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.
Melon – CantaloupeBy Steve PageCantaloupe melon is very common in Costa Rica and is often used in fruit salad and smoothies. Cantaloupe makes a very affordable breakfast, or snack at just $0.25 per cup. Cantaloupe is a great alternative to crackers or chips, which have more calories and fats.
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Apples – ManzanasBy Steve PageApples also referred to as Manzana in Spanish, can be found throughout Costa Rica. Depending on the time of year, you can find apples that have been grown in Costa Rica. However, most of the apples I seem to buy have been imported. They remind me of the apples I buy in Colorado. They are crispy and juicy and come in a variety of different colors from green, red, and yellows with hints of orange. You can find them in most of the stores, trucks along the sides of the road, and farmers markets.
Here is what Certified Health Coach Barbara Rodgers has to says about apples in her Bestselling book "Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living."
"The apple is considered to be one of the healthier foods available. Apples are rich in vitamin C and contain a fair amount of fiber. They have other healthful benefits and nutrients, like magnesium, vitamin B-6, iron, vitamin A and calcium. When you compare this to apple sauce, a processed version of an apple, you might find the content of vitamin C to be about the same or maybe higher, but the fiber content is lower. Other nutrients originally present in the apple might be missing.
The apple sauce might contain added ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup or another sweetener. This depends on the brand you are looking at, but have you ever wondered why the processed version has more ingredients? Obviously, a certain amount of ingredients are added to obtain a longer shelf life. Others may be added to make the product look a certain way. The bottom line is you should examine what you eat. The next time you are out grocery shopping, take a hard look at the food you are selecting.
Perhaps you will make better choices if you open your eyes wider?"
Get your free sample of "Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living"
Bestselling Author Barbare Rodgers
http://bit.ly/2G8tRBp
*Affiliate linkYuca Fries RecipeBy Steve PageHave you ever had Yuca Fries?
Making french fries in Costa Rica is challenging because most potatoes are small. Yuca is a great alternative to the potato. They are a common vegetable throughout Central America making them extremely affordable in Costa Rica. The yuca fries have a slightly different texture and taste than the standard potato variety and we prefer them with many dishes. Seasoned Chili Yuca Fries make a great snack or the perfect bar-b-que side.
These Seasoned Chili Yuca Fries bring a little spice to the standard fry. Since they are baked they use a fraction of the oil making them a healthier option than the traditional deep-fried version. A great side for grill night or a snack while watching the game. Your family is sure to love these savory treats.
Tip: We prefer our Seasoned Chili Yuca Fries to be very crispy so we leave them in the oven a bit longer. If you prefer softer fries add these additional steps:
1. PRIOR TO SEASONING, boil the cut yuca pieces in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
2. Adjust cook time to 15 minutes on each side.
