Grey foods don’t always appear appetizing; they may look overcooked or burnt; however, that doesn’t mean they aren’t nutritious and beneficial to our health.
Gray food refers to any variety of food that lacks color; for instance, fruits and vegetables contain allicin, an effective antioxidant; other items have an abundance of micronutrients.
Black tea
Black tea is one of the most beloved varieties available. Oxidized to a greater extent than green or white tea varieties, its darker coloring and bolder flavors make it immensely popular among tea drinkers worldwide. Many enjoy drinking it by itself or as part of blends like English Breakfast or Earl Grey; additionally, it can also be found as an ingredient in iced tea blends and a base for some coffee blends.
The process for making black tea can vary depending on its leaves and where they’re harvested from, although two main approaches can be employed: CTC or crush-tear-curl and orthodox processing methods are both commonly used; CTC involves crushing smaller leaves while conventional processing involves larger leaves that may or may not have been broken into small fragments. Black tea production occurs most commonly in China, India, and Sri Lanka, but other locations worldwide also produce it.
Black tea can be prepared both loose and in tea bags for easy consumption, hot or cold, offering a refreshing beverage with lower caffeine than coffee. When stored properly in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and pantry items that might leach flavor into it, up to two years can pass before spoilage occurs. Likewise, black tea can be used as an infuser in foods like meats and mushrooms for an authentic smoky taste.
Sage
Sage is an aromatic perennial herb from the mint family with antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties widely used as culinary and medical ingredients. Sage can enhance cognition and boost mood; fresh and dried versions are available for purchase – often used to season meat, chicken and fish dishes, salad dressings, soups, or omelets as seasoning. Sage also features as an herbal medicine tea or extract in herbal treatments.
Researchers conducting a 2010 clinical study concluded that sage essential oil could benefit cognition and mood in healthy adults; however, more research needs to be undertaken. Sage contains volatile oils responsible for its aromatic scent and high amounts of phenolic acids that provide antiseptic and antioxidant benefits; it also contains toxic levels of thujone when consumed in large doses.
Sage can cause a drop in blood pressure, so people taking medications to lower it should refrain from ingesting it. Sage could interfere with how the liver breaks down drugs and increase acetylcholine production, leading to sleepiness or breathing issues – particularly detrimental in older adults. Sage can be used as a soothing mouthwash; rinse or gargle after meals to aid digestion and avoid indigestion.
Gray ice cream
If you love tea, this no-churn Earl Grey Ice Cream with shortbread cookies will surely delight you! Not only is it quick and simple to prepare, but it makes a fantastic summer treat!
This recipe calls for full-fat milk to create a luxurious and indulgent texture and taste, while Earl Grey Tea adds its unique and sophisticated flair by pairing its fragrant Bergamot oil with the creaminess of milk for an exquisite and delectable result. It is ideal for anyone who enjoys slowly enjoying every bite.
Use loose-leaf or black tea in this recipe; I prefer Earl Grey leaves because of their aromatic qualities, but any black or oolong tea would do. Be sure to strain after steeping to prevent gritty ice cream!
I created this unique ice cream in collaboration with On Our Sleeves to raise awareness about mental health. This ice cream looks grey, like clouds, but has a refreshing citrusy flavor. Perfect for any special event – and keeps well in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks!
Gray Mullet
Gray Mullet is a widely harvested food fish, harvested worldwide with either seine nets or coastal locations. It boasts delicious oily flesh that’s great for smoking or using in cooked dishes; plus, it provides essential n-3 long-chain polyunsaturates like eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids as well as vitamin B12 and iodine for good measure! Gray Mullet boasts significant market potential across Europe thanks to its ease of cultivation and production of various processed products widely accepted by consumers.
Studies on the nutritional value of wild and cultivated thick-lipped grey mullets are scarce; thus, this study sought to compare liver lipid and muscle proximate composition, fatty acid profile composition, and amino acid content between wild and cultivated thick-lipped grey Mullets.
Results demonstrated that the composition of wild and cultivated thick-lipped grey mussels was similar, although wild ones contained higher levels of polyunsaturated than their counterparts cultivated ones; both species’ muscle fillets contained within published values for salmonid fish species.
Although populations were low, their diet still provided sufficient intake to meet optimal skeletal muscle growth requirements. This suggests that its fatty acid profile could be affected by both its environment and diet.