Blog - Page 4 of 40 - Impressions

Easy Meal Planning Service

June 4, 2018 Rachel Sherwood

I have to be honest. I am not a meal planner. I based my daily meal decisions on what I feel I want, what I have on hand, time to actually cook, what looks good at the store or what might be on sale at the time. Over the years I have tried several different programs, apps and easy meal plan guidelines to see if they would actually make my life simpler. Typically these services add more stress and much more expense to my week. They work if you can be that structured with your food and schedule each day. Don’t get me wrong I am most definitely a planner and get far more done and completed with success and ease with a plan however when it comes to food and a busy working lifestyle with kids I can’t ever seem to make traditional meal planning work here is why.

Most meal plans give you a full week of ideas, recipes and grocery lists. This is great if you have time to cook every meal 3 times a day, yes even those with batch cooking options still require a lot of advanced meal prep. For me there are days where I need food already done heat and serve, batch or freezer meals that are hot and on the table in 10 minutes or less. This is where a lot of my Make Ahead Meal options and strategies work wonders. Many of these services offer limited flexibility for specific diets, avoiding specific ingredients or swapping out meals for something you may not like. The grocery lists include everything making which is great but I often find myself double buying items I already had or trying to sift through pages to make a new grocery list for what I actually need. I tend to have much more waste with these programs, food for recipes I didn’t have time to get to, overbuying items, or for the services that ship you ingredients mass amounts of packaging waste. Yes, most of it is recyclable but it is still so much unnecessary waste. These easy meal planning services just never really worked long term.

For the past few months I have been testing out a new easy meal planning service called PlateJoy. I stumbled upon this custom meal planning service while searching for other things. I am so happy I did. I have to admit it is the best I have ever seen. Granted this may take some clients away from me, but I just have to share because it really works. If you want a consistent flexible real life workable meal plan this is it. I am always on the look out for new ways to make life easier and more enjoyable when I find the good ones I feel obligated to share with you.

Ok so here is why I love Platejoy:

Meals designed for your unique needs

They have a personalization quiz that creates a meal plan that fits your lifestyle and preferences. It lets you choose if you want specifics like to cut calories, reduce red meat, work with a special diet like gluten or dairy free, there is even a place to just say, I don’t like this ingredient so don’t include it. It also takes into account how much time you want to spend cooking and how many meals you want to prepare each week. For example if you want or don’t want leftovers or prefer batch cooking recipes. There are lots of options so you are always getting recipes that fit your needs, tastes and timeline.

Ultimate Flexibility

It then creates your “Meal Queue” where you can see all the recipes that fit the requests you made in your personalization quiz. Note you can change your answers to see different recipes at any time so you are not locked in to a gluten, dairy, no meat, low carb diet if you don’t want to be or you can try out something new just for a week. The recipes in the meal queue are then chosen in combination to reduce the amount of food waste for your meal plan. However, you can also change your mind at any time when going over your designed meal queue to swap, remove or add recipes if see something your really want or don’t care for at the moment. Note that doing this may increase your food costs and waste but you are always getting recipes you know you will like.

You Have Control

You have control over how many recipes you get in your weekly meal plan. This is one of the main reasons I like this program so much. Each week you can update the kind of recipes you want for each category, choosing 0-5 breakfast, lunch, batch meals, dinner, snacks/desserts. This is key because depending on the week you can choose what you need. If its a busy week I will choose quick cooking meals with leftover options. If I have several lunch time meetings I will include less lunch options or if its a slower week and I have time to cook I will add extra recipes, more snacks, batch cooking and recipes that may take longer to complete. Each week you have control and flexibility. I have not found any another easy meal planning service that has done this so well.

Unique flexibility to get the meals that work well for your lifestyle.

Shopping list that takes into account what you already have on hand.

Less Waste

Next it’s on to the shopping list, my other most loved option of the PlateJoy easy meal planning service. Before it creates your personalized shopping list it walks you though your pantry allowing you to check off ingredients you already have on hand. This is so helpful because its only creates shopping list with the things you really need. No more sifting through pages of grocery lists with things you already have. For me I have a pretty well stocked pantry so my lists are generally small with fresh produce, meat and some speciality items. I did once print out the whole list as if I have nothing starting from scratch it was a bit long but organized well and easily set me up for success. As you create the next weeks menu is also has a section to use up any ingredients you may have on hand. This way of shopping also cuts down on all the excess packaging of other meal planning services that ship ingredients.

Easy to use, organized shopping list. You can shop or send directly to a shopping service.

Shopping Made Easy

The grocery list is organized by category with the amounts you need, suggestions for the butcher of how to have the meats cut and a recipe code if you want to refer back to the recipe that a particular ingredient is for or if last minute you decide you don’t want to make a recipe you can easily remove those ingredients from the list. If you want other items that are not for your chosen meal plan say you just want some more apples for the kids, need dish soap or paper towels you can add them to your list too so you are only shopping from one list. Personally I love grocery shopping and I like to choose my own thing especially produce, meat and seafood. I know this is not everyone. You may not love grocery shopping or don’t have time for it. Don’t worry, they have an easy access link with one click you can add your entire list to your instacart and have it delivered! Really they thought of everything.

Delicious Meals

There are many things I like about this easy meal planning services but no matter how easy something is to use it still must product quality results. The recipes are easy to follow and consistently produce delicious results. I think out of all the things I made after tying the service for weeks there were maybe 3 items that my family though were just ok. The majority of meals gave nightly inspiration and new family time favorites for our weekly meals. Many of the recipes my toddler even helped me prepare. He also enjoyed the variety of adult and kid friendly foods like these jerk chicken lettuce wraps.

Kid friendly meal options too, my toddler loved helping and eating these items

Easy to use portion and nutrition guides for the whole fmaily

Balanced Nutrition and Portion Size

Plate Joy also includes recommended portion sizes based on the calorie intake you requested in beginning profile making adjustments for more active individuals, those wanting to lose weight and even healthy child size portions. The nutritional information is broken out for each person for each meal if you are counting calories, carbs or just curious its all there for you. You can easily work it into any diet or fitness program you may already be enjoying or wanting to being. It truly sets you up for well rounded mealtime success.

Ok so I love it, I know this may take some clients from me but I had to share. Check out Plate Joy Here! You can use code IMPRESSIONS10 to save $10 on your subscription. If you have ever thought of trying a easy meal planning service or been frustrated by others in the past I highly recommend you give this one try.

Here are some of the great meals and snacks I made with Plate Joy

Apple, almond and coconut "oatmeal" — Apple, almond and coconut “oatmeal”

Strawberry Broccoli Salad with Paleo Poppy Seed Dressing

Sweet and Sour Broccoli Salad with Cashews

Jerk chicken, avocado and mango lettuce wraps

Batch Meal, Zucchini noodle beef lasagna

Shaking beef bowls with shaved Brussels sprouts

You can have inspired easy, delicious and healthy meals that work for you too. Check out Plate Joy Here! You can use code IMPRESSIONS10 to save $10 on your subscription.

Full Disclosure:

Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life.

All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.

I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.

What is Red Palm Oil?

May 24, 2018May 25, 2018 Rachel Sherwood

I was recently asked to write a post on the unique Malaysia Palm Oil. You may not be familiar with this product but did you know that palm oil is used in several commercial foods? You have most likely already tried it.

What I am learning like with most ingredients in our modern world, not all palm oil is created equally. When I started doing research on this product I found much controversy over both its health aspects and effects on the environment.

So what is Palm Oil?

Palm oil by definition encompasses any oil that comes from the fruit of oil palms. These plants create high yields, one acre of oil palm produces 11 times more oil than an acre of soybean, 10 times more than sunflower and 7 times more than canola. Also unlike many other crops these plants have a typical lifespan of 25-30 years so they don’t need to be replanted each year.

Because of its high yield, palm oil has become a common ingredient for cooking and food manufacturing. Malaysia and Indonesia, in particular, account for about 80 percent of the worldwide palm oil supply.

How is Palm Oil Made?

There are 4 main steps of palm oil production:

Separation of fruit, palm fruits grow in bunches.
Softening up the flesh.
The pressing of the fruit.
The purification of the oil.

Step four is what tends to make the difference in quality. An ultra-refined product goes through a purification process that renders the oil white and nearly flavorless. This highly-refined palm oil, is a great choice for high heat stir frying, but you are losing some nutritional value. Refined palm oil is about 50% saturated fat, 39% monounsaturated fat, and only around 11% polyunsaturated fat, making it stable for cooking and storage in a semisolid at room temperature. This can easily be used as a primary cooking oil.

Palm Kernel Oil

Palm kernel oil comes from the seeds of the plant.Palm kernel oil is highly saturated (around 80% SFA, 15% monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat, making it fantastic for high heat cooking. It’s very similar to coconut oil.

Red Palm Oil

This is the virgin, unrefined oil that I am using in my cooking currently. Palm oil is naturally reddish, and it comes chock full of vitamins and antioxidants. When palm oil is highly refined, it loses its color and taste right along with the beneficial effects. Vitamin E which may help prevent LDL oxidation, it is loaded with beta carotenes many more than carrots or tomatoes, and co-enzyme Q10 a major participant in cellular growth are all found in red palm oil. Furthermore, the vitamin E in red palm oil is made up of both tocotrienols and tocopherols; the vitamin E in most foods is mainly tocopherol, which may be less effective than the tocotrienols abounding in red palm oil. Red palm oil does have a mild earthy carrot like taste and distinct color that infuses foods.

Why should we eat Palm Oil?

Unrefined palm oil is rich in natural chemical compounds important for health and nutrition. As stated above it is a natural source of Carotenoids & Vitamin A as well as supplying fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins D, E and K. Since it is a fat it also supplies an abundance of calories that give energy for our daily life.

Fatty acids are the raw materials for building new cells in your body, including your bones, nerves and brain! The micronutrients keep your body cells healthy and functioning properly. We need fat to live!

Palm oil is high in saturated fats but it is free of trans fats and has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol.

Also it’s an extremely shelf stable fat so it is easy to keep around without worrying it will go rancid.

How to Cook with Palm Oil?

Palm oil is very versatile this is one reason why many food manufacturers have switched to using natural tropical oils such as palm oil to replace the trans fats of partially hydrogenated oils. Malaysian palm oil has become prized for its healthy qualities, creamy texture and long shelf life making it perfect for use in items such as ice cream, margarine, dairy fat replacement, cookies, crackers, dough even non edible products like cosmetics, home and personal care items.

It can be easily blended with other types of fats or oils to create balanceed textures in food formulations.

I think one of the best qualities of palm oil is that is its a very stable oil with various melting points. When cold its is hard but can be warmed slightly to be soft and creamy. It also has a very high smoke point of 450. Theses qualities make it a suitable oil for everything from mild salad dressings, dips and spreads to roasting vegetables, braising and searing meats.

Know what you are buying:

Although Palm oil is a healthy fat that can be produced sustainably there is still controversy over this product. The growing market has put strain on environment, some forests, peatlands and wildlife habitats have been destroyed to keep up with demands. Some palm oils are heavily processed and oxidised for culinary purposes that decrease the health benefits. There are some reports of human rights violations by some companies that have unsafe working conditions and low wages.

To help ensure that you’re getting the highest-quality oil from producers that prioritize sustainability and positive environmental practices. Become a well-informed consumer and gain the health benefits of palm oil without the potential downsides. Look for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) mark on your products.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an organization focused on improving sustainability and producing oil that is environmentally friendly. It has created a set of guidelines and standards that producers must adhere to in order to be RSPO-certified, such as the principles listed below.

Commitment to transparency
Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Commitment to long-term economic and financial viability
Use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers
Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity
Responsible consideration of employees, and of individuals and communities affected by growers and mills
Responsible development of new plantings
Commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity

By opting for RSPO-certified products, you can be sure you are purchasing from producers with sustainable practices who are dedicated to protecting both wildlife and the environment.

Be Smart:

Like most foods in our diet it’s best to use palm oil in moderation and use it in combination with other healthy fats. For most people, the palm oil health risks are pretty minimal as it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction or any negative side effects. Regardless, if you do experience any adverse symptoms after eating palm oil, discontinue use and talk to your doctor.

Give it a try with these Simple Fish Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Fish Tacos made with Red Palm Oil. I loved the color it turned the fish!

or Red Lentil Soup

I also used it in everyday cooking like searing steaks and braising pork ribs.

Pork Ribs Seared and Braising with Red Palm Oil

What is your favorite cooking oil?

Resources:

Malaysian Palm Oil Council

Palm Oil Health

The Impacts of Oil Palm on Recent Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

Quality assessment of palm products upon prolonged heat treatment

Palm oil and cardiovascular disease

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

Full Disclosure:

Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life.

All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.

I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.

How to store Lettuce and Greens

May 18, 2018May 2, 2018 Rachel Sherwood

How to Store Lettuces and Greens

It is finally starting to warm up in Minnesota. I am eager to get my garden started. I love to grow simple spring lettuces. They are easy to plant, grow quickly and don’t need a lot of space. They work well in garden beds, planters and small container gardens. Salad greens are a cool weather crop. They tend to bolt and turn butter in the hot summer heat so plant early spring and fall for abundant harvests. Local harvests are seasonal but you can look for high quality lettuces year round. Here is a simple guide on how to store your greens for best results no matter when you get them.

When Shopping:

Full heads of lettuce are the best option for keeping costs down and flavor high. For extra convenience, you might try the salad mixes that come in bags or plastic “clamshell” boxes.

For best value purchase full heads of lettuce

Ideally you want lettuce picked as recently as possible. Look for clean, crisp, bright leaves, fresh looking cut ends. Lettuce leaves that are darker in color contain more vitamins and minerals like romaine that is rich in vitamins A and K. Iceberg lettuce is one of the least nutritious. Head lettuces should be symmetrically shaped. Some spotting or holes are common, especially in crops raised without sprays.

Watch out for limp, withered leaves that have brown or yellow edges, or dark or slimy spots. You don’t want anything that looks rusty, dried-out, or wilted. Once greens have passed their prime, there is no way to restore them to crisp freshness. Avoid overly large heads of romaine, which may have tough, fibrous leaves.

Iceberg lettuce should be compact and firm, yet springy. Very hard heads may be over mature and bitter. The stem end of a head of iceberg lettuce may look brown. This discoloration is the natural result of harvesting and does not indicate damage.

Wash for best results:

Always wash your lettuce before you eat it. Even if it is pre packaged and says pre washed. Packaged lettuce is often rinsed in a chlorine wash and handled by many people before being sealed. It is best to wash as home as well.

You don’t need to wash all of it at once. Place leaves in a clean colander and rinse under cool water. Don’t dump your lettuce in the sink. Sinks hold bacteria, and they’re a ripe breeding ground for cross-contamination. Dry the leaves thoroughly between towels; you can also use a salad spinner to assist with the drying process.

Storage and Location:

For salad greens to thrive after they’ve been picked, they need slightly humid conditions to prevent the leaves from drying out but should not be wet. Extra water droplets can result in browning and rotting so they must also be kept dry. I have found there are two good ways to do this using a container or a towel.

In a Container

Wash and dry greens then store greens in a large plastic or glass container. Line the bottom of the container with a paper or clean dishtowel and drape another towel over the top inside the lid. If your greens came in a clamshell, just snip the lid off and place a paper towel under the lid. Be sure to fill your container loosely, packing it tightly will bruise the leaves, making them more susceptible to rotting.

In a Towel

Wash and dry the greens then wrap the leaves in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, seal in a plastic bag, You could also roll the leaves in a larger towel up and keep the roll in the fridge.

Always store washed greens in the lowest crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to 1 week. Lettuce stored this way stays crisp and wilt-free, since it is kept hydrated by the slightly moist towels, but basically dry by the towels soaking up excess moisture.

Keep an eye on it:

Iceberg, romaine and kale will store for about a week but other more gentle leaves like butter lettuces and spring greens should be used as soon as possible. Lettuce that comes in a box or bag can keep for a week as well, but make sure you reseal tightly with a paper towel in-between uses.

Spinach and kale are especially good choices for packaged greens because they can be eaten raw and cooked. You can use them in a salad when they’re very fresh and then cook them when they’re starting to turn.

Remember avoid slimy lettuces, slime is a form of rot and rotting produce harbors bacteria. If it’s slimy it’s past it’s prim and should be tossed out.

Extra Care:

Again for the best quality lettuces try to buy locally and seasonally. If not buying whole heads look for plastic clamshell containers. These containers offer green more protection in transit and are less likely to be bruised than the bagged varieties.

If you buy bagged lettuce or salads, choose the bag that is the flattest. When the greens are packaged, all of the air is sucked out of the bag. Then as they age, they give off gas, making the bag puffier. Choose the flattest bag and your salad will be fresher–and last longer in the fridge without going bad.

Do you have a favorite way for produce storage? Do you have questions about how to best store a particular ingredient? Let me know, I am happy to help.

For more ways to save money you may also enjoy Grocery Shopping on a Budget How to save money without cutting out the foods you love.

Save money at the store. Grocery shopping on a budget.

Want more like this? Check out theses related articles.

How to Store Apples

How to Store Bananas

How to Store Citrus

How to Store Nuts and Seeds

Fuel For Fire

May 11, 2018May 1, 2018 Rachel Sherwood

Being a busy working mom I am always looking for high quality food that can keep up when I am on the go. This week I tried Fuel For Fire as I was traveling and busy with work and family events around town.

Fuel For Fire is a fruit + protein smoothie made with real ingredients. Packed with 100% real fruit and whey protein isolate. Each pack contains at least 10g some even have 12g of protein with 130 calories or less. Each single serve pouch is conveniently packed with a built in straw. They don’t need refrigeration but they do taste significantly better when they are chilled. They worked well for tossing in my bag, having a high quality snack at the hotel on the go and my kid really liked them too!

Fuel For Fire, High quality on the go snacks.

Although I would not say these are a mainstay staple for me. It is really nice to have a shelf stable high quality option when you need it. I feel these are a great addition to the diaper bag or purse when you need something in a pinch, you can always have one with you. I do think they are higher quality than most of the kids branded pouches out there so I am ok giving it to my child too.

Try adding some fresh fruit or granola for texture.

It did take me a while to get used to the texture and sucking it out of the pouch. I think it’s just because I link this type of food with the kid pouches, at first I squeezed it into a bowl and topped with granola for a little texture. They have the consistency of a thick smoothie very similar to yogurt. They also come in a variety of flavors like Banana Coco, Sweet Potato Apple, Strawberry Banana, Tropical and Coffee. I liked the Tropical and Strawberry Banana best. My son loved the Sweet Potato Apple one. In my opinion however I would avoid the coffee one. This flavor it was actually a bit sour tasting and had mild banana notes. In you are ok with Coffee Banana it may be a good fit fit but if you are a true coffee lover I would not recommend this flavor.

My son enjoying Fuel For Fire while out looking at new landscaping.

Best part they contain none of the bad stuff no crazy ingredient, gums, and free from gluten, soy, nuts, GMOs, fat and added sugar.

They typically retail for $2.99 each but right now get 40% off and free shipping on any purchase on with the discount code SAVE40. Offer expires July 31, 2018. Try out Fuel For Fire today or look for it at a store near you.

Full Disclosure:

Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life.

All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.

I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.

Red Lentil Soup with Fresh Salsa

May 8, 2018May 8, 2018 Rachel Sherwood

This simple soup is light yet filling. Perfect for everyone in the family. You can adjust the heat level as you choose, leave it chunky for more texture or fully puree for a healthy meal for baby. The flavors get better with time and the fresh salsa brings vibrancy to this healthy soup. This recipe features the added health benefits of Red Palm Oil to add an extra antioxidant punch.

Red Lentil Soup with Fresh Salsa

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons red palm oil, coconut or olive oil

1 large onion, chopped about 1 cup

1 large carrot, peeled and diced about ½ cup

2-4 garlic cloves, minced about 1 tablespoon

1 -inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced, about 2 tablespoons

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Pinch of ground chili powder or cayenne, optional

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup red lentils

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or lemon juice

Optional Garnishes: Fresh salsa, chopped fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley, yogurt, lemon or lime wedges

Red Palm Oil has distinct health bennefits and a vibrate color

In a large pot, heat oil over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add onion carrot, garlic and ginger, and sauté about 3 minutes.

The Red Palm Oil is great for sauteing vegetables in.

Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, turmeric salt and pepper and chili powder or cayenne, and sauté for 2 minutes longer.

Add broth, lentils and bay leaf, bring to a simmer, then turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 20-30 minutes. Taste and add salt if necessary.

So easy even my son wanted to help. He loves this soup even more when he gets to cook it.

Remove the bay leaf, using an immersion or regular blender* or a food processor*, purée half the soup then add it back to pot. Soup should be somewhat chunky. Add lime juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Using an immersion blender is easiest. You can use a traditional blender or food processor but be sure to cool the soup first.

*Note allow soup to cool before blending in a traditional blender or food processor. Blend small quantifies at a time to prevent an exploding blender.

Garish with fresh chopped herbs, citrus slice, top with fresh tomato or creamy avocado salsa.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, diced

½ cup cilantro, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

1-2 Tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice

1 small red onion, chopped (about ½ cup)

1½ teaspoon jalapeno pepper, minced, optional

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with soup or chips

Creamy Avocado Salsa

1 large avocado, chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

¼ cup Greek style yogurt

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with soup or chips

Learn more about the health benefits of Red Palm Oil here.

All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.

I was recently asked to write a post on the unique Malaysia Palm Oil. You may not be familiar with this product but did you know that palm oil is used in several commercial foods? You have most likely already tried it.

What I am learning like with most ingredients in our modern world, not all palm oil is created equally. When I started doing research on this product I found much controversy over both its health aspects and effects on the environment.

So what is Palm Oil?

Because of its high yield, palm oil has become a common ingredient for cooking and food manufacturing. Malaysia and Indonesia, in particular, account for about 80 percent of the worldwide palm oil supply.

How is Palm Oil Made?

There are 4 main steps of palm oil production:

Separation of fruit, palm fruits grow in bunches.

Softening up the flesh.

The pressing of the fruit.

The purification of the oil.

Palm Kernel Oil

Palm kernel oil comes from the seeds of the plant.Palm kernel oil is highly saturated (around 80% SFA, 15% monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat, making it fantastic for high heat cooking. It’s very similar to coconut oil.

Red Palm Oil

Why should we eat Palm Oil?

Fatty acids are the raw materials for building new cells in your body, including your bones, nerves and brain! The micronutrients keep your body cells healthy and functioning properly. We need fat to live!

Palm oil is high in saturated fats but it is free of trans fats and has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol.

Also it’s an extremely shelf stable fat so it is easy to keep around without worrying it will go rancid.

How to Cook with Palm Oil?

It can be easily blended with other types of fats or oils to create balanceed textures in food formulations.

Know what you are buying:

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an organization focused on improving sustainability and producing oil that is environmentally friendly. It has created a set of guidelines and standards that producers must adhere to in order to be RSPO-certified, such as the principles listed below.

Commitment to transparency

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Commitment to long-term economic and financial viability

Use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers

Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity

Responsible consideration of employees, and of individuals and communities affected by growers and mills

Responsible development of new plantings

Commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity

By opting for RSPO-certified products, you can be sure you are purchasing from producers with sustainable practices who are dedicated to protecting both wildlife and the environment.

Be Smart:

Give it a try with these Simple Fish Tacos with Fresh Salsa

or Red Lentil Soup

I also used it in everyday cooking like searing steaks and braising pork ribs.

What is your favorite cooking oil?

Resources:

All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.

All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them as an expert in the field and hope these products work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.