Do you know what this is?

No, it’s not grub worms. This is fresh raw turmeric—nature’s own ibuprofen.

Ever slathered yellow mustard on a sandwich? Then you’ve had turmeric. Like curries? Yep, turmeric gives it the bright yellow color. Even the iconic Kraft Mac and Cheese now uses turmeric to enhance the intense cheesy color.

Turmeric is bright orange on the inside, with a knobby light brown skin. The flavor of the tuber is a little bitter, but with a subtle bite, like ginger, with hints of black pepper. Some people think it tastes a little like an orange.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps decrease the amount of harmful inflammatory chemicals in the body. If you’re dealing with any inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, fibromyalgia or other auto-immune issues, you need to add turmeric to your diet.

Turmeric also reduces bloating, helps reduce the pain of a sunburn and, some believe, it helps slow the aging process (WHAT??? Research needs to be done into that RIGHT NOW).

But here’s the thing: In order for your body to absorb the curcumin, the turmeric has to be combined with black pepper. Which is why black pepper is one of the ingredients in this easy Turmeric Vinaigrette.

I don’t peel my turmeric when I make the vinaigrette. I wash the turmeric, throw everything into the blender, pulse for 5 seconds and then let it rip until the mixture is smooth. Turmeric Vinaigrette is great on heavy greens like kale, and is wonderful when tossed on roasted Brussel Sprouts or other vegetables. I’ve even stirred it into tuna and chicken salads for a taste sensation!

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Presenting! The Fabulous Kalettes!

No, it’s not a girl group from the ’60s. This is what happens when kale and Brussels sprouts hook up: a non-genetically modified vegetable that’s full of fiber, vitamin C, K and B6.

And, oh, are they delicious, with a slightly sweet and surprising nutty flavor.

Kalettes are also gorgeous. They have crunchy, deep purple stems with soft bright green leaves. I discovered them in a farmers’ market this summer, but since then I’ve seen them at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Melissa’s Produce also carries them, but they call them Kale Sprouts (cute!).

Kalettes are great raw in a salad (chop them up a little first), but I also like them grilled, steamed, sautéed or roasted. If you do cook them, watch them carefully so you don’t burn their tiny, delicate leaves.

Besides trimming the ends, and rinsing them in cool water (of course), Kalettes don’t take much prep. This Warm Kalette Salad is fast and simple to make and, with the fresh feta cheese and pomegranate, makes a gorgeous side dish!

They may not be a girl group… but Kalettes ROCK! (Sorry…)

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Chia seeds are suddenly the hip and happening thing: in energy bars, cereals, juices, oatmeal, puddings, pasta. You name it, it’s probably being chia-ed.

But all I can think of is the Obama Chia Head that Matt gave Sistie for Christmas a few years back.

Move over acai and pomegranates, the chia seed is being touted as the next big “superfood” because it’s so high in protein and fiber, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids (even more than flax seeds).

Chia is being credited with everything from reducing the symptoms of autoimmune disorders to lowering cholesterol to losing weight (that last claim will probably propel it into the mainstream at lightning speed). All those benefits, by the way, have yet to be proven… but the amount of nutrition in the seeds is legitimate.

Chia Seeds

My cutting edge foodie friend LK saw this one coming a while ago. She puts chia in her smoothies and eats it raw on her salads. She also bakes it into pretty much everything. Last year for my birthday, she gave me a bag of Rancho Gordo Chia Seeds that’s still sitting in my pantry (I’ll use it now, I promise). That’s another good thing about chia, it’s so rich in antioxidants, it doesn’t go rancid quickly.

What does chia taste like? Its delicate flavor makes it an ideal food additive… all the superfood benefits with a neutral flavor. Sounds pretty good, eh?

Now, if I can just get the image of that Obama Chia Head out of my mind…

Mamma Chia Blackberry Hibiscus Juice