Chia or Cooking with Cast Iron

Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs

Author: Richard Ayerza

One of the four main Aztec crops at the time of Columbus's arrival in the New World, chia is now a forgotten food of the Americas. Chia seed oil offers the highest omega-3 fatty acid content available from plants, but today this species is known only for its use in "chia pets." Yet pre-Columbian civilizations used chia as a raw material for medicines and nutritional compounds, while chia flour could be stored for years as a food reserve and was valued as a source of energy on long journeys.

In this book, agronomist Ricardo Ayerza and agricultural engineer Wayne Coates trace the long and fascinating history of chia's use, then reveal the scientific story of the plant and its modern potential. They compare fatty acid profiles of chia with our other major sources—fish oil, flaxseed, and marine algae—and provide evidence that chia is superior in many ways.

Here are just some of the benefits that chia provides:
- chia has the highest known percentage of alpha-linolenic acid, and the highest combined alpha-linolenic and linoleic fatty acid percentage of all crops
- chia has more protein, lipids, energy, and fiber—but fewer carbs—than rice, barley, oats, wheat, or corn—and its protein is gluten-free
- chia is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper
- chia is low in sodium: salmon has 78 times as much, tuna 237 times as much
- chia exhibits no evidence of allergic response, even in individuals with peanut and tree-nut allergies
- chia doesn't give off a "fishy flavor," unlike some other sources of omega-3 fatty acid

The need to balance the essential fatty acid content ofthe human diet, combined with the need for a safe, renewable, omega-3 fatty acid source, positions chia to become one of the world's important crops. As this insightful study shows, current nutritional understanding provides an excellent opportunity to reintroduce this important food to the world.

Interesting textbook: Heart to Heart or Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies

Cooking with Cast Iron: The Flavor of Nostalgia for the Way We Eat Today

Author: Mara Reid Rogers

No other cookware quite captures the spirit of American homestylecooking. Durable and timeless, cast iron has been handed down from generation to generation. Today, there are cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, casseroles, woks, and grill pans. The original non-stick cookware, it's perfect for cooking with less fat or oils-and readily adapts to a wide range of ethnic cuisine.

Cooking in Cast Iron will acquaint home cooks with the benefits, history, care, and use of this rugged and romantic cookware. Plus, more than 150 recipes-from main dishes and side dishes to breads and desserts-demonstrate the versatility of cast iron in today's kitchens. This culinary celebration of cast iron includes:


* Pan-Fried Catfish

* Best-Ever Boneless Fried Chicken with Bourbon Gravy

* Shrimp Gumbo with FilЋ

* Thai-style "Paella"

* Mexican Rice with Annatto and Avocado

* Indian Basmati Pilau

* Red Pepper Gorgonzola Bread Pudding

* Bananas Foster

Author Biography: Mara Reid Rogers was a co-host of the national cooking series "Cook-Off America" on public television. A certified culinary professional, Mara is a radio host, food writer, frequent spokesperson, and an author of seven cookbooks. She has also been a food and entertaining editor and private chef.