W is for....

Wagyu means, literally, 'Japanese cow' and refers to several breeds of cattle genetically predisposed to intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat.

The meat from wagyu cattle is known worldwide for its marbling characteristics, increased eating quality through a naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness, and a high market value. In several areas of Japan, beef is shipped with area names.

wagyu_02

wagyu

Highly prized for their rich flavor, these cattle produce arguably the finest beef in the world. These different breeds produce beef that range from expensive (by any measure) to extremely expensive. It is also bred and raised in Australia.

Wagyu cattle's genetic predisposition yields a beef that contains a higher percentage of omega-3and omega-6 fatty acids than typical beef. The increased marbling also improves the ratio of monounsaturated fats to saturated fats. ....read more

(meat pic: Jac Wagyu)

Wasabi:

wasabi

(pic: Wikimedia Commons)

This rather unattractive-looking pale green root is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish, and mustard. It is also called Japanese horseradish, although it is not actually from the horseradish species of plants. Wasabi paste is a common condiment used with Japanese dishes.

It is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard than that of the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapours that stimulate the nasal passages more than the tongue. The plant grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Japan and is now cultivated in other countries, including Australia. .....read more

Walnuts:

walnut

Walnuts (the name translates 'foreign nut') are the fruit of a tree which is a member of the same family as the peach and olive. They were once believed to be 'brain food' because of the shape of the kernel.

Walnuts contain protein and are one of the most nutrient-dense food sources of ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and have no cholesterol.

Did you know?

Crushed walnut shells are sometimes used commercially for soaking up oil leaks in oil drilling operations.

... read more interesting facts about walnuts.

Watermelon:

Watermelon contains cucurbocitrin, a drug that lowers blood pressure and also calms us. While we always thought it was the beach and the sunshine, maybe that large wedge of watermelon we ate for lunch also added to the relaxed feel of 'those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer'!

Yet watermelon can also be used in other ways. It makes a great addition to fruit salad, either in balls or chunks, although it spoils quickly so add it last. Try pureeing it for a cool summer drink, or freeze it for a cool, sugar-free sorbet.

Even though the sweetness makes watermelon seem an indulgence it provides only 100kJ per 100g, actually less than grapefruit. It is also high in vitamin C and its water content makes it more filling than many other fruits. It brilliant colour makes it a pretty accent for salads and cheese platters, or the fruit itself can be hollowed out and filled with fruits or fruit salad.

Summer is its season and a whole watermelon will store well at room temperature for several days. Once cut it should be covered and refrigerated and used as soon as possible. To find a good one, look for a firm unblemished rind and knock firmly with the knuckles. A good ripe melon should sound hollow.

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