubble tea, boba drink, pearl tea drink, boba iced tea, boba nai cha, zhen zhou nai cha, pearl milk tea, pearl iced tea, black pearl tea, tapioca ball drink, pearl shake or QQ (which means chewy in Chinese). Forget that bland white pudding - those are multi-colored chewy bubbles about ½ inch in diameter, lurking in the bottom of the glass. The drinks are served with short fat straws wide enough to accommodate the tapioca pearls, which slide up the straw and into your mouth. In consistency, the tapioca pearls are somewhere between Jell-O and gummy-bears. Their ability to absorb color and flavor makes them a versatile favorite. Try Chocolate Tapioca Parfait, Apple Tapioca Pudding, Strawberry Tapioca Milk Shakes - the delicious combinations are endless. Creamy Tapioca Pudding: 4 servings/Serving size: 2/3 cup 2 cups skim milk 3 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca 1 egg 1/8 tsp. salt 3½ tsp. brown sugar or steviaside 1-2 tsp. vanilla Ground cinnamon and nutmeg Combine milk, tapioca, egg, and salt in medium saucepan. Let 5 minutes. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until boiling. Remove from heat;

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Tapioca Medium Pearl Whole (Manihot utilissima) 1 lb: K

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Shiitake Mushroom - Large (Lentinula edodes; Dong Gu) 1 lb: V

Shitake mushrooms are a legendary gourmet treat, used for centuries in Asia as both food and remedy. Sweet Simmered Mushrooms - Shitake No Nimono: http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/side/veg/swtsimmershroom.html: 4 medium to large dried shitake mushrooms Simmering Sauce 1 C water 1 T sugar 2 T mirin 2 T soy sauce 2 T sake ½ tsp. dashi-no-moto (kelp) powder (see note above) Serves 2 Place mushrooms in a medium bowl and add warm water to cover. Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes drain mushrooms and squeeze them dry. Cut off the discard stems. Prepare simmering sauce by combining all ingredients in a medium saucpan. Add mushrooms to simmering sauce and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mushrooms for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid had almost all evaporated and mushrooms are well coated with the sauce. Divide mushrooms and any remaining sauce between two small serving bowls. Shiitake Mushroom Soup: http://www.bloodroot.com/assets/html/recipes/fall/s_shiitake.htm: This soup is the one to make for someone who doesn't feel up to par. It is more effective than the proverbial chicken soup since shiitake mushrooms are known to enhance the immune system. It also tastes wonderful. 1) Soak 12 dried shiitake mushrooms in 2 qt. water for ½ hour, or until they are soft. Remove them and squeeze the water back into the bowl. Soaking liquid should be reserved for the broth. Thinly slice the shiitakes. Set aside. 2) Chop 1 small onion, thinly slice 1 carrot, peel and slice 1 small yam. 3) In a soup kettle, heat 1-2 Tb. oil. First sauté the shiitakes until they turn golden, then add the onion. At the same time add 1 Tb. sesame oil. As the onions begin to brown, add the carrot and yam. 4) Next add 1 c. Chinese cabbage, sliced thinly, 1 clove garlic, chopped, and ½ Tb. fresh ginger, grated. Turn all vegetables in the pot frequently. Add more cooking oil only if necessary. 5) When vegetables are well-browned, add reserved shiitake soaking liquid and bring to a boil. Add a few leaves of fresh spinach, 1/3 c. shoyu (soy sauce), and fresh grated pepper. Taste and correct seasoning. 6) Serve hot, with sliced scallions on top. Optional: Cooked soba noodles (Japanese pasta made of buckwheat) add a pleasant texture to this soup. Serves 6 Shitake Mushroom Saute: http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/pa/press/shitake.html: Makes 4 Servings 16 Ounces Shitake, small dice 1½ Ounces shallot, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 ounce butter 3 ounces carrot, julienned 1 ounce snow peas, julienned 2 ounces sake ½ ounce chicken glace ½ teaspoon thyme, minced season to taste salt and pepper Peel carrot and julienne. Clean and julienne snow peas. Mince shallot, garlic, and thyme. Saute shallot and garlic in butter. Add mushrooms and saute. Add carrot, and snow peas and saute.Deglaze with saki and re

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Pomegranate Seed 4:1 Powdered Extract (Punica granatum) 1 kg (2.2 lbs): Q

The pomegranate has a long history of herbal use dating back more than 3,000 years. One pomegranate delivers 40% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a rich source of folic acid and of antioxidants. Pomegranates are high in polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate are hydrolysable tannins, particularly punicalagins, which have been shown in many peer-reviewed research publications to be the antioxidant responsible for the free-radical scavenging ability of pomegranate juice. Many pomegranate extracts are essentially ellagic acid, which is largely a by-product of the juice extraction process. Ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant found in numerous fruits and vegetables including raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, pomegranates and other plant foods. Many food and dietary supplement makers have found the advantages of using pomegranate extracts (which have no sugar, calories, or additives), instead of the juice, as healthy ingredients in their products. In several human clinical trials, the juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing several heart risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Tannins have been identified as the primary components responsible for the reduction of oxidative states which lead to these risk factors. Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotension converting enzyme (ACE). Research suggests that pomegranate juice may be effective against prostate cancer and osteoarthritis. Research in cell cultures and lab animals has found that ellagic acid may slow the growth of some tumors caused by certain carcinogens. Ellagic acid seems to have some anti-cancer properties. It can act as an antioxidant, and has been found to kill cancer cells in the lab. There are also reports that ellagic acid may help the liver to break down or remove some cancer-causing substances from the blood. Some supporters have claimed these results mean that ellagic acid can prevent or treat cancer in humans. This has not been proven.

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Prickly Pear Cactus Powder (Nopal opuntia) 1 kg (2.2 lbs): Q

Nopal, often referred to by its common name of Prickly Pear, is a large cactus native to the desert southwest. It grows up to four meters in height, and produces numerous reddish fruits. The entire plant can be used as a food source that is nutritionally impressive. Nopal contains large amounts of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. But Nopal is currently gaining a reputation for its action regarding blood sugar and hangovers. Nopal is believed to lower blood glucose levels, partly due to its coating of the gastrointestinal tract. This same coating effect may be responsible for its effectiveness in tests in which people who ingested Nopal before drinking alcohol suffered significantly less from hangovers than those who did not. Prickly pear cactus has been used successfully for centuries. The Aztecs were busy cultivating the plant in Mexico when the Spaniards arrived early in the sixteenth century. Parts of the prickly pear cactus have been used in various ways throughout the world. The Aztecs extracted the milky juice from the plant and mixed it with honey and egg yolk to provide an ointment to treat burns. The Chinese dressed abscesses with the fleshy pad of the plant. The Indians used the fruit for food and also made syrup from it to treat whooping cough and asthma. In Italy, the flowers have served as a diuretic. A tea made from the blossoms has treated colitis. In Israel, researchers found that the dried flowers may be used to battle an enlarged prostate. More recently, the Mexicans have used the plant to treat diabetes and obesity, as well as elevated blood cholesterol levels. They prepare the medicine by slicing cactus pads into strips and boiling them like string green beans. Prickly Pear is a great source of vitamin C and provides 17 essential amino acids. As a fibrous plant, Cactus Optunia contains pectin, mucilage and gums that are helpful to the digestive system. The body systems most affected are the glandular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and intestinal tract. Studies show Cactus Optunia actually improves the functioning of the immune system and is a natural source for ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids. Prickly pear extract contains powerful antioxidants, may be helpful in gastic ulcer prevention, has blood lipid and cholesterol lowering potential, and may even ease hangover symptoms.

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Banaba Leaf 4:1 Powdered Extract (Lagerstoemia speciosa) 1 kg (2.2 lbs): Q

Banaba, also known as Crepe Myrtle, Queen's Flower, and Pride of India, is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Traditional uses include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of banaba leaf extract is similar to that of insulin which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells. Banaba leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as corosolic acid – which has actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells. As such, banaba plays a role in regulating levels of blood sugar and insulin in the blood. For some people, fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin are related to appetite, hunger and various food cravings – particularly craving for carbohydrates such as bread and sweets. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, banaba may be an effective supplement for promoting weight loss in certain individuals The blood sugar regulating properties of banaba have been demonstrated in cell culture, animal and human studies. In isolated cells, the active ingredient in banaba extract, corosolic acid, is known to stimulate glucose uptake. In diabetic mice, rats and rabbits, banaba feeding reduces elevated blood sugar and insulin levels to normal. In humans with type II diabetes, banaba extract, at a dose of 16-48mg per day for 4-8 weeks, has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels (5%-30% reduction) and maintaining tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations. If you are a type II diabetic, discuss with your doctor regarding the use of a banaba supplement to see if this herbal supplement is appropriate for your particular condition. An interesting ''side-effect'' of tighter control of blood sugar and insulin levels is a significant tendency of banaba to promote weight loss (an average of 2-4 lbs. per month) – without significant dietary alterations. It is likely that modulation of glucose and insulin levels reduces total caloric intake somewhat and encourages moderate weight loss. Balances blood sugar Promotes healthy insulin levels Controls appetite and food craving (especially carbohydrate cravings) Promote weight loss Most users report a reduction in food cravings, especially for high-carbohydrate foods like bread, cereal, pizza and cookies. Some weight-loss experts believe that Banaba extract is more effective when combined with other ingredients such as Kola Nut (caffeine), and Green Tea.

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