delicious by themselves To devour at any time like natural jelly beans, blueberries are the most popular berry today in part thanks to the fact that, for once, social media made them a trend. Full of healthy properties, we also love to prepare all kinds of recipes with blueberries, and there is a very simple way to enhance its flavor both in sweet and savory preparations.
The secret is in a spice that we recommend everyone to treasure as part of the basic products of the pantry. At home it is one of our favorite battle ingredients, and it is that it has a unique scentvery particular, that little or nothing has to do with the taste and smell of fresh grass in its natural state.
We talk about the coriander seedsalso called coriander or cilantro (coriander seeds, in English), small dry balls similar in size to peppercorns, but earthy brown in color and slightly grooved, which we can find whole or already ground into powder. As always, to make the most of its potential it is best to purchase the full spice and crush or grind them at the momentwith a mortar or pestle.
And why is it the secret weapon for much tastier and more fragrant blueberry recipes? The answer lies in science, and we find the clue in ‘The encyclopedia of flavors’, an essential book for Niki Segnit.
The Encyclopedia of Flavors: Combinations, Recipes and Ideas for the Creative Cook (Cooking)
The author tells us in her flavor thesaurus that coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) they contain more than 85% linalool, a monoterpene found in the essential oils of more than 200 plants, including the aforementioned seeds. This natural substance has many uses, including pharmacological, but what interests us is its use as compound to synthesize the taste of blueberry.
In other words, if we add ground or crushed coriander or coriander to any preparation with fresh blueberries, we will achieve that the small berries have a much more pronounced, fragrant and intense flavor and aroma. The Cranberries they will have more flavor to blueberries.
It is an especially useful trick to apply in recipes baked sweet doughsuch as the typical blueberry muffins, a sponge cake, cakes and cakes, muffins or even pancakes, rolls, buns and brioche, but we can also add the spice to savory dishes as a salad or dips with fresh cranberries. It is perfect for adding to jams, chutneys and compotes, ice creams, shakes and smoothies, and also to bircher muesli, a bowl of overnight oats, porridge or baked oatmeal.
And let everyone breathe peace man; coriander or coriander seeds do not taste at all the same as the leaves of this plant. If cilantro tastes soapy to you, don’t be afraid to try this versatile spice.
Coriander Seeds (500g), Corianders Whole Seeds, 100% Natural Spice, Coriander Seeds, No Additives, Vegan
Photos | Artem Beliaikin – Mockupo
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