basil

The Health Benefits Of Herbs

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What Are Herbs?

To simplify what an herb is; herbs are the leaves from certain plants that are used for flavor or garnish with a variety of dishes. Herbs can also be used medicinally or in fragrances. If you are in the Hunts Point Market and are looking for herbs, then you should contact E. Armata Inc.

E. Armata Inc. carries the following herbs:

  • Basil
  • Dill
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Cilantro
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Mint
  • Savory
  • Tarragon
  • Marjoram
  • Chives

Herbs can benefit your health in many ways.  Both rosemary and sage help with brain function, particularly with your memory.  Sage inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical in the brain. As we get older acetylcholine levels tend to drop which has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Rosemary is also said to help reduce nasal congestion associated with allergies.

Another herb that has significant health benefits is mint.  Peppermint, in particular, may help with the symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome. The oil in peppermint acts as an anti-inflammatory medicine.  It has been said to reduce nausea, abdominal swelling, and relaxes muscles in the colon which relieves pain during bowel movements. Even when mint is used for aromatherapy, it has also been claimed to reduce nausea.    

If you’re in the Hunts Point Market, you may consider picking up some basil.  Basil is also said to reduce nausea but has other medicinal uses as well. Basil may be help treat skin disorders such as acne when boiled.  This method can also be used on insect bites and stings to sooth the affected skin. Basil may also help reduce coughing associated with colds and may reduce your blood pressure as well.

If you’re curious more health benefits from consuming herbs and you are in the Hunts Point Market area, then head on down to E. Armata Inc. Contact us today!

Raw Berry Tart With Coconut Cream

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Chef Angèle Ferreux-Maeght’s nutty tart does not require an oven and is made with almond flour and hazelnuts. The entire dish can be prepared a day in advance.

Recipe Courtesy ANGÈLE FERREUX-MAEGHT

Photo Courtesy Joanna Van Mulder

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound Medjool dates
  • 2 cups hazelnuts (1/2 pound)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • Gray sea salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) unsweetened coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons agar akes
  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 12 ounces blackberries and/or raspberries
  • Microbasil (optional), for garnish

Directions

Step 1 – In a medium bowl, cover the dates with water and let soak for 2 hours; drain. Pit the dates.

Step 2 – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts until coarsely chopped. Add the dates, almond our, a pinch of salt and 6 tablespoons of the coconut oil and pulse until the dough just comes together. Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Top with a sheet of parchment paper and press the dough into a 10-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick. Freeze the crust until rm, at least 1 hour.

Step 3 – Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the coconut cream and agar to a simmer, whisking to dissolve the agar. Remove from the heat and whisk in the 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Scrape into a large bowl, cover and refrigerate until chilled and rm, at least 1 hour.

Step 4 – Carefully transfer the tart shell to a platter and peel off the top sheet of parchment paper. Using a hand mixer, beat the coconut cream mixture at high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Spread it all over the tart shell, leaving a 1/4-inch border, and top with the berries. Loosely cover the tart and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with microbasil, if desired. Serve cold.

Make Ahead –The tart can be refrigerated overnight.