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Vanilla is a spice both familiar and luxurious, and how it manages to accomplish this might remain a mystery. Other flavours are brought to life by its warm, floral and sweet notes. A splash can turn something simple into something memorable. Originating in what is now Mexico, the Totonac people were the pioneers in vanilla orchid cultivation. Later, the Aztecs combined it with cacao to make sacred drinks. After Spanish colonisation, vanilla spread to Europe and eventually across the tropics. Today, Australia also grows high-quality vanilla, mostly in far-north Queensland. True vanilla comes from the cured pods of the vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia), a delicate vine that requires hand-pollination and lengthy fermentation. It's one of the most labour-intensive spices in the world, which is why real vanilla, whether in pod,…

The first taste of summer in my household is mango. My children call it fresh mango to set it apart from the frozen cubes they're lucky to have year-round. My son and I are unabashed mango lovers, and because we like to start the day with what we love, mangoes in my household are a summer breakfast. Cutting one open feels ceremonial: the golden flesh, the sticky juice running down our wrists, the unmistaken euphoric fragrance that fills the room. We each take a cheek and playfully argue over who gets the pit. Sometimes my daughter joins in, claiming her cheek and leaving me the pit, which I happily accept. I know this ritual has become a lasting memory because every winter he asks, “When is it fresh mango season…

You'd be surprised just how many dishes call for a bunch of chives as a garnish or essential ingredient. All the more reason to grow them in your garden, so you can pick them fresh and have them available whenever you like. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are clump-forming perennial plants that have long, thin leaves with a distinct oniony flavour. Just a sprinkling of cut or chopped chives can give the right dish that something extra. Think classic baked potato with sour cream and chives, cheese and chive scones, or pumpkin and chive soup. Chives also display pretty pink-purple flowers in summer, which are edible and can be used as a garnish or tossed through salads for a splash of colour. You might also like to try growing garlic chives (Allium…

No summer veggie patch is complete without tomatoes, and nothing can beat the flavour of a ripe homegrown beauty picked fresh from the garden. They are not necessarily the easiest plants to grow, but they provide a great challenge and much gratification for gardeners. A successful harvest is a rewarding pleasure with this simply amazing fruit. Tomatoes are one of the most essential crops to grow organically as it's not uncommon for chemicals to be used on commercially grown crops and some of those can be readily absorbed by the fruit. Homegrown tomatoes are also a healthy nutritional package. They provide lycopene, an antioxidant found in red fruits, along with vitamins A, C and carotene, and they're brimming with dietary fibre. The variety and choice of colours includes yellow, red,…

Beans are warm-season vegetables that come in both bush varieties and tall, twining climbers that can reach around 2m in height. Seed can be sown from October to January in temperate to cool zones. In tropical areas, it can be sown any time except during the wet season. Beans are best sown from seed. Push the seed gently about 4mm into moistened soil. Cover with the dislodged soil and leave watering-in until the following day. A little green head will emerge after a week or so. Water growing beans but don't flood. Every four weeks, feed with organic liquid fertiliser. As the twining varieties grow, they will need to be trained onto a support such as a stake, tepee, wire mesh or trellis. When climbing beans reach a good picking…

Smart Techniques How to Stop Your Salad Dressing from Splitting There's nothing quite like a silky homemade salad dressing, but if yours separates into oil and vinegar the moment it hits the bowl, you're not alone. The secret to a smooth, stable dressing lies in a little kitchen science. Start with acid. Whether you're using vinegar or lemon juice, pour this in your bowl first. Add an emulsifier. Mustard, tahini, miso, honey or egg yolk act as natural emulsifiers. They help bond oil and water together. Add a teaspoon or two to your acid and whisk to combine. Drizzle in the oil slowly while whisking constantly. This helps the oil emulsify properly, rather than sitting on top or separating later. A small bowl and whisk work well, or shake everything…

If you're craving sugar, it's a sign your blood sugar levels are unbalanced. When blood sugar levels drop, the body craves sugary carbohydrate foods so that blood sugar levels can be restored to meet all your body's energy demands. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is extremely important for good health, weight management and prevention of disease. Persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. Over time, this can progress to type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Here are five simple ways to beat your sugar cravings. Protein Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating and snacking on unhealthy sugary foods and helping to…

For more visit australianbarramundi.com.au. Grilled Australian Barramundi with Desert Lime & Pepper Recipe / Mitch Orr The desert lime and pepper sauce is a spin on a traditional Cambodian condiment known in Khmer cuisine for being served with grilled seafood. The acidity of the lime marries beautifully with the fish, and the floral heat and spice of the pepper provides depth. Serves: 2 250–300g fillet barramundi, descaled 200g desert lime 2g long pepper 1g kampot pepper 1g white pepper 70g sugar 320mL lime juice flake salt, for seasoning 20g finely chopped garlic 20mL sesame oil 1 bunch mustard greens steamed rice, for serving Pin bone the fillet and clean up the edges of the fish. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Place the barramundi on a tray or plate skin…

Citrus Honey Salmon with Moroccan Quinoa Salad Recipe / Lisa Guy This nourishing meal is packed with key nutrients to help you feel your best. Salmon delivers anti-inflammatory omega-3s for brain, heart and hormone health, along with protein to support stable blood sugar levels. Quinoa is a great source of fibre, plant-based protein and magnesium to boost energy and support muscle function. Oranges round it out with a hit of vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen immunity and support healthy, glowing skin. Serves: 4 4 x 170g salmon fillets 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Juice 1 small orange 2 tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup 2 tsp tamari 4 cloves garlic, minced Pinch sea salt & pepper Quinoa Salad 1½ cups uncooked multi-coloured quinoa, rinsed 2 cups vegetable stock 1…