2008 Food Trends

This year, we asked you to tell us which food trends you’d like to learn more about. From foods that pack a nutritious punch, to ones that are easy on the pocketbook, here are the answers to your top five questions along with great recipes to try.

Asian Flavors

Q: Whenever we eat out or order takeout, my family always votes for Asian food. How can I recreate some of our favorites at home?

A: Harmony of flavor is the goal of Asian cooking, and the three basic flavors are soy, ginger and garlic.

Nuts

Q: I see nuts turning up in all sorts of recipes lately. What's the health benefit of eating them?

A: Nuts contribute varying amounts of key nutrients, such as vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, zinc phosphorous, potassium and/or fiber. In fact, research suggests that eating 11/2 ounces of almonds, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts or pistachios - a small handful - each day, as part of a healthy, calorie-balanced diet, may reduce the risk for heart disease. Check the Nutrition Facts panel on the package for full nutrition information.

Antioxidants

Q: Why are antioxidants important and how can I get more of them into my diet?

A: Antioxidants - substances found in plants, including vitamins A (as beta-carotene), C and E, and phytonutrients, called polyphenols - help protect the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are found in a number of fruits and vegetables - including berries, carrots and broccoli - as well as in whole grains, nuts, and tea. Not all polyphenols have antioxidant activity. More research is needed to determine the antioxidant properties of these plant-derived compounds.

Budget Meat Cuts

Q: I try to stick to my budget when I'm grocery shopping, but it's a challenge. Any tips on where I can cut back?

A: You'll save money without sacrificing quality by buying less-expensive cuts of meat. Slow-cooking (also called braising) budget cuts in a bit of liquid results in deliciously tender and flavorful meat. To prevent moisture from evaporating, resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. When a meat fork can be inserted and pulled out of the thickest part without resistance, it's done.

Whole Grains

Q: Everyone seems to be talking about whole grains these days. How can I tell if the foods I'm buying are actually made with whole grains?

A: When choosing whole grain products, look for the term "whole" before the grain name in the first few ingredients, such as whole wheat, whole grain corn, or whole grain barley. Brown rice and oatmeal are also whole grains. When you eat whole grains you get the nutrition benefits of the entire grain including fiber, vitamins and minerals.