Our Ingredients
Plantain (plátano):
Plantain is a tropical fruit from herbaceous plant
which receives the same name or banana, belonging to
the Musaceae family. Have elongated or slightly
curved shape, 100-200 g in weight. The skin is
thick, yellow and easy to peel, and the pulp is
white or yellowish and fleshy. Although Central
America has been cited on numerous occasions as the
place origin of the banana, most authors believe
that this fruit is native from Southeast Asia,
specifically from India, being known in the
Mediterranean after the conquest of the Arabs in 650
AD. The species reached the Canary Islands in the
fifteenth century and from there it was taken to
America in the year 1516. Source of nutrients and
non-nutritive substances: Fiber, potassium, vitamin
B6 and inulin. The Plantain is a source of potassium
that contributes to the normal functioning of the
muscles. As for vitamins, Plantains are a source of
vitamin B6, which contributes to normal functioning
of the nervous system. A Plantain covers 30% of the
recommended intake of this vitamin for men aged 20
to 39 years with moderate physical activity.
Bell pepper:
Bell peppers (Capsicum annual) are fruits that
belong to the nightshade family. They are related to
chili peppers, tomatoes, and breadfruit, all of
which are native to Central and South America. Also
called sweet peppers or capsicums, bell peppers can
be eaten either raw or cooked. Like their close
relatives, chili peppers, bell peppers are sometimes
dried and powdered. In that case, they are referred
to as paprika. They are low in calories and
exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other
antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a
healthy diet.
Cherry tomatoes:
Tastefully sweet, cherry tomatoes deliver a burst
of flavor as a snack, in salads, or in a surprising
variety of both savory and sweet dishes. Although
typically used as a vegetable, they are officially a
type of fruit because they come from flowers.
Moreover, cherry tomatoes are chock full of vitamins
and minerals that promote excellent health. They are
packed with vitamin C, which plays a major part in
many body functions. The nutrient levels in cherry
tomatoes can vary based on when you harvest them,
but they can still be an important part of a healthy
diet any time of the year.
Avocado:
Avocados are rich in many nutrients, including
fiber, healthy fats, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin
B6, potassium, magnesium, and folate. Enjoying them
regularly could help improve overall diet quality.
In fact avocados have a unique nutrition portrait.
They contain lots of fiber and are rich in vitamins
and minerals, such as B-vitamins, vitamin K,
potassium, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
Hijiki seaweed:
Hijiki contains dietary fiber and minerals such as
iron, calcium, and magnesium. Dietary fiber is good
for the intestine and iron helps to prevent anemia.
The ratio of calcium to magnesium in hijiki is 2 to
1. The health benefits of hijiki seaweed may include
its potential ability to improve the health of the
digestive system, boost energy levels, strengthen
bones, lower cholesterol, eliminate sleep disorders,
balance hormonal activity, and improve metabolic
efficiency. It grows on the coastlines on Japan,
China, and Korea, and has become a staple variety of
seaweed in many cultural dishes.
Lime:
The lime is a small, green citrus fruit that grows
on trees in warm climates. Limes can be sweet or
sour, depending on the variety. Limes contain
antioxidants, which have been shown to help reduce
inflammation and even help prevent certain chronic
illnesses. This fruit contains high level of Vitamin
C.
Olive:
Olives technically are a fruit but are often
categorized with vegetables. They are a delicious
addition to savory dishes. Since olives right off
the tree are too bitter to eat, they must be cured
to make them appetizing. With some exceptions,
olives change from green to black as they age,
although canned black olives can be harvested when
green and then cured and exposed to oxygen to turn
them black.
Olives (and their oil) are
rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and also in
antioxidants. And as a fermented food, they contain
probiotics too.
Garlic:
While often known for its addition to Italian
foods, garlic seems to be used in virtually all
cuisines as a strong flavoring agent. The bulbs are
also sometimes used for medicinal purposes, to ease
health conditions while preventing chronic health
problems. Today, an estimated more than 9 million
tons of garlic are produced in the entire world.
While used as a food-flavoring agent, garlic is
still considered as a best “natural antibiotic” by
many cultures including our vegan community.
Cilantro:
Cilantro contains vitamins A, C, and K, and the
leaves also have folate, potassium, and manganese.
Cilantro herb is native to the Mediterranean, and
Asia Minor (Turkey) regions. It is a perennial herb
but grown as annual. Cilantro is very low in
calories and contains no cholesterol. However, its
deep-green leaves possess good amounts of
antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and dietary
fiber, which may help reduce bad cholesterol levels
in the blood.
Palmitos (Heart of palm):
Heart of palm is a white vegetable that comes from
the core of certain kinds of palm trees. Also called
palm hearts, palm cabbage, palmito, chonta, and
swamp cabbage, heart of palm is grown in humid and
tropical areas like Costa Rica and the Amazon.
Because hearts of palm contain 17 different amino
acids, they make for a rich source of protein.
They're also low in fats and sugars and high in
fiber, and contain a number of healthy vitamins and
minerals.
Corn:
Corn offers several potential health benefits. Some
corn varieties are rich in antioxidants,
specifically in a group of antioxidants called
carotenoids. Antioxidants combat the effects of
harmful free radicals in the body. Many fruits and
vegetables, including dark leafy greens, carrots,
and sweet potatoes, are also rich in carotenoids.
Corn, similarly to many grains, legumes, and
vegetables, contains dietary fiber.
Red onion:
Besides being rich in antioxidants, onions contain
a fair amount of: Manganese. Vitamin B6. Vitamin C.
Onions may have several health benefits, mostly due
to their high content of antioxidants and
sulfur-containing compounds. They have antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked
to a reduced risk of cancer, lower blood sugar
levels, and improved bone health.
Parsley:
Parsley has many vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants that can provide important health
benefits. It is a particularly rich source of
vitamin K. A single tablespoon of fresh chopped
parsley provides more than 70% of the recommended
daily intake. Parsley also contains a good amount of
vitamin A and antioxidants known as
flavonoids.
Radish:
Radishes are high in antioxidants. Radishes also
contain antioxidants like vitamin C, folate, and
anthocyanins, aka plant compounds that give radishes
their reddish hue. Your body stabilizes blood sugar
by producing insulin, a hormone that moves glucose
from the blood and into your cells. Moreover, have
essential nutrients, like vitamin C, for immune
function.
Lentil:
Fiber fills you up, too. Lentils have plenty of it.
A single serving meets 32% of the fiber you need
each day. It can lower cholesterol and protect
against diabetes and colon cancer. A daily dose of
fiber pushes waste through your digestive system and
prevents constipation, too. The potassium, folate,
and iron in lentils also provide lots of benefits.
Potassium counters the bad effects of salt and
lowers blood pressure. Folate protects your heart
and supports your body in forming red blood cells.
If you're pregnant, folate is important for your
baby's development. Iron helps ward off
fatigue.
Black beans:
Black beans are protein powerhouses, with 7.3 grams
of protein in a 1/2 cup serving. You can enjoy black
beans in many dishes to help fulfill your daily
protein needs. Research has shown that replacing
rapidly digested carbohydrates (such as white rice)
with legumes can improve glycemic control in people
with diabetes. Resistant starch may even improve
insulin sensitivity. Like other legumes, black beans
are a good source of lean protein. They also have
other nutritional advantages.
Zucchini:
Despite packing a punch with several important
nutrients, Zucchini is low in calories, fat, and
sugar. Zucchinis are also a wonderful source of:
Folate and potassium.
Eggplants:
Many of us are most familiar with eggplants that
are large and dark purple, but the shape, size, and
color can vary from small and oblong to long and
thin and from shades of purple to white or green.
Moreover, eggplant contains fiber, and this may
benefit cholesterol as the overall nutrition’s are
the fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and
antioxidants in eggplants as well support heart
health.
Cabbage:
Regardless of its impressive nutrient content,
cabbage is often overlooked. While it may look a lot
like lettuce, it actually belongs to the Brassica
genus of vegetables, which includes broccoli,
cauliflower and kale. It comes in a variety of
shapes and colors, including red, purple, white and
green, and its leaves can be either crinkled or
smooth. This vegetable has been grown around the
world for thousands of years and can be found in a
variety of dishes, including kimchi and coleslaw.
Additionally, cabbage is loaded with vitamins and
minerals.
Tofu:
Tofu has been around for centuries and makes
regular appearances in my family’s meals. Still,
many of our Zoni Restaurant clients remain somewhat
wary of it or wonder whether it’s truly as healthy
as it’s said to be. Tofu is high in protein and
contains all the essential amino acids your body
needs. It also provides fats, carbs, and a wide
variety of vitamins and minerals.
Vegan Cheddar Cheese:
There are 360 calories in a 1 cup (112.000g)
serving size of Vegan Cheddar Cheese. The calorie
breakdown is 70% fat, 27% carbs, and 0%
protein.