NoMU Rubs
If you like to spice up your beef, chicken, pork, duck, seafood, or vegetables, don’t miss these unique South African rubs. Rubbing with NoMU rubs is incredibly easy and a great way to produce delicious meals when you are roasting, frying, baking, or barbequing. NoMU makes rubs sourced from every corner of the globe, from an Indian rub spiced with cardamom, chili, and cumin seeds to a Cajun version blended with paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and other spices. Naturally, there’s an African rub, and rubs from Spain, Morocco, Provencal, and many more. Just choose your favorite blend, and do a dry rub right onto the dry food; or add olive oil to create a wet rub (especially good on potatoes). And unlike many other rubs, NoMU keeps the salt and sugar levels low in their blends, thus keeping the healthy quotient high. $7.99.
Available at Chefmakers in Pacific Palisades, Whole Foods, or at www.nomu.co.za.
Shail Snacks
Forget potato chips, candy bars, pork rinds, and other unhealthy snacks; now there’s Sahale Snacks to turn to when you’re feeling a bit peckish between meals. Sahale Snacks’ crunchy, spicy blends are bags of balanced foods, containing protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrates, that are relatively high in natural, heart–healthy fats, the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and raise HDL or “good” cholesterol levels. Try the luscious Ksar Blend, with pistachios, pepitas, dried figs, sesame seeds; or the Sing Buri Blend, with cashews, pineapple, peanuts, lemongrass, and spicy Chinese chili. And think outside the Sahale pouch, and try the snacks sprinkled over your favorite salad; they add a crunchy delight. $4.49 for a 5-ounce pouch.
Available at Whole Foods, Gelson’s, and Ralph’s.
Rishi Matcha Japanese Green Tea
When it comes to green tea, there is Rishi Matcha – and all the rest. Rishi’s award-winning, all-natural, and antioxidant-rich Matcha is made from 100-percent Japanese green tea that is harvested from shade-grown bushes, traditionally processed, and stone-ground into a fine powder. Just one serving of Matcha delivers the health benefits of more than three cups of common green tea, because the entire leaf is consumed. Plus, it tastes wonderful, with a smooth and creamy texture. In fact, Matcha, an integral part of Japanese culture and the traditional Zen tea ceremony, is known to promote increased energy, mental clarity, and focus. Drink it hot or cold, making sure to use a full packet of the tea. $20 for ten packets.
Available at Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or at www.rishi-tea.com.
