Our Experts Will Answer All Your Queries
Len Reyes
The Coffee Connoisseur
Len Reyes is considered one of the authorities in the coffee industry, and a frequent guest speaker on coffee in the lecture circuit. He was mentored by Ernest L. Escaler, a widely respected international coffee trader and investment banker, who pioneered coffee roasting in the Philippines.
Warren Madrid
Food Safety Expert
Warren Madrid has extensive experience in production with leading global food chains. His knowledge of ISO compliance requirements and standards have seen the rapid upgrade of the company's production facilities.
Eugine Jimenez
The Farm Pro
Eugene Jimenez is our resident farm specialist. Graduating with an agriculture degree from U.P. Los Banos, Eugene put into practical application all the theories that she learned, improving them in the process.
Gourmet Gourmand
The Resident Food Critic
The Gourmet Gourmand loves to cook and eat, and that makes her the premier expert on all things Gourmet. She will be answering your queries about the essentials of food preparation through her advice and tips.
Salad for Gathering
July 27, 2009Dear Gourmet Gourmand,
What do I need to remember when preparing a salad for a party, or a family dinner?
Love,
Carol
Dear Carol,
First thing you have to remember is to always buy fresh lettuce. Freshness always comes first. If the lettuce looks soggy or dry, you will have a funny-tasting salad. You should decide on what lettuce to use, or you can mix and match. Decide on what ingredients and dressing to use. Try to experiment, but taste your creations first before serving them to other people. You can pattern your salad from famous existing ones such as Caesar, Cobb, and Sicilian.
Your Partner in Healthy Eating!
Gourmet Gourmand
Ampalaya as Detoxifying Agent
July 5, 2009Dear Food Safety Expert,
My grandmother has liver problems and a friend suggested Ampalaya Tea. What are the benefits of Ampalaya Tea? Is it very bitter?
Help Please.
Roland
Dear Roland,
Ampalaya is known for its detoxifying effects on the body. Aside from diabetes, Ampalaya is also said to cure liver ailments by flushing out the toxins that cause blockage in proper liver functioning. Of course, it is bitter, but you know what they say, the ones we don’t like are the most effective medicine.
Hope this Helps.
Food Safety Expert
Selecting and Storing Lettuce
October 2, 2009Dear Farm Pro,
I went to the grocery store today and bought quite a lot of lettuce. I now realize that I have bought too much for me and my family. I want to be more prudent next time I shop, so could you please give me tips on selecting and storing lettuce?
Thanks,
Edna
Dear Edna,
The overall apperance of a lettuce gives so much information about its quality. Good lettuce should have crisp-looking leaves, without any wilted or slimy spots and brown or yellow discoloration. In terms of storage, lettuce should be watched and dried before storing in the refrigerator. Wrapping the lettuce in a clean, damp cloth could help isolate it from other refrigerator contents, thereby preserving flavor. Also lettuce should not be stored with ethylene-producing fruits such as apples, bananas and pears to avoid discoloration of the leaves.
Your friend in the field,
Farm Pro
Types of Grinds
October 2, 2009Dear Coffee Connoisseur,
Why are there different kinds of coffee grinds? What are the differences between each type?
Thanks in advance,
Art
Dear Art,
Basically, grinding coffee is done to extract as much flavor from every coffee bean as possible. There are different types of grinds that are ideal to a specific coffee machine. For instance, a regular (coarse) grind is used in percolators and french press. The drip (medium) grind is familiar to many as it is used in coffee makers and drip machines. Finally, the fine grind is used in espresso machines.
Hoped this has helped you,
Coffee Connoiseur
On Herbs
October 2, 2009Dear Gourmet Gourmand,
I love to cook, and only recently have I begun appreciating the wonders of using fresh herbs. Can you give me some tips on which herbs are best for certain dishes?
Your fan,
Angela
Dear Angela,
You are definitely right! Fresh herbs give more flavor and kick to any dish you are making. The truth of the matter is, you can play around with the herbs that you use in your dishes. Don't be scared. It's always nice to mix and match until you find the perfect combination for you and your family's palate. Who knows, it might be the next legendary secret recipe, right?
Happy Cooking!
Gourmet Gourmand
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