Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Basic Info About White Wine

types of white wineWine has been a much favored drink across various cultures and numerous generations. However, wine too has its own varieties. One such type of wine that has come to be loved by young and old alike, across the globe, is that of white wine. White wine is wine that is made from grapes that are either green or black, but in a way that the juice from the pressed fruits is instantly separated out from the skins of the grapes. This process makes all the difference in red and white. The taste and the complexity of white type of wine depend on the manufacturing process, the grape variety and the area of cultivation.

Is White Wine Necessarily White?

This is an interesting question that hits many minds of wine drinkers and non drinkers alike. Generally, the wine is made from grapes having light colored skins. However, as mentioned earlier, the grapes may be dark skinned as well. Just like the grapes have variations in color from green to yellow to gold, the white type of wine too have their own variations. Mostly the white wine varies among the flowing colors- amber, pale gold, pale yellow, tuile and straw. However, one must remember that the variations in the colors of this kind of wine are not as much as those available in red wines.

Major Kinds Of White Wine

There are a large number of white types wines available. Depending on brands, vineyards and making process, the varieties can be increased to mind boggling number. However, the simplest classification- on the basis of grape varieties- categorizes the white kind of wine into seven distinct types. Read on. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Semillon, Moscato and Gewürztraminer are the most popular types of wine. Each of these white kind of wines is suited to either cooking or sipping. Some may be combined with fish while another may be best tasted independently.

Does White Wine Benefit Us?

Of course white type of wine has its own set of benefits. Just like its red cousin, it has its own share of benefits that have caused the health conscious to consume white kind of wine. It has been scientifically proved that white kind of wine reduces the chance of having a coronary condition. However, to avail the benefits of white or any wine, for that matter, there should be a moderate intake and not excess consumption. It also helps reduce the risk of cancer. White kind of wine has a number of other advantages like leading to strong bones, reduction in the risk of having a stroke as well as in improving the lung function.

White kind of wine also can be used in cooking. It leaves behind a subtle aroma and a unique flavor in the foods. In case you were wondering if white kind of wine would be the apt drink for the next bash you throw, go ahead. With the variety in tastes among the various types and the benefits, it is only on you to take a pick. White kind of wine can be made dry, still or even sparkling. There are a plethora of options to select from.

If you want to know more about wine, visit our site grape.com.au. Learn about Wine Online and Yarra Burn 
Bastard Hill Chardonnay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ajeet_Khurana

Goals of Kitchen Steward Training

kitchen steward training
If you want to provide the best service for the guests, you have to have a very strong training program for your stewarding department.  You should remember that the stewarding department is the backbone of your restaurant, and without a good training program, it could spell chaos for your restaurant.

Who is responsible for the training program?

The person who is most responsible for the training program is, of course, the department head, the chief steward.  After all, as head of his department, he is the person who carries the whole department on his shoulders.  Aside from the chief steward, the next person responsible for the training program is the training manager.  The two of them should work closely together in ensuring an excellent training program.

Who should participate in the training program?

All kitchen stewards should participate in the training program, particularly the new staff.  They should be given the chance to benefit from the program so as to give better service to the guests.  For this reason, all employees should attend the orientation and training program geared towards their field of responsibility, and they should also give their utmost respect to the general training guidelines.
What are the goals of the kitchen steward training program?

As a respected restaurant and as a responsible Stewarding Department, the goal of the training program is to encourage the staff to be more initiative and more independent especially when it comes to decision-making processes involving the guests.

Its goal is to also provide the staff with excellent qualifications so as to carry out his or her duties and responsibilities accordingly, making sure that they are keeping the objectives of the establishment in sight.
Lastly, the goal of the training program is to develop the skills of the employees, especially when it comes to communication.  After all, without good communication between the employees and the heads of the department, there will be no teamwork; thus, the restaurant service can suffer.

What should the training program contain?

As stated above, it is the department head who makes the plans for the training program, and the training manager is the one who executes the program.

On the first working day, the employees will be given the chance to familiarize themselves with the establishment.  This includes knowing what the company is about, who the company heads are, who the department heads are, the rules and policies of the establishment, the rules and policies of his own department, his or her own duties and responsibilities as part of the stewarding department, etc.

As a kitchen steward, here are the areas that the training program should concentrate on:
  1. The hygiene and sanitation of the workplace as well as his own self.  Because the restaurant deals with the health and safety of the guests, these areas are given the utmost importance to assure that the health and safety of the guest are always safeguarded.  This should also include proper cleaning instructions.
  2. Equipment operating, handling, and maintenance.  The kitchen makes use of equipments, appliances, units, etc., and it is the responsibility of the kitchen steward to take care of these equipments.  This includes knowing how to properly operate, clean, sanitize, and maintain the equipments.
  3. Control of breakage, wastage, and spoilage.  The whole aim of the establishment is to gain profit, aside from providing excellent service.  For this reason, the training program should also concentrate on how to save money through control of breakage as well as wastage and spoilage.
  4. Mis en place and clean as you go policies.  The steward should always remember these two cardinal policies so as to make the job a whole lot easier for everybody.
    1. A place for everything and everything in its place.
    2. Clean as you go.
Image Credit: restrobarconsultancy.com

Friday, July 22, 2011

10 Most Effective Raw Foods for Detoxification

raw foods for detoxification
Nowadays, people are conscious to be hale and hearty; they turn to a diet of raw foods for detoxification in order to cleanse their bodies well. Due to the fact that they provide enzymes, vitamins, nutrients and detoxifying properties that are lost during the cooking process, foods for detoxification are best eaten raw as they get easily eliminated from the high heat.

Below are 10 Raw Foods hailed as most effective for detoxification and have been known to help people improve their overall health, increase stamina, lose weight, and provide higher chances of prolonged existence.

1. Broccoli -A cruciferous vegetable, broccolis have phytonutrient glucoraphanin which, when converted to sulforaphane can boost the livers detoxification enzymes to clear substances that are known to cause cancer.

2. Cilantro - Also known as coriander, can cleanse the body from harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and effectively reduce mercury levels.

3. Prunes – A renowned source of soluble fiber and other nutrients, prunes are effective in treating chronic constipation and improving the overall health of the digestive system.

4. Garlic - Aged garlicin particular can quicken the enzymes in the liver to filter out toxic deposits in the digestive system

5. Onions - Like garlic, this allium vegetable are potent detoxification agent by stimulating the liver to produce more enzymes in cleaning out the digestive system from bacterial infestation.

6. Green Tea – An ancient cure in China and many Asian nations, green teas are known to fight free radicals which are the main cause of skin aging. Simply put these antioxidants are your shield against free radicals and chemicals that can potentially cause harm and make you look old. Green tea also contains another form of antioxidant known as catechins, which are proven to increase liver function.

7. Seeds – The fiber present in flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds helps remove unwanted toxins in the body. Additionally, these seeds contain Omega 3 EFA which are great for repairing damaged tissues caused by free radicals.

8. Nuts – Typically the best sources of vitamin E, an immune enhancing antioxidant and nerve protector. Nuts are also one of the rich sources of essential fatty acids, the good fats, which are effective in lowering blood pressure. Moreover, nuts have several more nutrients that tones and boosts the bodies resistance against diseases.

9. Omega-3 Oils – When detoxifying, preferably eat raw avocado, virgin olive oils or flax seed oil. This will aid in lubricating the intestinal walls, allowing the toxins to be absorbed by the oil, and eliminated by the body.

10. Artichoke – Simply one of the best foods for detoxification, artichokes increase bile production in the liver. It also helps purify and protect the liver from potential bacterial or viral threats. Likewise, artichokes have diuretic effect on the kidneys. The responsible component in artichokes is cynarin, a compound which are particularly concentrated in the leaves. Cynarin, along with another compound luteolinis, are found to reduce cholesterol. Artichoke extracts are effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.

These are just a few of the best food for health and healing that your body deserves. To learn more about eating healthy food for your body visit http://www.foodforyourhealing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katherine_Cornell

How to Create an Organized Stewarding Department

organized stewarding department
To create a very organized stewarding department, one needs to make sure that all the very important details are covered so as to provide a smooth flow in the stewarding department, a flow that synchronizes very well with the rest of the food and beverage department.  After all, without an organized stewarding department, there would be chaos inside the kitchen.

Importance of an Organized Stewarding Department

To have a smooth flow in the restaurant, it should start with a very organized stewarding department.  It is important for the following reasons:
  1. To achieve the goals of the restaurant which is to provide an excellent professional service to its guests.
  2. To give the restaurant a good name and image.
  3. To help the restaurant grow.
Points to Cover in Creating an Organized Stewarding Department

It is the duty of the head of the stewarding department, its chief steward, to set up the plans and steps needed for an organized stewarding department.  Here are some of the points that the chief steward should cover.
  1. The stewarding department has different shifts to cover all hours that the restaurant is open.  Now, it is the chief steward’s duty to make a detailed plan, including the manning guide, of the shifts.  He has to make sure that these shifts cover not only the opening hours but also the whole area of the kitchen as well.  This should also include the working as well as cleaning schedules of the stewarding department.
  2. Once done, he should then prepare the detailed plans for the training of his staff.
  3. Because the chief steward is in charge of all the activities of his department, he should set up the par stock level of all the things and materials that are needed for the operation.
  4. Aside from the par stock level, the chief steward should also set up the organization of the stores.  This includes not only the stores for the kitchen items, tools, equipments, appliances, units, etc., but this should also include the stores for the chemicals as well as other small materials such as garbage bins, garbage bags, mops, etc.
  5. After this step, he then has to determine who the suppliers will be.  Of course, he has to work with the restaurant management in this regard since the corporate contracts and suppliers need to be considered.  Aside from this, he also has to set up the training plans to coordinate his staff with the suppliers.
  6. The next step is to evaluate the staff.  This should be done with the policies of the human resources in mind.  He should also think about the general policies of the management when it comes to hiring and evaluating the staff.
  7. The chief steward also has to set up the on-the-job training of his staff by his department’s supervisors, making sure that he closely supervise the training so as to assure quality training and outcome.
  8. To make all these work, the chief steward needs to create a checklist of all the duties and responsibilities of his department.
These are just some of the steps on how to create an organized stewarding department.  It should be noted though that restaurants differ in some of their rules and policies, so it is imperative that the chief steward work closely with the management to come up with the plan.

Image Credit: sanurparadise.com

Friday, July 8, 2011

Superfoods – True Raw Health Foods

A list of the top 5 raw health foods may seem unbelievable, but there are foods that possess such strong health benefits, that they are referred to as “superfoods”.

This healthy raw food list consists of foods that have more nutrients per calorie than most other foods. They have also been shown to contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that prevent disease: from cancer to heart disease to arthritis, and many more. These super foods are ideal for quick and easy Raw Food Recipes. We should include these super foods as part of an all Raw Food Diet on a regular basis.

goji berriesA great way to eat these raw health foods – whether you just begin a Raw Food diet or whether you are 100% raw already – is to add them to your daily smoothy. You can also add some raw honey and roll them into a raw health food bar.

If you are looking for improvement of health on a raw food diet these are the superb raw uncooked food to eat!

Top 5 Super Foods
Goji Berries

Tibetan goji berries are extremely rich in anti-oxidants which help protect the cells in our bodies from diseases like cancer. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and soluble fiber. They have more amino acids than bee pollen, more beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach and 21 trace minerals. Goji Berries contain of 13% protein! It’s been used to treat eye problems, skin rashes, allergies, insomnia, liver disease, diabetes, cervical cancer, to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial food.

Maca powder 

Maca has important nutrients like trace minerals, EFA’s, amino acids and vitamins. It increases strength, stamina, energy, libido and fertility (called “natural Viagra”). Maca balances body systems: it will raise low blood pressure and lower high blood pressure as needed. Maca boosts immunity and harmonize the overall vitality of the body.

Bee pollen

Bee pollen contain more than 96 different nutrients, including every single nutrient that you need to live. It’s made up of 40% protein. It’s a natural energizer, slows down the aging process, and lowers cholesterol levels, It reliefs discomfort from PMS, prevents prostate problems, improves sperm count, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies your body. It alleviates allergies, improves endurance, strength and mental clarity. It promotes weight loss: the rate at which your body burns fat and it reduces cravings. It regulates your mood and helps control stress in your life.

Hemp seed

Hemp is one of the purest, most complete plants on earth. It has the perfect balance of Omega 3 and 6 for sustainable human health. It’s a high quality, complete raw food protein and has a massive trace mineral content.

Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed for human health. It’s a whole meal and complete protein with about 30 enzymes. It has up to 70% chlorophyll (which builds the blood). It’s an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Wheatgrass cleanses the body (natural raw detoxer) and it eliminates body and breath odors. The natural value of wheatgrass juice is so high that many people do not feel the “cravings” that lead to overeating. It’s great for the skin and first and second decree burns.

Esme Stevens and Annet van Dorsser are the founders of Raw Food Europe. We want to share what we know about raw food, a healthy lifestyle and … superfoods. We create video’s, articles and audio for this purpose. Read more at http://www.theBestofRawFood.com/

You are free to use this article for your Ezine or Blog, as long as you don’t alter it, mention this Author Bio and the website http://www.theBestofRawFood.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annet_Van_Dorsser