Ingredients You Didn't Know Existed

In the most traditional recipes, it is very common to always find the same ingredients: for savory dishes, onion, garlic, chili, and tomato are the most common; while for desserts and sweeter dishes, milk, vanilla, and chocolate are generally the most used. But did you know that there are a variety of ingredients still to discover? Here we present some of them.1. CupuacuThis exotic fruit is also known as the white cacao. Cupuacu is native to the Amazon region and can be found in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. The seed of this fruit is used to make copulate, a drink similar to chocolate. Thanks to the presence of fatty acids, Amazonian white cacao is considered an excellent moisturizer that improves skin elasticity.Finish a meal with this exquisite chocolate cake.2. HalaThe hala tree is found in the Pacific region, mainly in northern Australia and Hawaii. Its fruit, also known as hala, grows only on female trees. This typical Hawaiian fruit is characterized by its bright colors and spherical clustered fingers and can be eaten raw or cooked.Get ready to go to the beach with this simple three-day diet.3. RhubarbThis vegetable is similar to celery, only with bright green and red colors. Only the stalk is edible, as its roots and leaves contain oxalic acid, making them toxic. Although its origin is Asian, it can now be found in many recipes in Great Britain and the United States. Due to its sour flavor, rhubarb is commonly mixed with sugar, ginger, or orange for making pies, crumbles, or jams.The original blend of apple and celery makes this salad a delicious option.4. Kopi luwakThis coffee variety is unique in that it is obtained from beans that have been ingested by a small mammal (called civet) and expelled in its feces. Although the inner bean of the coffee is not digested, the enzymes present in the animal's stomach modify the bean by breaking down the proteins that give it a bitter taste.This exquisite coffee cake will satisfy your sweet craving without overwhelming you.5. AcaiThis fruit contains high levels of anthocyanins, a type of pigment, which gives it an intense purple color. Acai is also known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to assist in the treatment of cholesterol. This Brazilian fruit also has high levels of omega 9 acid.Make the most of the antioxidants from beetroot with this delicious smoothie.Next time you prepare a dish, give yourself the opportunity to substitute a traditional ingredient for a less common one. This way, you can give a new twist to your food and take advantage of the benefits of various foods.