We hope you enjoy these Cut The Crap Costa Rica Kitchen Recipes and information on local fruits and vegetables. We have provided descriptions and nutrition information for produce that is common in Costa Rica and other Central American countries. These foods are generally grown in-country which reduces their costs.
Although we are not nutrition experts or doctors, we have consulted these experts and have used our own experience to form the basis for the health benefits of most dishes. The majority of recipes and foods are healthy choices; however, we have added a few "not so healthy" choices to satisfy those occasional cravings.
Costa Rica Kitchen Recipes, try something new. Remove things you don't need. Cook what is local. And, stay in budget.
Fruit SaladBy Nikki PageFruit salad is a great snack and side! Why not make a large batch, for a quick grab out of the refrigerator? This way you can have a healthy, quick snack, or an instant side to any dish, and it’s a great way to add color and sweetness. Most people don’t eat the daily recommended amount of fruit and often opt for other unhealthy snacks. However, if you have fruit salad already prepared, odds are you will eat more fruit.
When preparing meals, most people focus primarily on the main course. By having pre-prepped food options such as fruit salad, makes it easy to provide healthy snacks and sides. Fruit is natures candy and often cures a sweet tooth craving. It is also a much better option than candy or other sugary snacks. Additionally, fruit provides a sweet contrast to the main course and other salty or spicy sides.
Fruit Salad works well for breakfast, as well. It is packed full of vitamins and minerals and provides a boost of energy to start the day. Moreover, fruit beautifully compliments a morning cup of coffee.
Delicious Banana Pancakes, Quick & Easy, Gluten-FreeBy Nikki PageAvocado Tomato Toast & Fruit Savor a heart-healthy, plant-based breakfast with this easy Avocado and Tomato Toast. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins, it's the perfect quick start to your day. Enjoy with a side of colorful, seasonal fruit for added antioxidants. Ingredients: Whole-grain bread Ripe avocado Fresh tomato Lemon juice Mixed greens Seasonal fruits Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins Toast, top, and enjoy! This excerpt is short and to the point, making it suitable for search engine results while still providing essential information about the recipe.
Granadilla – Passion FruitBy Nikki PageGranadilla - Passion Fruit is a very common fruit you can find throughout Costa Rica. There are two varieties of passion fruit: the granadilla and the maracuyá. The difference between them is kind of like that of red and green apples; however, passion fruit tastes nothing like apples. (read more...)Maracuyá – Passion FruitBy Nikki PageMaracuyá - Passion Fruit is a very common fruit you can find throughout Costa Rica. There are two varieties of passion fruit: the granadilla and the maracuyá. The difference between them is kind of like that of red and green apples; however, passion fruit tastes nothing like apples. (read more...)Watermelon – SandiaBy Steve PageIt is composed of approximately 92% water, and is a good source of Vitamin A, C, and B6. You can find it throughout Central America and can be bought in most stores year-round in Costa Rica. We love to buy watermelon - sandia from fruit stands and the back of local farmers’ trucks and (read more...)Fried Egg SandwichBy Taya PageEgg sandwiches are a quick and easy way to prepare a hot lunch. These delicious delights are satiating and although they are fried, they are still fairly nutritious.
Note: Although we prefer white bread, whole grain bread is a healthier choice. There are several bakeries and many supermercado that offer a wide selection of bread options. For a little variety, you can also substitute a tortilla for the bread.
Mamón Chino – RambutanBy Steve PageWould you eat that weird looking fruit? We would! Mamón Chinos are DELICIOUS!
Mamón Chinos are also known as Rambutan. These red hairy treats are the perfect snack for a day at the beach, or to throw in your backpack for a hike in the jungle. (read more...)PineappleBy Steve PageCosta Rica has the sweetest and best-tasting pineapple that we have ever eaten! This amazing fruit is so juicy and delicious that it makes the perfect refreshing snack on a hot day. We make it a point to keep cut pineapple in our refrigerator, so we have it ready to eat. Pineapple is (read more...)Coconut MeatBy Steve PagePeople frequently get coconuts or pipas on the beach to drink the water but then throw the rest away. Unfortunately, they are missing some of the best parts of the coconut, the meat. Coconut meat is packed with a ton of nutrients and healthy fats.
This tropical delight is high in ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and proteins. In addition, it helps to restore oxidative tissue damage and is a source of healthy fats, proteins, and various vitamins and minerals. Coconut meat contains 17 amino acids out of the 20 amino acids needed for optimal protein formation–meaning it is great for building muscle mass. Do some research and soon you will see that the water is just the icing on the cake.
The easiest way to access the meat in the coconut is with a machete or large knife. A few solid whacks and you'll soon be looking into the white bliss of tasty nutrition. Use a spoon to easily separate the meat from the shell. Then you can easily use a knife to cut the coconut into bite-size pieces.
We generally eat coconut meat raw. We have tried toasting it and baking it too, but usually, we don't want to wait to cook it. It is great to eat it fresh right out of the shell.
Health benefits of Coconut Meat:
1. Medium Chain Fatty Acids - are broken down much faster than long chain fatty acids.
2. Does Not Contribute To High Cholesterol - unlike long chain fatty acids do.
3. Boosts the Immune System - through antioxidants and the trace mineral manganese.
4. Reduces Inflammation - due to antioxidants.
5. Healthy Digestion - due to high fiber content.
6. Supports the Nervous Systems - from high amounts of trace mineral manganese.
7. Promotes Heart and Cell Health - with minerals potassium and copper.
