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EATWELL for the love of food Have you ever heard of a mouse melon? This small fruit comes from Central America and Mexico, where it is known as sandita. The fruit, which are produced prolifically, are light green with darker-green stripes and grow to be about 3cm long. Although known as a melon, it is better described as a tiny cucumber. The fruit is crunchy and can be eaten skin and all. It has a cucumber-like taste with a slight sour kick from the skin. As a result, it is known by a variety of names including Mexican sour cucumber and cucamelon. Due to its petite nature, it is highly appealing to children looking to meet their daily intake of greens. Its versatility is shown in the myriad ways it…

Hello new friends, it's so nice to be here. I'm Catherine (or Cat), the new editor of this inspiring recipe magazine EatWell. As a proud Greek, food has always been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it's weekend family gatherings, after-school snacks at my grandma's house or special occasions, food brings us together. Even a simple trip to the beach with my family means lugging along a large esky (or two) overflowing with treats and drinks to share. Food has a beautiful ability to unite people, but it's equally a source of comfort when enjoyed solo. I love the way a well-prepared meal can nourish not just the body but also the soul. Growing up, I learned the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients — a value that is…

FOOD IN PROFILE grapes Grapevines are perhaps the most attractive of plants to grow along a trellis, wall or fence. Trained over a pergola, a grapevine will provide shade in summer and lose its leaves to allow sunshine through in winter. A beautiful, healthy grapevine overhead or on a wall cries out for an outdoor table setting filled with people enjoying good food and wine. As one of the classic plants of the Mediterranean, grapes love those climatic conditions — cool winter, wet spring and long, dry summer — and well-drained, fertile soil. Too much humidity, as in the tropics, makes them vulnerable to fungal disease. The best planting times are autumn or spring. A well-looked-after vine can live and produce luscious fruit for 60 years and more, so make…

FOOD IN PROFILE basil If ever a plant were poised between heaven and hell, it would be Ocimum basilicum, otherwise known as basil. In India and Haiti, the herb is used to ward off evil. In parts of Mexico, it supposedly attracts good fortune. Some ancients believed it opened the gates of paradise for the dying, while others saw it as a symbol of the devil. The Romans were convinced that if you chopped it up and put it under a rock, a scorpion would be born. A royal plant or a symbol of poverty, a poison or a panacea — whatever the legend, basil is believed to be native to India, where it's considered sacred and has been used ceremonially and medicinally for 5000 years. In fact, in courts…

FOOD IN PROFILE english spinach Despite being known as English Spinach, this plant is thought to have originated in the Middle East. Spinach appeared in China during the 7th century and was taken to Europe around 400 years later. By the 16th century spinach was entrenched in European cuisine and was the favourite vegetable of Catherine de Medici. When Catherine left her home of Florence, Italy, to marry the king of France, she brought along her own cooks, who could prepare spinach the ways that she preferred it. Since this time, dishes prepared on a bed of spinach are referred to as “à la Florentine”. Spinach for Sight Retinitis pigmentosa is a condition that usually begins in the teenage years and slowly progresses during adulthood, resulting in either partial vision…

Cooking with oil is an everyday part of life, but not all oils are created equal. Different oils have different characteristics when it comes to cooking; some are better for sautéing and grilling, others thrive with high-heat cooking, while other oils are best reserved in the later stages of cooking such as drizzling or as a garnish. But how do we know which ones are most suitable for different dishes and culinary techniques? Unfortunately, some oils can't take the heat in the kitchen. One of the most important factors when considering which cooking oil to choose is the oil's smoke point. When cooking oils are heated, particularly at high heat, they eventually reach their “smoke point”. This is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn and is accompanied…

A summer lunch deserves to be celebrated with the vibrant flavours and colours of the season. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, light and nutritious meals that are both delicious and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering, a picnic, or simply enjoying a sunny day with family and friends, these recipes are designed to bring joy to your table. They highlight the best of summer produce and are paired with delightful proteins, offering a variety of options to suit every palate. From the sizzling grill to the refreshing salads, each dish is crafted to enhance your summer dining experience. Picture a table filled with bright, aromatic dishes such as: Chicken & Veggie Skewers with Herby Quinoa Salad, Hummus Topped with Roasted Chickpea & Cauliflower, Smoked Salmon Quiche,…

Puopolo Artisan Salumi is an award-winning, family-run business that has been making authentic Italian smallgoods since 1978. Their products can be found at local delis and independent grocers Australia-wide with the range including salami, cured and cooked meats. Puopolo Artisan Salumi smallgoods are produced using a unique blend of tradition and skill, retaining the distinctive flavours of Italy, while being gluten-free and endorsed by Coeliac Australia. For more information visit puopolo.com.au Leftover Prosciutto Cotto & Tomato Pasta Recipe / Puopolo Serves: 2–4 (depending on leftovers) ½ onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed Olive oil 1 tbsp butter Leftover Puopolo Prosciutto Cotto, diced 400g tin crushed tomatoes 1 tsp dried Italian herbs Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice Handful fresh parsley 1. Sauté onion and crushed garlic in…

ARTICLE eye health Good nutrition plays a vital role in the health of your eyes. What you eat can have a big impact on your vision and how susceptible you are to developing degenerative eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which are major causes of vision loss among older adults. Including in your daily diet certain wholefoods rich in eye-protective nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids and zinc can prevent visual deterioration and help promote optimal eye health. Here are the foods you should be eating regularly to enhance your eye health and vision. Dark green leafy vegetables Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli and dandelion greens contain some of the highest levels of two important carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which…