Ingredients

  • pistachios

    The pistachio nut is a member of the cashew family. The fruit has a hard, creamish exterior shell and the edible kernel or seed has a mauvish skin and light green flesh. Pistachios are a rich source of protein and dietary fiber, they also contain B vitamins, thiamin and calcium. I use raw pistachio nuts (kernels) in my recipes.

  • poppy seeds

    Poppy seeds are widely used as a spice and decoration in and on top of many baked goods, they can also be made into a paste and used as a filling in pastries. The tiny black poppy seed is less than a millimeter in size and it takes about 3,300 poppy seeds to make up a gram. Poppy seeds are a nutritionally dense spice with high levels of essential minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

  • pork

    Pork is popular throughout Asia, India, and the Pacific. Purchase organic pork if available or grass-fed. Pork is an excellent source of protein and very high in thiamin (vitamin B).

  • pork mince

    Pork mince is ground down boneless pork meat, it's economical and is very versatile. I often combine both pork and beef mince together to add extra flavour to a mince meat dish. Pork is popular throughout eastern Asia and the Pacific. Purchase organic if available or grass fed and finished. Pork is an excellent source of protein and very high in thiamin (vitamin B).

  • prawns

    Purchase wild caught shellfish. Prawns are large swimming crustaceans or shrimp, they are high in protein and low in saturated fat. A source of niacin, vitamin B6 and folate. They contain the minerals, calcium and iron, also some zinc and magnesium. Shellfish is prone to contamination, so extra care should be taken when buying, preparing and cooking. Shellfish can provoke allergic reactions in some people.

  • probiotic(s)

    Probiotics help balance the microflora in the gut, helping the digestive system and offering protection from harmful bacteria. Common benefits claimed from taking probiotics include the reduction of gastrointestinal discomfort, strengthening of the immune system, improvement of bowl regularity and reduced bloating. Choose a capsule or powder containing a high number of live bacteria strains. Some form of probiotic should be consumed every day, I sneak some in my breakfast smoothie, fermented vegetables are an excellent source. I add probiotic capsules to ferment my Cashew Probiotic Cheeze on page 301 of The JOYful Table.

  • prunes

    A prune is a dried plum. Prunes can be used in both sweet and savoury cooking. Remove the pit before using in cooking. Prunes contain a mild laxative. They are high in dietary fibre and vitamin K and also high in antioxidants. Purchase organic prunes that contain no preservatives (sulphur).

  • psyllium husk powder

    Psyllium powder is ground down psyllium husks to produce a very fine powder. Psyllium is a source of soluble dietary fibre, it expands when mixed with liquid. It can help relieve constipation and diarrhea. Psyllium is used in gluten free baking, as the finely ground husks bind moisture and help make breads rise and less crumbly. You can purchase psyllium husk powder from a supermarket or make your own by using a blender or food processor to ground to a very fine powder.

  • psyllium husks

    Psyllium husks are indigestible and are a source of soluble dietary fibre. They expand when added to liquid and are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. Psyllium is also used in gluten free baking, where the ground husks bind moisture and help make breads less crumbly.

  • pumpkin

    Like all orange pigmented vegetables, pumpkins are rich in beta carotene (vitamin A) and studies show pumpkin contains more than carrots.

  • pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

    Pumpkin seeds or pepitas are an amazing health food, a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium. They are small packages full of nutrition (plant based omega 3 fats, zinc, anti-inflammatory benefits). Sprinkle over salads, add to snack bars, granola, smoothies and they can also be ground down to add to grain free baked goods.

  • purple/red skin sweet potato (white flesh)

    The purple red skinned variety of sweet potato with it's white flesh, is the second most popular variety of sweet potato in Australia. It is also know as 'Northern Star'. It isn't as sweet as the most popular golden orange variety and has a nutty flavour. It has a firmer dry flesh and will take a bit longer to cook. It's perfect for people unable to eat nightshade vegetables but would like a white fleshed potato. It isn't high in beta-carotene (vitamin A) like the orange variety.

  • quinoa flakes (organic)

    Quinoa flakes are essentially just pressed quinoa, each little quinoa seed is rolled flat to make a flake. Quinoa flakes are an excellent replacement for rolled oats which are a grain and high in phytic acid. Quinoa flakes are a complete protein, which means they contain all the essential amino acids and they are full of good fibre. They are very quick to cook as they are small and thin flakes and make great gluten-free porridge.

  • radish(es)

    The radish is an edible root vegetable and is mostly eaten raw as a crunchy salad vegetable. There are many varieties ranging in different flavours, colours, shapes and sizes. The most common are the European radishes (small/round red) and the Daikon Asian radish (large/oblong white). Radishes are high in vitamin C and fibre, they also contain a group of compounds called isothiocyanates, which have been shown to be effective against certain cancers.

  • raspberries

    Raspberries are a perennial fruit with woody stems, they are cultivated to provide both fresh and frozen fruit. Raspberries spoil faster than most berries because of their delicate structure and hollow core. If frozen they will preserve for up to a year. Raspberries are usually quite expensive and purchased as a special treat. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, a source of folate and contain useful amounts of iron and potassium. High in fibre.

  • red cabbage

    There are many different kinds of cabbage. Red cabbage also known as purple cabbage is similar to the green varieties but it is much higher in vitamin C, vitamin A and twice as much iron as green cabbage. It's high in fibre and a good source of potassium, the red colour is a bonus, it can help you with achieving your rainbow of daily vegetables (when cooked it turns more blue, adding a little vinegar will help keep it's deeper red colour).

  • red curry paste

    Red curry paste is ideal for flavouring meat, chicken, fish and vegetables dishes. The paste is usually a mix of, lemon grass, shallots, garlic, ginger, red chilli, salt, coriander, kefir lime, pepper and cumin. Purchase a brand that contains no MSG, artificial colours or flavourings, preservatives or trans oils. My favourite brand is Thai Gourmet Red Curry Paste.

  • red onion

    Red onions are sometimes called purple onions and have a mild to sweet flavour. They are normally eaten raw or lightly cooked. Raw they add colour to salads, when lightly cooked some colour is lost. Red onions are packed with quercetin, aside from its antioxidant properties, quercetin has been found to possess cancer fighting, ani-fungal, aniti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • red wine vinegar

    Use organic red wine vinegar if possible produced by slow fermentation.

  • rocket greens

    Rocket are green salad leaves that can't be classed as a true herb or vegetable. Rocket has a peppery, nutty flavour and has a texture similar to English Spinach. Also referred to as 'Arugula'. It's one of the nutritious green leafy herb/vegetables from the Mediterranean region, it has many vital phytochemicals antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.