Glossary

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Palm shortening

Organic palm shortening is considered a healthier alternative to margarine. It is non-hydrogenated, contains no transfatty acids, and is completely vegan. Palm shortening and palm kernel oil are not the same. Palm kernel oil is one of the fattiest oils at 83%, palm kernel oil has only 51% saturated fat, lower in fat then butter. Palm kernel oil is solven extracted from a nut, and must be refined. Palm shortening, however, is extracted from the fruit, like olive or avocado oil, and does not need to be refined, only filtered. Palm shortening is made by combining the palm olein and palm stearine into a whipped shortening that behaves, and has a similar consistency, to butter or margarine, making it a popular choice in vegan desserts.

Pouchong Teas

A slightly fermented tea, closer to green tea than to black. It is often used as the base for scented teas such as the traditional jasmine tea.

Pu-erh

A pickled black tea from Yunnan China, which is believed to be of high medicinal value, especially for reducing cholesterol. Aged in underground caves for a minimum of three years, this tea has a delicious flavor and unique scent, and is sometimes found as compressed wafers rather than loose leaves.

Rooibos, "African Red Bush Tea"

Not actually a member of the tea family, this exciting introduction comes to us from South Africa. Rooibos is packed with antioxidants and vitamins, much more than regular green tea. With a beautiful red cup and a fruity taste, rooibos blends well with dried fruits if not enjoyed alone. It is also an apt for those looking for a black tea flavor without the caffeine.

Sencha

Premium Japanese green tea, made from the first and second pickings. This tea produces a pale green cup with a delicate herbal scent and a refreshing flavor.

Stevia, Stevioside

A perennial shrub of the aster family; it is available in whole or broken leaves, coarse ground, powder extract, or liquid extract; it is 8-300 times sweeter than table sugar (depending on quality and whether it is leaf or extract) but has no calories. It is hard to locate in the United States and at this time is not commonly used in any bakery products we carry. We hope that someday this will change, as research shows that stevia has no negative effects on blood sugar and may be considered safe for diabetics.