Raw Living Glossary

The juice and pulp from the Açaí palm, a species native to Central and South America, is used in various juice blends, smoothies and other beverages. A study performed at the University of Florida showed that açaí antioxidants could induce more rapid death (apoptosis) of leukemia cells in vitro. This preliminary research indicates a possible anti-cancer effect of anthocyanins and other pigments, as shown for North American dark berries like the blueberry and black raspberry. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Agave nectar is a low glycemic, liquid sweetener harvested from the agave plant. The agave plant grows in the semi-arid soils of Mexico. Historically, the juices (nectar) were fermented to make tequila. Agave nectar (syrup) is about 90% fructose. It is sweeter than table sugar and it is all natural. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Bee Pollen is an immune boosting nutritional supplement. It is absorbed quickly into the blood and has been used by athletes for strength, endurance, energy and speed. Buy at Sunfood.com
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One of nature’s most nutrient dense foods, harvested and dried preserving the enzymatic and phyto-nutrient potency of the algae.  Algae are a class by themselves, exhibiting the characteristics of both plant and animal. Blue-Green Algae contains the broadest array of phyto-nutrients of any known algae, including rare trace elements, biologically active enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, B12, chlorophyll, Phenylethylamine (PEA), glycol-proteins, complex sugars, vitamins and minerals, Due to the algae’s nutritious soft cell wall, these nutrients are readily available to the body. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Cacao nibs are the edible part of the cocoa bean after it has been harvested, dried, fermented and hulled (winnowed). Cacao is rich in magnesium and contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine (stimulants). Other chemicals that naturally occur in cacao include MAI inhibitors (diminish appetite), PEA (similar to what the brain releases when we are in love) and anadamide (the "bliss" chemical which is the same chemical released when we are very happy). Buy Cacao nibs at Sunfood.com
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Cacao nibs are ground to extract about 75 percent of the cocoa butter, leaving a dark brown paste called chocolate liquor. After drying again, the hardened mass is ground into the powder known as unsweetened cocoa. The richer, darker Dutch cocoa has been treated with an alkali, which helps neutralize cocoa's natural acidity. Buy at Sunfood.com
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The Carob tree is native to the Mediterranean. The seeds or pods are edible and similar to cocoa, but contain no theobromine. Carob powder is an edible powder or flour made from the ground seeds and pods of this plant, often used as a substitute for chocolate. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Natural Celtic Sea Salts are a “moist” unrefined sea salt usually found on the coastal areas of France. Its light grey, almost light purple color comes from the clay found in the salt flats. The salt is collected by hand using traditional Celtic methods. Grey Salt has gained great fame in the mainstream culinary world in the last few years and is considered by many to be the best quality salt available. This natural product is obtained from traditional organic salt farmers, under the highest quality controls. The method used for gathering them follows a time-honored 2,000 year-old Celtic culture and tradition, supported and authenticated by modern Quality and Purity control establishments. Celtic Sea Salt can be used in a variety of raw food dishes as a healthy replacement for traditional table salt. Add to your favorite raw food meals for an extra burst of healthy flavor.

Recommended Vendor: Buy at Sunfood.com

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The fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a fibrous husk surrounding a large seed containing white flesh surrounding a partially fluid-filled central cavity. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Coconut oil, also known as coconut butter, is a vegetable oil extracted from copra (the dried inner flesh of coconuts) with many applications. Coconut oil constitutes seven percent of the total export income of the Philippines, the world's largest exporter of the product. Coconut oil is a fat consisting of about 90% saturated fat. The oil is primarily 44.6% lauric acid Unrefined coconut oil melts at 20-25 °C and smokes at 170 °C (350 °F).[2], while refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 232 °C (450 °F). Coconut oil has a long shelf life compared to other oils, lasting up to two years due to its resilience to high temperatures. Coconut oil is best stored in solid form - i.e. at temperatures lower than 24.5 °C (76°F) in order to extend shelf life. However, unlike most oils, coconut oil will not be damaged by warmer temperatures. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Coconut Water is

• Pure clear and is one of the highest sources of electrolytes known to man.
• More Nutritious than whole milk - Less fat and NO cholesterol!
• More Healthy than Orange Juice - Much lower calories
• Better than processed baby milk- It contains lauric acid, which is present in human mother's milk naturally sterile -- Water permeates though the filtering husk!
• Identical to human blood plasma and has saved lives thru Coconut IV.
• A Natural Isotonic Beverage - The same level we have in our blood.

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Date sugar is a food more than a sweetener. An unprocessed sugar made from dehydrated dates that are ground into small bits to be used as a sweetener. Date sugar is high in fiber, and has a long list of vitamins and minerals, including iron. It is light tan in color. Tends to clump as is naturally hydroscopic, but will break up. Its use is limited by price and the fact it does not dissolve when added to liquids. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Dulse also called dillisk, dilsk, dulse or creathnach, is a red algae that grows along the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, where it is a traditional food. It is a good source of dietary requirements. A handful will provide more than 100% of the daily amount of Vitamin B6, 66% of Vitamin B12, a day's supply of iron and fluoride, and it is relatively low in sodium and high in potassium. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Fresh-frozen 100% Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). See "Blue-Green Algae" for more information. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Flax seeds are the seeds of the flax plant. They contain several essential nutrients including calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorous and vitamin E. Flax seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids (see fats and oils). The seed can also be sprouted and used in salads and sandwiches. They produce a vegetable oil known as linseed oil or flaxseed oil. It is one of the oldest commercial oils and solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used for centuries as a drying oil in painting and varnishing. Buy at Sunfood.com
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A rhizome, the underground, horizontal stem of a plant. It resembles ginger in appearance. However, it tastes little like ginger; in its raw form, it has a soapy, earthy aroma and a pine-like flavor with a faint hint of citrus. Also known as galingale or laos (its Indonesian name). Medicinally, it has the effect of an aphrodisiac, and acts as a stimulant. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Ginger has a sialagogue action, stimulating the production of saliva. It is an effective treatment for nausea caused by motion sickness or other illness and also contains many antioxidants. Though called a root, it is actually the rhizome, the underground, horizontal stem, of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It originated in southern China. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Renowned in Asia as one of nature's most nutrient-rich natural foods, these berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years and probably closer four where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. Goji berry is also know as Wolfberry which is the common name for the fruit of Lycium barbarum. Whether you enjoy them as is or combine into your favorite trail mix, you are sure to feel the health benefits of Goji Berries, as they are considered a complete source of protein and regarded as a top longevity and strength-building food. Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals, including zinc, iron, copper, calcium and contain 18 different amino acids. They can also help stimulate Human Growth Hormone (HGH), a critical factor in anti-aging.  We recommend snacking on goji berries right out of the bag, or adding them to a smoothie for an energy boost. Delicious! Buy at Sunfood.com.
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Hemp is a common name for Cannabis sativa and the name most used when this annual plant is grown for non-drug purposes. The seed is used in various health food applications and is comparable to sunflower seeds. Hemp contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient found in hashish and marijuana. The THC levels in hemp are minute and have very little intoxicating effects. In hemp varieties grown for seed or fibre use, the plants are grown very closely together and a very dense biomass product is obtained, rich in oil from the seeds and fibre from the stalks and low in THC content. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Himalayan salt is renowned to be the purest form of salt in the world, free from toxins and other pollutants. It has the highest grade of natural salt and it is mined by hand and also clean by hand-washing. It does not have a shelf life and it does not clump together. Lastly, it contains no environmental pollutants. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Jicama is high in carbohydrates in the form of dietary fiber. It is composed of 86-90% water; it contains only trace amounts of protein and lipids. Its sweet flavor comes from the oligofructose inulin (also called fructo-oligosaccharide), which the human body does not metabolize; this makes the root an ideal sweet snack for diabetics and dieters. The jícama (pronounced "hickama") is a species of Pachyrhizus, a legume native to tropical and subtropical Central America. It is cultivated for its edible taproot, a straight tapering root that grows vertically down. Its root can attain lengths of up to 2 m and weigh up to 20 kg. The root's exterior is yellow and papery, while its inside is creamy white with a crisp texture that resembles that of a raw potato or pear. The flavor is sweet and starchy. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Also known as kieffer lime, it is a Southeast Asian citrus plant with very aromatic leaves. The green lime fruits are distinguished by their bumpy exterior and their small size (approx. 4 cm wide), and the hourglass-shaped leaves. The juice and rinds of the small, dark green gnarled fruit (known as jeruk obat - literally medicine citrus) are used in traditional Indonesian medicine. The Kaffir lime is not considered to be a direct member of the lime species. Instead it is catagorized as one of the subspecies of citrus fruits that are linked to the lime family. Since the flesh of the Kaffir is not edible, it is the grated peel or leaves most commonly used for foods. The rind and leaves of the lime are used in recipes for curry pastes, soups, fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, vegetables, marinades, and chutneys, adding a distinct citrus smell and flavor. For use as a seasoning, the rind is kept whole, cut into strips or grated and can be used fresh or in a dried form. The leaves, which are typically torn or chopped into bits to be used for flavoring, are generally found in a dried form but are also available fresh or frozen. Most often available in Asian markets, the kaffir lime can be substituted with domestic citrus leaves or regular lime rind. The Kaffir lime may also be referred to as a Kieffer, Thai or wild lime.
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Maca is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and includes fatty acids including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids, as well as polysaccharides. Maca's reported beneficial effects for sexual function could be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients. Lepidium meyenii or maca is an herbaceous biennial plant or annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru. It is grown for its fleshy hypocotyl (actually a fused hypocotyl and taproot), which is used as a root vegetable and a medicinal herb. The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat. Researchers have demonstrated that maca refurbishes the impairment caused by stress and hormonal flux. Hormones and bodily processes that react to stress responses can lead to a range of problems, including difficulty concentrating and plain old stress-induced illness. Reducing the effects of stress has a positive outcome on systems and hormonal balance, blood sugar fluctuations, and mental clarity to name a few. Buy at Sunfood.com
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A powerful health secret of the Mapuche People for hundreds of years, Maqui Berry (Aristotelia Chilensis) was a major source of strength and considered a key reason for why they were never overtaken by conquistadors and the Incan Empire. Today, experience the same great strength, stamina and health qualities it provides for yourself. Wild grown in Patagonia, it contains 100% whole berry and is freeze-dried to preserve its uniquely potent raw qualities. Used in traditional Chilean folk medicine for its anti-diarrhoeic, anti-inflammatory and anti-haemorrhagic qualities, Maqui Berry Powder contains the highest natural and total ORAC value, and the highest combination of anthocyanins and polyphenols of any known super fruit or berry, including Acai, Mangosteen, Amalaki and Pomegranate. Just one small scoop of the pure powder can set you on a path to amazing health. Benefits: Native to South America, Maqui Berry is a true superfood. With the most pure and potent powder available, you can take on free radicals each and every day. In tests, our Maqui Berry Powder proved to easily maintain the best antioxidant performance against the five top free radicals ORAC (Peroxyl), HORAC (Hydroxyl), NORAC (Peroxynitrite), SOAC (Singlet oxygen) and SORAC (Superoxide anion) outpacing Acai in all categories. According to another recent study, the high amount of anthocyanin makes Maquis beneficial effects readily available, such as anti-atherogenic activities, inhibition of the HIV virus and supports healthy vision. Buy at Sunfood.com
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From Morocco, also grown in the USA, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the Palestinian territories and Israel; a large, sweet and succulent date. With a sweet, carmel-like flavor, Medjool dates are tasty as a quick snack all by themselves.  They can also be used as a sweetener in many raw dishes that involve a food processor or blender.  Beyond their taste qualities, they also have amazing nutritional value and astoundingly useful properties. Dates have been a food and healing source for thousands of years. Nutrition and the healing properties have been noted in folk lore and at this present time research has deemed that the date may be considered as an almost ideal food. It is also being considered as a good world food source because of it high nutritional value.  Nutritional properties of a single Medjool date are remarkable to say the least.  The list of vitamins contain Vitamin A, Retinol Activity Equivalent, Beta Carotene, Lutein + Zeaxanthin, Vitamin K, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, food Folate, Folic acid, dietary Folate equivalents, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, and Betaine. I know that list was impressive but there is still more.  Medjool dates contain a bountiful amount of Minerals; they include Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese. Medjool Dates also contain Protein and Amino Acids, including Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Proline, and Serine. They also contain zero Saturated fats and zero Trans fat, zero Cholesterol and extremely low Sodium content. The energy that is derived from this date is from the large amounts of Invert Sugars that the Medjool date contains. Invert sugars make up about 70-78% of the sugar content. It is easily absorbed and assimilated in the body and provides the body with energy within minutes after eating it. In all actuality 1 mg of dates gives the body the energy equal to 3470 calories which is an amount larger than the adult man’s required daily amount. The fiber content of a one date is 2 g. The recommended fiber intake is 25 g per day. You can find organic Medjool dates for sale in the produce section of your local Whole Foods store, or in bulk via your local co-op.  We also found them online at a decent price at NutsOnline.com.
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The bean pods of the mesquite are dried and ground into flour. This adds a sweet, nutty taste to whatever it is added to or used in. Mesquite is a leguminous plant found in Northern Mexico and the United States from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas up to southwestern Kansas and from southeastern California and southwestern Utah to the southern limits of the Sonoran desert. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Originally from China, the Meyer lemon is thought to be a cross between a true lemon and a mandarin orange or sweet orange.
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Generally speaking, sprouts have just grown their first set of leaves while microgreens are older and have grown four or more leaves. Also sprouts don't need sunlight while most microgreens do. The next step for some kinds of microgreens would be the baby greens we find in the popular mesclun salad mixes.
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Miso (味噌) is a traditional Japanese food produced by fermenting rice, barley and/or soybeans, with salt and kōji, a fungus used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine which ferments soybeans to produce miso and soy sauce. The most typical miso is made with soy. High in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals, miso is very widely used in Japan, both in traditional and modern cooking, and has been gaining world-wide interest. Miso is typically salty, but its flavour and aroma depend on various factors in the ingredients and fermentation process. Different varieties of miso have been described as salty, sweet, earthy, fruity, and savoury, and there is an extremely wide variety of miso available. Soybeans can be difficult to digest so miso’s fermentation process enables the soybean to be assimilated more easily by the body. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Japanese soy sauce that is not pasteurized. It is produced from roughly equal quantities of soybean and wheat. Soy sauce (US) or soya sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans (soya beans), roasted grain, water and salt. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Nori is the Japanese name for various edible seaweed species of the red alga Porphyra including most notably P. yezoensis and P. tenera. The term nori is also commonly used to refer to the food products created from these so-called "sea vegetables". Finished products are made by a shredding and rack-drying process that resembles papermaking. Japan, Korea, and China currently are the major producers. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Nutritional yeast, similar to brewer's yeast, is a nutritional supplement popular with vegans and the health conscious who use it as an ingredient in recipes or simply as a condiment. It is a deactivated yeast, usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is an excellent source of protein and vitamins, especially the B-complex vitamins. It is also naturally low in fat and sodium. Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy, creamy flavor which makes it popular as an ingredient in cheese substitutes. It is often used by vegans in place of parmesan cheese. Another popular use is as a topping for popcorn. It comes in the form of flakes, or as a yellow powder similar in texture to cornmeal, and can be found in the bulk aisle of most natural food stores. Buy at Sunfood.com
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These edible fruits come in two types, astringent and non-astringent. Hachiya are astringent which contain very high levels of soluble tannins and are unpalatable if eaten before ripening. The astringency of tannins is removed by ripening by exposure to light over several days, or artificially with chemicals. Non-astringent persimmons such as Fuyu are not actually free of tannins as the term suggests, but rather are far less astringent before ripening, and lose more of their tannic quality sooner. Non-astringent persimmons may be consumed when still very firm to very very soft. Persimmons are eaten fresh or dried, raw or cooked. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods, including raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted whole grains.
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Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima. It is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement, available in tablet, flake, and powder form. Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein. Itis rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Buy at Sunfood.com
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The practice of germinating seeds to be eaten either raw or cooked. They are a convenient way to have fresh vegetables for salads, or otherwise, in any season and can be germinated at home or produced industrially. Sprouts are believed to be highly nutritious and rich in enzymes which promote good health. They are a prominent ingredient of the raw food diet and common in Eastern Asian cuisine. Sprouting is also applied on a large scale to barley as a part of the malting process.
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A term that was originally used by the Japanese back in the 1980s to describe food that was dense in nutrients. These days, the word ‘superfood’ encapsulates any food that is dense in vital nutrients that the body needs to thrive. Superfoods are packed with protein, that magic food group that helps keep us away from sugary snacks, and they also exceed daily vitamin and mineral requirements. What this means is that by eating superfoods you’re fuelling your body with proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, phytonutrients, good fats and oils, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Buy at Sunfood.com
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A rich creamy paste, made from sesame seeds and sesame oil, which is used to enrich the flavor and texture of many Middle Eastern sweet and savory dishes. It is very similar to peanut butter (except thinner in consistency) and can be made by grinding sesame seeds with light sesame or vegetable oil, a little warm water, and salt. Tahini is packaged in jars or cans and is available made from raw seeds, roasted seeds and with or without salt. It is best served at room temperature and used as a sandwich spread, an appetizer spread, a dip, an ingredient in sauces for topping pasta and falafel, or mixed with onion and garlic seasonings as a salad dressing. Tahini can also be used in making a variety of desserts requiring a nut paste. Tahini is a key ingredient for making a hummus dip when mixed with chickpeas, or baba ghanouj dip when mixed with eggplant. Tahini is also known as sesame butter. Tahini does not require refrigeration and can be stored for long periods of time in cool dry areas. When stored, the sesame oil may separate from the mixture of solids. This is due to the fact that tahini does not contain emulsifiers to keep the ingredients from separating. To re-mix the contents, turn the can or jar upside down for 30 minutes or so before using. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Tocotrienols are one of the two molecule groups that makes up Vitamin E. Comes from vegetable oils. Palm oil is the largest natural source of tocotrienols. Other good sources are rice bran oil, and coconut oil. Other food sources include cereal grains, such as barley, oats, and rye. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Truffle describes a group of edible mycorrhizal (symbiotic relationship between fungus and plant) fungi (genus Tuber, class Ascomycetes, division Ascomycota). The ascoma (fruiting body) of truffles is highly prized as food. It has a smell similar to deep-fried sunflower seeds or walnuts, though not all people are able to catch the smell of this mushroom. White truffles are generally served uncooked and shaved. As truffles are considered a delicacy, their prices can be astonishingly high at times.
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Ume is a species of Asian plum. The Ume tree originates from China, but it has also been grown in Japan and Korea since ancient times. Although normally called a plum, it is actually more closely related to the apricot. Ume juice is extracted by preserving the fruits in sugar. Umeboshi (梅干), or pickled ume, are a Japanese specialty. Flavoured with salt and purple shiso (perilla) leaves, they are red in color and quite salty and sour, and therefore eaten sparingly. Umeboshi are generally eaten with rice as part of a bento.
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Umeboshi vinegar is a by-product of umeboshi production. It is a salty, sour condiment. Umeboshi are traditionally made by harvesting ume fruits when they ripen around June and packing them in barrels with salt. A weight is placed on top and the fruits gradually exude juices, which accumulate at the bottom of the barrel. This salty, sour liquid is marketed as umesu "ume vinegar," although it is not a true vinegar.  
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Seeds of the fuit harvested from the orchid flower on the Vanilla vine. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Wakame (若布) is a type of edible kelp. New studies conducted at Hokkaido University have found that a compound in wakame known as fucoxanthin can help burn fatty tissue. Buy at Sunfood.com
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The yacón (YAH-CONE) is a perennial plant, and relative of the sunflower, grown in the Andes for its crisp, sweet-tasting tuberous root. The texture and flavour have been described as a cross between a fresh apple and watermelon which is why it is sometimes referred to as the apple of the earth. Although sometimes confused with jicama, yacón is actually a close relative of the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke. Yacon is unique because of its composition of carbohydrates. Most roots have a large amount of carbohydrates that the body recognizes as sugar (glucose). Yacon, however, is a superstar due to it being a natural source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which is mainly fructose. The body recognizes this differently, thus it has little effects on blood sugar levels. Yacon is also a prebiotic, which helps control flora in the intestine and gives signals to the body for probiotics to grow. This helps regulate digestion and encourages the body to heal itself from the inside out. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Yacón syrup is a low calorie syrup pressed from the yacón plant roots. You can use the syrup similar to how you would use any other sweetener. It has a one of a kind flavor similar to caramel, molasses and maple syrup and is no doubt one of the healthiest natural sweeteners on the market today. Buy at Sunfood.com
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Coconuts in their young stage of growth are the most health enhancing.  Young coconuts are also known as green or tender coconuts. These coconuts are harvested before they are fully harvested. Such young coconuts are usually sold during summers in the tropical regions because of the sweet water that is inside the coconut. The meat inside is also edible and highly nutritious, including the water. Tender coconut water is a wonderful for people suffering from dehydration and it also has good digestive properties. Tender coconuts can be identified by their plain green color on the outside. Once it starts mottling, it is an indication that the coconut is maturing.
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