Q:

What Are The Top 15 Pantry Essentials For A Healthy Cook?

A:

I’m all about eating fresh foods. By their very nature, they are healthy. Cooking from scratch using produce found at your local farmers market, picked from your own garden, or purchasing produce grown and sold locally or in the USA through the grocery store is the way to go. When the produce is fresh, the flavor sings and you can benefit from all of the nutritional value. That said, there are a few pantry essentials that can compliment any meal:

1. Grains: quinoa, barley, farro, spelt, wheatberry.
2. Rice: Brown or long-grain rice.
3. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.
4. Vinegars: white wine, red wine, balsamic, sherry.
5. Flours (for baking): all-purpose, whole wheat.
6. Sweeteners: honey, grade B maple syrup, molasses.
7. Whole Vanilla Beans And Pure Vanilla Extract.
8. Selection Of Spices.
9. Kosher Salt.
10. Old Fashioned Oats (not instant).
11. Fire-Roasted Canned Tomatoes (whole, diced, or crushed).
12. Canned Beans: garbanzo, kidney, black, pinto, great northern.
13. Olive Oil Packed Tuna.
14. Selection Of Nuts: almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds.
15. Selection Of Dried Fruits: cranberries, raisins, apricots, blueberries, cherries.

Check Out Our Related Content:
Eating Healthy QA: What Are 10 Essential Herbs And Spices?
Eating Healthy Q&A Library
Good Food America: the healthiest and tastiest food in America.