Stay Healthy - Eat Seafood!

Seafood is extremely nutritional and contains high levels of protein and fish oils, primarily omega-3 which is an essential fat required as part of a good balanced diet.

Different types of seafood obviously contain the essential oils, vitamins and minerals in differing amounts but it is recommended to include one variety or another in our diet to keep healthy.

Preparation and cooking of seafood can deter us from trying some of the more unusual fresh varieties but there are plenty of cooking shows, books, seafood recipes and websites to help. Your fishmonger can also offer advice and will be glad to take care of the gutting of any fish that you require. You may be pleasantly surprised how easy cooking it really can be. Seafood can be cooked by almost any method you can imagine. The simplest and most healthy option is steaming or broiling but you can also be as creative and as complicated as you want to be.

Seafood has become more and more popular and is more widely available thanks to improved transportation and refrigeration techniques but we are often nervous about preparing it ourselves and rely on ready made meals or eating in seafood restaurants.

There are so many different types of seafood that it doesn't just mean fish and there is more likely to be a variety of seafood that appeals to most tastes. I know that there will still be those who say they don't like seafood but have you really tried them all? Two of the main categories of seafood are saltwater and freshwater.

Freshwater applies to seafood that originates from lakes and streams and saltwater seafood comes mainly from the seas and oceans. Shellfish are another type of seafood that can come from either freshwater or seawater but have an outer crust or covering, not always a typical shell, such as clams, prawns and lobsters.

We are all becoming more aware of the need for a healthy diet and seafood provides essential nutrients that we cannot obtain by eating any other food. Instead of buying bottles of supplements, why not try a new variety of seafood. You may well find you love it, if not there are plenty more to choose from next time!

(ArticlesBase ID #15014)

August 29, 2009
By Sandra Stammberger
S. Stammberger is editor of Lose Weight Free Tips. Learn how to lose weight and body fat. also offers a wealth of health and nutrition information.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stay-healthy-eat-seafood-15014.html

Tips for Hiring Top Wedding Caterers

Your upcoming wedding will be one of the most important days of your life and planning a wedding reception and locating all of the perfect service providers for your day can seem formidable. But, no worries, we're here to help you find that perfect caterer for your reception. As with any wedding vendor, getting good references will go a long way in determining who the right caterer is for your rehearsal dinner, wedding reception or any special event. A caterer's food and menu may look good, taste good and be plentiful and affordable, however, if they have a reputation for arriving late or hiring poorly groomed employees (things you won't discover until it's too late), the damage has been done. Avoid wedding day horrors like these by asking for 10 or more references, the standard in the catering industry. Any professional caterer should be delighted to provide you with a list of their most recent weddings along with the bride's and groom's contact information.

Simple, Elegant and Affordable

It has been said, "Simplicity is the Mother of Beauty." Ask the caterer what types of accessories they use to enhance their food tables. An experienced caterer can take a very simple wedding menu and transform it into a spectacular spread; therefore, you won't need additional food selections. If you're on a strict budget, and the caterer is properly equipped with table-enhancing decorations, you can easily overcome that nightmare budget and experience your long, awaited dream reception.

Calm Before The Storm

During your search for a caterer, you'll soon discover many personality types in the industry. Hurried caterers are typically individuals who don't seem organized and are not very eager to discuss the finer points of your wedding. However, calm and relaxed caterers surround themselves with a strong staff, which allows them the luxury of spending quality time with each and every one of their clients. Calm is key when you're planning a wedding reception for the most important day of your life.

Licensed and Insured

Ask for a copy of the company business license and proof of liability insurance. The insurance policy should be a minimum of 1 million dollars in coverage.

Signing on the Dotted Line

Always sign a contact with your chosen caterer. This guarantees that they will provide the services; labor, food, timelines and all the details discussed pertaining to your wedding. Should the caterer pack up and disappear prior to your wedding, you have a signed document that's enforceable by law.

Wrapping It Up

Some of the best catering companies will prepare a small box of food for the newlyweds to take with them as they depart from the reception venue. It's a great way of saying, "Thank you, congratulations and enjoy your new lives together."

Questions to Ask a Prospective Caterer

May I have a list of references?

Does your company cater more than one event at a time?

Will you be present at my wedding? How much of a deposit do you require?

Is the deposit refundable?

How soon before the wedding do you need the final count?

When is the final payment due? What are your preferred forms of payment?

Do you provide the wedding cake? Groom's cake? What does the price-per-person include? Tables & chairs? Linens? Real china and glassware? Cutting the cake(s)? Punch Service?

Are we required to pay full price for small children?

Would you be willing to meet me at my reception site to draw up a floor plan?

Are we expected to tip your staff?

Can we get a discount if we use all nice disposable wares?

How much time do you need to set up? Do you take away all the trash when you leave?

How will your staff be dressed? Will they have nametags?

How many staff members would be working my wedding?

What are your bartending rates?

Will you announce to our guests to go ahead and enjoy the refreshments while we're having last-minute pictures taken?

Do you have a business license? Do you have liability insurance? How much coverage?

Do you have a health department permit?

If we provide the alcohol, can you provide us with a bartender?

Will you pack us a small box of food before we leave?



August 7, 2009
By Donna Ennis
TeamWedding.com - Home of Top Wedding Caterers >Find the best wedding caterer for you special day here!
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/tips-for-hiring-top-wedding-caterers-540800.html

Food Franchises - How To Choose The Right One

If you're looking to purchase a food franchise opportunity, then there are a few things you need to know. In this article I will discuss how to analyze food franchises to determine if they are worth the franchise fee you must pay in order to get them. Specifically we will talk about determining if they have a workable profit model, if the marketplace is saturated or not, and analyzing the food franchise agreement. After reading this article, you should have a good understanding of what a profitable food franchise looks like.

Food franchises are a dime a dozen. But finding one with a profitable business model, that's another story. The most important thing when choosing a food franchise is to determine whether or not it is a good investment. The most important thing to look at is the demographics of the food franchise compared to the location. Just because a food franchise has a working system, doesn't mean the system will work in your location. You must locate a food franchise that coincides with the proper demographics for your area.

Even then, it doesn't mean you will be profitable. Sometime food franchises that are wildly successful, quickly saturate the market. This means they eat up all the demand. If there is no demand for your franchise, and you will not make any profit. Besides saturation from other food franchises, you must also analyze your competition. Is there room for you to enter into the marketplace and gain a share of the market? You need to do the research to find out.

In regards to franchising in general, you should always be more apt to choose a franchise based on the statistics and not what your emotions are telling you. There are many times when a franchisee will get caught up in one industry solely because he or she likes that industry. For example, let's say a franchisee really had an interest in ice cream. This particular franchisee lives in New Jersey and decided they were going to open an Ice Cream franchise. According to market research, all the statistics for this particular franchisee were negative, but the franchisee decides to start the business anyways. What do you think will happen to this business? Chances are it will be out of business within the first two years.

Finally, everything hinges on the food franchise agreement. The franchise agreement will cover everything from what products and services you're allowed to sell, locations you're allowed to use, all the way down to the signage and franchise name rights you have. Franchise agreements need to protect your rights, and not just the franchise itself. Before entering into agreement to purchase a food franchise, consult a franchise lawyer first to look over the agreement to make sure you're getting a fair shake.

In conclusion, a food franchise can be successful if it is located in the proper area, if there is a demand in the marketplace for it, and if you enter into a reasonable franchise agreement. Follow this advice, and you'll purchase the right food franchise opportunity.



June 9, 2009
By Roger Morad
Roger Morad is the expert columnist and article writer for www.ModernFranchises.com - He is an industry expert that reports daily on food franchises and franchise opportunities

Great Health Benefits Of Seafood

Seafood contains essential oils that are an important part of your diet. Oils provide the source of energy we need and they are also great flavor enhancers. More importantly, they are a source of significant fatty acids.

Seafood oils are unique and have great nutritional benefits to our body. This oil contains the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Our body only produces small amounts of these important fatty acids; therefore we need to rely on other sources for this essential nourishment. Seafood is one of the best sources of these nutrients. In fact, oils are the second biggest components in most seafood.

Eating seafood just once or twice a week can provide good health benefits. Eating fresh seafood is a great way to obtain your required dose of these essential oils. Oils extracted from seafood are also available as nutritional supplements.

Oils derived from seafood help prevent some of the most deadly diseases today, including Alzheimer's disease, asthma, arteriosclerosis, bipolar disorder, bronchitis, cancer, heart diseases and more.

The omega-3 oils decrease the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. They are also beneficial to infants' brain and eye development.

The oils in seafood can also prevent osteoporosis. This is because the oils improve calcium absorption in our bones and can prevent the bones from becoming brittle.

According to recent findings, Omega-3 also helps improve people's immune functions, thereby reducing infections.

Seafood oils are known to have properties that lower blood pressure, benefiting especially those suffering from hypertension.

Another kind of oil found in seafood is the omega-6 fatty acid. This is important for growth and plays an important role in people's health and well-being.

Eating a seafood diet can also help you reduce weight. For years, seafood has been part of many weight loss programs. This is because, unlike diet pills, seafood is natural and has beneficial properties to people.

However, fish can rot quickly. Therefore, you should cook it the day you buy it. Here are some tips for preparing seafood:

* If you do not plan to cook the fresh seafood the day you buy it, you should store it for no longer than two days at very cold temperatures.

* If you are going to thaw the fish, keep it in the refrigerator or thaw it under cold water. Do not leave it to thaw on your kitchen counter. This is because the nutritional value of the seafood may diminish.

* You can prepare many delicious seafood dishes from great seafood recipes. You can fry or grill seafood. You can combine it with fruits and vegetables to make it even more delicious. You can marinate it and further enhance its flavor and get rid of its unique smell.

* Some people do not want to eat seafood for fear of choking on the tiny bones. In this case you can request the fish store to help you remove these fish bones.

Remember that seafood is not only delicious; it can also provide wonderful benefits to your health.



By Susan
For more on seafood visit Susan's sites Seafood Market, Seafood Recipe and Fresh Seafood.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/great-health-benefits-of-seafood-26941.html

The Meaning Behind Food Product Dates and How Useful Are They to the Consumer

Except for infant formula and some baby food, product dating is not generally required by U.S. Federal regulations. There is also no universally accepted system used for food dating in the United States. Although dating of some foods is required by more than 20 states, there are areas of the U.S where much of the food supply has some type of date, and other areas where almost no food is dated.

Dates on packaged foods alert the consumer, the store and the manufacturer as to the quality of the food product. These dates are not safety dates and do not automatically mean the product is no longer safe or is spoiled in some way. After the date passes, the product should still be safe if it was handled properly, although the longer you keep it after that date, the greater possibility of spoilage.
If the package does have a date it will most likely have one of the following:

--"Sell-By" date tells the store the last day the product should be offered for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires and only hold it for two or three days beyond this date if it is well refrigerated.

--"Best if Used By (or Before)" and "Best Before End" date is directed at the consumer by the manufacture guaranteeing the best freshness, quality, flavor etc.

--"Use-By" date is directed at the consumer and is the last date recommended for use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer, packer or distributor of the product.

--"Closed or coded dates" are packing numbers used by the manufacturer. These codes, which appear as a series of letters and/or numbers, might refer to the date or time of manufacture. They aren't meant for the consumer to interpret as "use-by" dates. There is no book that tells how to translate the codes into dates.

--"Packed on" dates are sometimes found on canned and frozen food. This date indicates the packaging date and is generally not useful for the consumer.

--"Expiration" or "Exp" is the last date on which a product should be used, similar to the "Use By" date.

Even though products may still be useable after the date, I still recommend not purchasing or using any food product that has passed its "Use By" or "Sell By" date. The manufacturer actually does not want you too either. They want you to continue purchasing their product and if you have a bad or less than expected experience then there is a good chance you are not going to buy that product again.

If you must use or consume the product for whatever reason, just examine the food closely, using all your senses in the following order (this is assuming the packaging is still intact and has not been damaged, dented or bloated in any way):

1. Does the product look good or normal? No abnormal colors, growth, fluids or coating of some unusual matter.

2. Does the product smell out of the ordinary or just spoiled?

3. If it passes the first 2 tests, then lastly taste a small portion (assuming the product is not a raw meat, poultry, seafood or other product that requires cooking first). Is there any out of the ordinary flavor or sharp or strong taste that is not normally present?

If any of these out of the ordinary characteristics are present, then by all means dispose of the product in a safe manner - wrapped up tightly for disposal so others will not be able to get to it.



May 27, 2009
By: Michael Doom
Mr. Doom has worked as a Environmental Health Specialist for more than 20 years. He has conducted thousands of inspections and educated more than a thousand, food facility owners, managers and employees on food safety, and how to prevent food poisoning hazards. To learn more visit
http://www.FoodPoisoningPrevention.com.
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-meaning-behind-food-product-dates-and-how-useful-are-they-to-the-consumer-549558.html

Storage Of Fresh And Frozen Foods

The air in a fresh food refrigerator is always quite dry. What moisture there is in the refrigerator tends to collect and condense on the evaporator surfaces. Therefore, food containers should be covered and as air tight as possible to keep food moist.

The temperature inside the fresh food cabinet should be kept at 35 to 45 degrees F. Most fresh foods may be kept from three days to a week at the above temperatures. Unfrozen meat and fish should be stored at as close to 32 degrees F as possible . Fruits and vegetables should be cleaned and prepared for the table before being refrigerated.

For Storage Of Frozen Food In The Freezer

The air in a food fgreezer, as in refrigerator, is very dry. Any moisture in the air of the freezer quickly condenses on the evaporator coil surfaces. it is very important, therefore, that all frozen foods be packedaged in moistureproof containers.

When packaging food for the freezer, as much air as possible should be removed from the packaging. Frozen food packages must be tightly sealed . Ordinary paper is too porous for freezer use. If not properly packaged, frozen food will develop " freezer burn" .

Freezer burn is indicated by a change in color of the food. Food value is not affected but there is a change in color and outside appearance.

Most frozen foods, if kept at temperatures of 0 to -10 degrees F may be kept for several weeks. Food to be kept for a year or more should be frozen at -20 degrees F or lower. Some frozen foods keep better then others; beef keeps better then pork.

It is a good idea to keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer to make sure you don't have any refrigerator repair issues. We give free thermometers to our customers who need Ge refrigerator repair Tucson, AZ.



May 27, 2009
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/storage-of-fresh-and-frozen-foods-854281.html

Private Catering - Brief Business Techniques

The catering is becoming a great business in these days. The main advantage of catering business is the requirement of capital for this business is quite low. In fact if you have a good chef with you then you can rent the catering equipments and appoint some people to join you in daily payment business initially. Later you can have a stable catering set-up including the manpower and the equipments for your business. In short the catering is of two types viz. the event catering and the mobile catering. Event catering includes the catering for some special events such as wedding catering, catering party and dinner party catering etc. So now let us discuss a little about the business of catering.

While you are in the catering business, then the most important thing is to plan the business strategies carefully. Finding clients is also an important part of this business. You can have the clients through the classified advertisements or through your personal contacts. First of all you should learn the ways to be modest with your customers. Because the modesty you can have some more orders through the contacts of the client. After that you should listen the requirements of your client carefully. Now you have to organize a little more than the requirement of your customer. Some times the event catering includes the catering orders for the breakfast catering, lunch and the dinner - all three. These types of orders are always profitable. So you should deal these types of orders with immense care.

Now, before going through the factors like menu or food, it is very much important to look through some other factors. First of all, you have to organize the fresh drinking water to be used in cooking and drinking purpose of the guests. Secondly, the related equipments are very much essential too. Equipments include the food containers, dishes, spoons, glasses, and napkins etc. You should look for the good quality dining tables too. You can have collaboration with any good catering service equipment supplier for this purpose. After organizing all these, appoint some people and divide the responsibilities on them. Some will help the chef while some will be involved in serving and cleaning. Positively appoint a catering guide while your employees are serving the food.

The let us come to the major part of the private catering service business that is the catering menu. It is always better to leave the responsibility of selecting the menu to the client. While he is selecting the menu you can explain the pros and cons of a particular menu. You can suggest any other menu instead of any particular menu selected by the client with the particular reason. Now, you should suggest the menu that most people like. For an example, when a client wants to go for the Italian menu you should suggest him to include pizza in the list of menu as most of the people like it.

Lastly, you should have a good chef with you and you should try your level best to hold him with your company. Along with the mobile catering and event catering, the future of private catering and the buffet catering are seemed to be bright too.

May 8, 2009
About the Author/Author Bio
By: George Walker

George Walker private caterers Hawaii offers Hawaii private catering, Breakfast catering, buffet catering, catering equipment suppliers, wedding catering events, catering for special events, catering guide, catering menu, catering party, catering services, catering supplies, corporate event catering, dinner party catering, full service catering, planning your event, private catering.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Private-Catering---Brief-Business-Techniques/137945