As we mentioned in our previous post about Superfoods, we are presenting two more foods that appear to be on the “Superfoods list” for a lot of reasons. They are complementing a healthy nutrition, and benefit our body in many ways. They can be added in a balanced diet and offer significant nutrients and simultaneously enrich the flavor of our dishes.

Sesame
Sesame seeds come from a flowering plant called Sesamum. This plant, as well as sesame itself come in many varieties and types. The most common sesame type is the off-white. Sesame seeds are considered a nutritional treasure. They contain important essential minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus and calcium.

They are also capable of increasing the amount of Vitamin E thus promoting bone health, fighting free radicals due to many antioxidants they contain etc. There is also a substance in sesame seeds, said to be inhibiting the spread of certain cancer types.
• Sesame seeds are crunchy tiny seeds, tear-shaped, that have an earthy, nutty flavor. They can be enjoyed into cookies, bread, muffins and other flour recipes.
• They can also be used in salads and other dishes in order to add a slightly crunchy feeling.
• Tahini spread, which is made from the mushed tahini seeds, is also a nutritional treasure, packed with beneficial nutrients.
• Sesame oil has a distinctive nutty taste and is used in lots of ethnic dishes.

Caper
Capparis spinosa, the caper bush, is a plant that bears edible flower buds (capers) and fruit (caper berries).The caper fruits/berries but also the caper leaves are mostly pickled, so they can last for a longer time. Caper is known in Greece since ancient times. Dioscourides, the ancient Greek doctor, believed that capers benefit those who suffer from rheumatism.

Apart from that, capers are proven to have a variety of beneficial characteristics, containing at the same time the smallest amount of fat. They also contain protein, many important minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Caper has a salty pungent flavor that mainly derives from the pickling process. When rinsed under some water, the excessive sodium is being removed.
In Greece, capers and caper leaves are enjoyed in many recipes of salads and sauces, cold appetizers or snacks. It can be often found as an ingredient in the Greek traditional salad.

With a little inspiration these can be added in your nutrition and offer a new palette of flavors and aromas, that will also boost our health.

For more information on Greek fine foods check here : Greek Brands