Problem: Article: This spice contains a yellow compound called curcumin that is enriched with antioxidant properties. It makes turmeric versatile and indispensable as each and every organ in the body benefits from this compound. Because of these properties (that are also anti-microbial), it speeds up the healing of wounds and gets your body on track. Turmeric milk or tea can provide relief from cough and colds, arthritis and dental problems. It also powerful in preventing and treating liver and stomach related ailments, and shields the body against cancer and tumors. What's not to like? It doesn't stop there. Turmeric is consumed on a daily basis in India and is also included in almost every dish. Scientists believe it is the reason why Alzheimer's affects less than 25% of people in India than that in the US. It has brain-boosting powers too! There's still more. Turmeric is one spice which is an excellent hormone regulator and can help you avoid succumbing to your food cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. In other words, it'll help prevent weight gain. These are enriched with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, protein, iron, niacin and alkaloids. Sounds powerful, huh? With all these nutrients, these seeds have the ability to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, can aid in reducing the risk of heart attack and other heart related diseases, and even enhance milk production in nursing/lactating mothers owing to the presence of diosgenin. They can also help you lose weight by suppressing appetite, treating indigestion and constipation, and slow down the rate at which sugars are absorbed (this helps diabetes, too). The components saponins and mucilage present in fenugreek prevent and can also flush out any build up of toxins in the body Let's not forget that the presence of mucilage ensures the seeds provide relief from fever, cough, heart burn and sore throat, too. This is an excellent solution for inflammation. It enhances absorption of food by assisting the quick movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine and is a potent blood thinner. This makes it a natural and effective way to prevent strokes because it is equipped to prevent the formation of blood clots. It also contributes to lowering triglyceride levels, aiding in lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Zingerone, a powerful antioxidant found in ginger, has very potent brain shielding/protecting properties, too. It's good for your blood and brain. The nitrites and nitrates present in fennel seeds enable the blood vessels to relax, thus improving the efficacy of cardiovascular system, and giving your heart a little break. They are also effective in treating stomach related problems, as they are an excellent solution for keeping the gastrointestinal tract clean and clear. Because of their digestive powers, they are effective in reducing colic in babies and infants. Moms too can find relief from menstrual cramps as those same digestive powers work well with stomach pain. Fluctuating and unstable blood pressure and high cholesterol can prove very lethal to the health and functioning of the brain. Thank mother nature, because garlic is potent enough to keep a check on both blood pressure and cholesterol. The wonderful properties of garlic prevent or slow down the aging of the brain, too. The sulfur compounds and plenty of antioxidants present in garlic act responsibly to preserve the health and condition of the brain. It is highly effective in eliminating the cancer cells in the brain as well. 2 to 3 pods every day will do a wonderful job of controlling your blood pressure levels and also treating any problems related to blood pressure -- the natural way. Battling a cough? These two spices are the way to go. Cardamom is good for keeping blood pressure under control, can break down the blood clots, and can be effective for clearing the phlegm. Thyme is good for coughs, too. Anise, on the other hand, is effective in treating bronchial symptoms, coughs with phlegm, and also helps to clear congestion in the respiratory tract. Oregano consists of compounds such as thymol and carvacrol that are highly effective in fighting the fluctuations in blood pressure. To be specific, oregano is very good in reducing the irregularities in systolic, diastolic and arterial blood pressures. The ingredients sesaminol and sesamin in sesame have the power to reduce inflammation in the arterial walls. This means your blood flows easier and blood pressure can be controlled and lessened.
Summary: Use turmeric for just about everything. Try fenugreek seeds as an all-over remedy. Eat more ginger for heart and digestive health. Include fennel seeds in your diet for your heart and stomach, too. Go for garlic. Use cardamom, thyme or anise for an expectorant. Use sesame and oregano to fight blood pressure.

Problem: Article: During the peak of the harvest season, the fruits of some zucchini varieties can grow 3 inches (7.6cm) or more in length per day. If you don't check your plants for a few days, your fruits can go from finger-length darlings to foot-long behemoths before you know it! Picking zucchini fruits spurs the production of more fruits. So, if you want to end up with as many fruits as possible, use "pick early and often" as your mantra! As long as they have a deep color and firm texture, fruits this size are ready to harvest and enjoy. The seeds will be tiny and the flesh will be especially tender. Fruits this size are great for slicing and lightly sauteing, and may be tender enough to grate into salads and eat raw. When the fruits are in this length range, they are tender, sweet, and very versatile, and the seeds inside still aren't too big. If a recipe simply calls for "zucchini," this size of fruit will usually give you the results you're looking for. Picking fruits at this size also will result in abundantbut not potentially excessiveproduction.
Summary: Check your plants every day to avoid large zucchini fruits. Pick fruits at 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2cm) in length to maximize production. Harvest 6 to 12in (15 to 30cm) fruits for maximum versatility.

Problem: Article: Organized by the Court of Master Sommeliers, an organization founded in the UK that now operates internationally, this two-day course will give you classroom-style information about wine, wine service, and how to pair food and wine. The classes are presented by Master Sommeliers (the fourth and final distinction) and you receive a lapel pin if you complete it. If you have no experience in the sommelier industry, getting certified might be a good option to help you break into the business. The Masters Sommeliers Introductory Course and Examination costs ~550. You must take the Certified Sommelier Examination within two years of completing the Introductory Course and Examination. The Certified Sommelier Examination is a credential to show potential employers, and connect students together - once you complete this course, you receive a purple lapel pin. The test involves a short written component, a tasting test, and a practical service test. The Certified Sommelier Examination costs ~230. This high-level, five-day course gives you a deeper understanding of not only wine but also aperitifs, spirits, and liqueurs. You'll develop a precise understanding of wine glasses and decanting, learn how to communicate with any customer and sell any wine, and identify grape varieties, country, district of origin, vintage, and quality level. Upon completing this course, you will receive a green lapel pin. The test involves a 1 hour theory paper, a blind tasting test, and a 45 minute serving test. The Advanced Sommelier Examination costs ~720. The Master Sommelier certification and badge is the highest achievement a sommelier can attain. The test is includes an oral questioning component, a blind tasting component, and a service component. Upon completion of the exam, you will receive the coveted red lapel pin. The Master Sommelier test is by invitation only. As of 2017 there are only 229 Master Sommeliers in the world. The Master Sommelier Examination costs ~750.
Summary:
Take the Master Sommeliers Introductory Course and Examination. Complete your Certified Sommelier Examination. Earn your Advanced Sommelier Certificate. Become a Master Sommelier.