Ingredients

Genmai Mochi is a Japanese roll made from sweet or glutinous rice. It is made by boiling the rice and then pounding it in a mortar and pestle until the grains are broken. Because of its binding quality, the grains stick together to form a dough from which the rolls are moulded.

The umeboshi plums, which are actually a kind of apricot, are picked from the trees before they ripen and fermented for 6 months to 7 years with sea salt.

Macrobiotics is the art of living in harmony with the natural order of our environment. The choices we make about what we eat have a huge impact on both the environment and our bodies. We are part of nature and as we take care of ourselves, we take care of our planet.

We are approaching the summer season. At this time of year we are interested in nourishing the fire element. It is a time of heat, sun and frenetic activity, so we are going to need foods that refresh us and help us to stay hydrated, to better cope with the high temperatures, and that at the same time, are a good source of energy.

Seaweed is all the rage. Great chefs have already introduced them as a key ingredient in haute cuisine and many followers are beginning to use them in their culinary preparations.

In the huge variety of nutritious foods found in the macrobiotic diet, tea has a decisive place. It is a pleasant complement to any balanced diet, and a smart pantry should include kukicha, sencha, matcha and hojicha, a source of medicinal healing.

Spring is synonymous with beginning, creation, life, openness... The static energy of winter gives way to the dynamism and movement that can be felt in nature and also in our mood. To flow with this expansive and activating energy, we need to help our organism to adapt, to purify and to unload accumulated excesses.

This root, known especially for its pulmonary properties, is also appreciated for strengthening our intestines, improving our cardiovascular health and helping to reduce stress.

Numerous studies conclude that a vegan diet protects against intestinal cancer. Vegans have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes or thyroid problems, and tend to have a lower rate of obesity.

Now that you know some of the health benefits of flaxseeds, let's see how you can incorporate them into your diet.

Linseed or flaxseed is obtained from a plant of the same name, which is widely cultivated throughout the world. Two types are usually marketed: brown and golden linseed. Although from a nutritional point of view there are hardly any differences, golden flax is slightly sweeter.

A Japanese condiment, highly prized in Japanese cuisine for its unique combination of flavours.