old-fashioned and underrated

People are always looking out for shortcuts these days. Whether it is in getting success or cooking they want things to be faster and newer. But it might not always be better. Many food items are now put under the category of ‘old-fashioned and underrated’. But they are in fact very healthy and tasty. Why not reconsider putting it back again in your grocery purchases?

Old-fashioned and underrated foods

Humans have a natural tendency to seek new things in life. They want to have things that will fasten their cooking. They adopt new food items and shortcuts and let go the older things. Many also consider the old food stuffs as old-fashioned and underrated. They undervalue them and no more purchase them from grocery shops. As the demand falls, these older food stuffs become non available in the grocery shops.

But these foods that people have given up and opted for newer in their place might actually have been healthier and tastier. Award-winning dietitian Toby Amidor reveals which foods one should reconsider and bring them back to their kitchen for health and taste reasons.

old-fashioned and underrated
Canned peaches and pineapples (Source: The guardian)

Canned peaches and pineapples

These can enrich our diet. Toby adds:

“According to the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines for Americans, only 15% of Americans are meeting their daily recommended amount of fruit.”

“Canned pineapple and peaches are an excellent way to get more vegetables with their long shelf life and inexpensive cost,” 

She reveals:

Canned pineapple and peaches can be used to sweeten oatmeal (using the liquid and fruit), added to batters for muffins, cakes, and pancakes, and even used in smoothies.”

Sumac: one of the old-fashioned and underrated foods

Kanchan Koya favors this spice, Sumac. In her book Spicy Spice Baby she says:

“Sumac is an ancient spice with roots in the Middle East traditionally used on hummus, baba ghanoush, and kebabs but it can be embraced in the modern global kitchen,”

“I love adding it to dressings like a tahini maple cayenne dressing drizzled over a salad with Little Leaf Farms’ lettuce, chickpeas, tomatoes, and avocado.” 

old-fashioned and underrated
Sumac (Source: Research gate)

Cottage cheese

According to Toby:

Some believe cottage cheese was one of the first cheeses made in America”

“This cheese provides protein, calcium, vitamins B12 and A, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium.”

It can make a quick breakfast and is nutritious and delicious.

Celery root

This root vegetable is rich in fiber. Toby explains:

“It’s also high in fiber which can help support heart and gut health. Celeriac makes a tasty addition to soups and stews”

It is a healthy low carb option for potatoes and rice.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon use has fallen too. But Kanchan Koya wants to revive its popularity. She says:

Cinnamon is typically reserved for baking or holiday treats, but historically it was used to prevent food spoilage and even season savory dishes,”

“I suggest we bring it back to enliven savory preparations like lentil or meat bolognese, soups, and toasted winter vegetables like butternut squash and sweet potatoes.” 

It can also control blood sugar, she reveals.

old-fashioned and underrated
Celery root (Source: Weelicious)

Also, read The Pink Sauce on TikTok: all you need to know about this condiment!

Tarragon

Tarragon was popular in traditional French cuisine but has fallen out of favor now. But it has a lot to offer even in today’s cooking. Talking on how to use it, Kanchan elaborates:

I love adding to baked fish or tofu for a delicate herbaceous note or whisking it into a mayonnaise-based creamy dressing with red wine vinegar drizzled over an apple fennel red onion salad with Little Leaf Farms’ crispy lettuce.”