Health Benefits of a Cajun and Creole Diet

         I know what you’re thinking, how can Cajun and Creole food that tastes as rich and delicious in actually be healthy for you? Surprisingly, there are many healthy ingredients and spices that are staples for almost all Cajun and Creole dishes.

            First off, onions are a delicious ingredient used in almost every dish. Don’t dismiss them to fight bad breath or watery eyes! Onions actually have been proven to fight diseases such as heart disease and cancer with their anti-inflammatory properties. Not only do they fight disease, onions also have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that prevent colds and infections.

            Next is the almighty power of tomatoes in Creole dishes. Tomatoes are great anti-oxidants since they are filled with Vitamins A and C that also neutralize free radicals in the blood stream. They are also known to help with diabetes and heart problems.  Vitamin A in tomatoes will improve your vision and keep your hair strong and shiny, along with strengthening your teeth, skin and bones!

            Lastly, don’t underestimate the greatness of peppers. All peppers are rich in vitamins A, C and K, but these properties are most prevalent in red peppers. These vitamins prevent cell damage and disease related to aging and support immune function. Cayenne peppers are the star in Cajun cooking, but the wonderful taste comes along with amazing health benefits with some of the highest amounts of vitamins and minerals. Both hot and sweet peppers contain substances that increase body heat production and oxygen consumption after eating them, which means your body is burning extra calories for weight loss!

            So what are you waiting for, get rid of your vitamin supplements and jump start healthy eating with a Cajun and Creole diet full of vitamins and minerals! The bold tastes found in Cajun and Creole cooking are the exact ingredients that help fight against diseases, protect against illness, fight aging and promote weight loss (just don’t add all oil and butter that the recipes call for!). In your next meal, don’t forget to pile on extra tomatoes, peppers and onions!

Do you like it spicy?

New Orleans-style cuisine is known to be spicy, but its the combination of spices and sauces that give Cajun and Creole cooks the real zing.
We use many spices including mustard seeds, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion tops (green onion), filé (ground sassafrass), and red and black pepper.

Here is a list of some of the best local seasoning blends (you can find these at our store):

– Andy Roo’s Spicy Cajun Fried Chicken Seasoning. Ingredients: salt, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, celery, black pepper, other herbs and spices. (See the photo)
– “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun Seasonings. Ingredients: salt, red Pepper, black pepper and garlic.
– Cajun Shake “Quick Shake” Seasoning. Ingredients: salt, red pepper and other spices, garlic, onion, and cottonseed oil.
– Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Ingredients: salt, red pepper, garlic and other spices.

If you need more than just the spice, add heat to any dish with hot sauce (as the average Louisiana-native does)

Here is a list of some famous spicy sauces in New Orleans (we these sell at our store, too!):

– Crystal Hot Sauce. Louisiana favorites, made with fresh cayenne peppers.
– Blair’s Original Death Sauce. One of the hottest sauces made with red and orange habaneros, vinegar, fresh cayenne, smashed garlic, chipotle, lime juice, cilantro, fresh herbs and spices.
– Original Louisiana Hot Sauce. Blended from authentic long cayenne peppers.

Spice and fare are the distinctive qualities that separate Cajun/Creole food from the rest. So why not add these spices to any dish? Pizza? Burgers? Fries? Mac n’ cheese? I think yes!