Natural Sweeteners & Thickeners

In the center of most natural food stores, there are sections of baking supplies and spices, macrobiotic foods, and sweeteners. Many of the items found in health food stores were unrecognizable in mainstream grocery because they are alternatives that are less refined or they originated in other cultures (like the use of seaweed). This section reviews four of the major sections of center store grocery - Sweeteners, Thickeners & Leaveners, Sea Vegetables, and Culinary Herbs & Spices. What you will learn in this section: The differences between artificial, processed, and natural sweeteners How different sweeteners are made and used in food Why fructose and agave nectar are declining in popularity Information about the most popular natural sweeteners typically found in a health food store Different types of thickeners and how they are used in various foods The most popular leaveners that are available and how they are used in foods Why sea vegetables are typically found in health food stores The names and descriptions of the most widely used sea vegetables and how home cooks use them The difference between culinary and medicinal herbs The difference between herbs and spices Information and descriptions of the most commonly used culinary herbs and spices found in American kitchens How culinary herbs can also provide nutrition and health benefits