Over the years, Dave and I have enjoyed using several unique products that can cause confusion for people who have never used them in the kitchen before. Every time we talk about them, inevitably, people have questions. Today we have put together a list of 4 items that we personally use frequently, explaining what they are and how to use them.

Clear Jel is a refined cornstarch that reacts best for freezing and canning recipes in particular; cornstarch tends to turn cloudy in these situations. Clear Jel is used in the same ratio as cornstarch (1:1) in baking recipes. Just like traditional cornstarch and health store alternatives: arrowroot and potato powder, etc. – this product must be combined with the sugar (or flour) indicated in the recipe before adding it to any other ingredients to reduce the formation of lumps.

Sea salt is healthier than regular table salt; the fact that it requires less processing means that it also has a lower ecological impact. It is a natural source of iodine, which, along with other nutrients, is essential for a healthy sex life. A local herbal consultant once told us that sea salt can also be used in place of Epsom salts in your bath water.

Tamari is considered to be less salty than soy sauce and is often sold in health food stores. You can find low-salt versions of both tamari and soy sauce. Tamari sauce, however, has enzymes that aid digestion and promote healthy gut bacteria.

Orange zest, citrus zest, or citrus powder are terms that refer to a similar product; For simplicity, we personally call it ‘citrus zest’. It is used to bring out other flavors and to condition flour. Chop the lemon, orange or lime peel and let it dry (or use a dehydrator); powder it with a blender or grinder, and store it in the cupboard as you would any spice or herb. 1 tablespoon of fresh zest is equal to 1 teaspoon. drying; while 1 tablespoon of fresh zest equals 6 tablespoons. juice. As such, this single cupboard ingredient offers more ways to cut grocery costs.

Making your own citrus zest at home is a fantastic way to move towards more frugal cooking, while reusing the “waste” (peels). Reducing salt, chemicals, and preservatives from your diet will certainly improve your health as well. Hopefully knowing more about these items will give you the confidence to use them in your kitchen.