Five Artisanal Foods That Are Good for You
July 5, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Le Cordon Bleu
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Five Artisanal Foods That Are Good for You
Back in the good old days nearly everything that was owned or consumed was made at home or by local craftsmen. This included food and the culinary arts as well. Just like woodworkers or blacksmiths, these artisanal food makers were manually skilled craftsmen who were completely dedicated to their trades. Butchers, bakers, and millers created high-quality, delicious food products purchased by their local communities. They even formed guilds to train future practitioners of their culinary arts.
Eventually the production of most things moved to factories, where machines and unskilled laborers replaced skilled craftspeople. This, again, included food. Today, most of the food we consume is made in factories or mass production facilities. And just like mass commoditization has cheapened consumer products, it has also cheapened food. Not surprisingly, the mass commoditization of the foods we eat have created some concerns. From contaminated vegetables coming from industrial farms to poisonous flavor additives and preservatives, consumers have begun to be concerned about the safety and quality of their food supply.
Turning Back to Artisans
There is hope however. Just like the history of Le Cordon Bleu relied on artisanal food makers to supply their unique products, there is a new trend toward higher quality foods made in smaller batches by talented craftspeople who live and breathe the products they create. We’ve put together a list of five artisanal foods that are not only delicious but also good for you. And as most artisanal foods are also local and organic, they are also good for the environment.
Fermented Foods
Humans have been eating fermented foods in every culture around the world for thousands of years. Even modern Americans eat fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, aged cheeses, and yogurt. Fermented foods are full of pro-biotic bacteria that aid in preventing colon cancer, cavities, inflammatory bowel syndrome, relief from lactose intolerance, and many other conditions.
Grass-Fed Beef
You may not think of beef as an artisanal food, but grass-fed beef certainly qualifies. Cattle raised on natural grass diets require more work and attention than their grain-fed cousins. Additionally, many grass-fed cattle ranches and farms raise their cattle organically. The resulting beef is healthier with more nutrition and less artificial hormones.
Organic Produce
There is such a demand for organic produce that even large corporate entities like Del Monte and Green Giant are providing a few organic options at grocery stores. The best organic produce, however, still comes from local, sustainable farms. Their crops are healthier and higher in nutrition than imported or corporate growers.
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Foods
Even without the growing occurrences of gluten and dairy allergies, reduced consumption of gluten and dairy containing foods has been shown to be beneficial. There is a huge segment of the artisanal food movement dedicated to foods made without these two ingredients. Think you can’t have chocolate cake on a gluten- and/or dairy-free diet? Think again. Not only can you, but it’s delicious.
Cold-Pressed Oils
Artisanal producers are making delicious and healthy olive, canola, flaxseed, coconut, and other oils in small, handcrafted batches. Full of healthy antioxidants, polyphenols, and Omega-3 oils, these artisanal oils are sure to make any dish taste better. They’ll also provide beneficial nutrients for cardio vascular health.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu. Le Cordon Bleu offers culinary, pâtisserie and baking, and hospitality and restaurant management training programs across the United States. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu for more information.
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