By Sabra RicciProvided by Tarot.com
Cancers (June 21 to July 22) have great appetites, and it's no accident this sign is ruled by the Moon, the planet that not only rules the emotions, but also the appetite, stomach and absorption of nutrition into the body. Cancer is always happiest after a good meal. Known for their changeable nature, these natives can be passive and sympathetic one minute, and strong and forceful the next. The Crab signifies their sensitive emotional nature underneath a hard exterior. The following foods are some of the delights that may send this outgoing sign over the moon.
Cheese -- Cheese making is considered an art, dating back over 10,000 years. There are over a thousand different varieties of cheese throughout the world that are distinctive to the regions and countries from which they originate. Cheese has made a resurgence in the American diet because the low-carb fad has become immensely popular. Cheese is not only great for low-carb dieters -- it also provides essential nutritional value. Although certain cheese is high in fat, its high amount of protein and calcium, as well as its phosphorous and trace mineral selenium more than make up for its fat content. Calcium is not only good for building healthy bones, it has also been linked to the prevention of cancer, migraines, PMS and last but not least, the burning of more fat. Cheese is rich and creamy, hence it's an obvious comfort food. No wonder it soothes the temperamental Cancer.
Crab -- The crab is the second most popular shellfish in the United States, and is known for its sweet and succulent meat. There are thousands of species of crab around the world, each with subtle differences but all delicious and outstanding in quality. As with most crustaceans, crab is not only delicious and low in fat, but also a great source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and a rich supply of minerals such as, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and iron. The crab is deceiving with its often rough and spiny exterior, but despite its cold appearance, a warm and delectable treasure waits under the surface. It is this very dichotomy that both entrances the Cancer and symbolizes the sign.
Eggplant -- Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family of vegetables, along with tomatoes, potatoes and sweet peppers. Eggplant dates back to the fifth century B.C. in China, where it was first cultivated and recognized for its strong and unique flavor. It spread throughout Europe and the Middle East, where it was used more as a decorative garden plant than for actual cuisine. The early varieties were bitter in taste as well as in reputation. In the 18th century, new types developed -- varying in color, size and shape -- that were more appealing and more useable in many European countries. The eggplant, also referred to as brain food, is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and also contains important phytonutrients and potent antioxidants. Eggplant is a wonderful summer vegetable for Cancers and anyone else needing a little brain boost.
Crab -- The crab is the second most popular shellfish in the United States, and is known for its sweet and succulent meat. There are thousands of species of crab around the world, each with subtle differences but all delicious and outstanding in quality. As with most crustaceans, crab is not only delicious and low in fat, but also a great source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and a rich supply of minerals such as, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and iron. The crab is deceiving with its often rough and spiny exterior, but despite its cold appearance, a warm and delectable treasure waits under the surface. It is this very dichotomy that both entrances the Cancer and symbolizes the sign.
Eggplant -- Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family of vegetables, along with tomatoes, potatoes and sweet peppers. Eggplant dates back to the fifth century B.C. in China, where it was first cultivated and recognized for its strong and unique flavor. It spread throughout Europe and the Middle East, where it was used more as a decorative garden plant than for actual cuisine. The early varieties were bitter in taste as well as in reputation. In the 18th century, new types developed -- varying in color, size and shape -- that were more appealing and more useable in many European countries. The eggplant, also referred to as brain food, is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and also contains important phytonutrients and potent antioxidants. Eggplant is a wonderful summer vegetable for Cancers and anyone else needing a little brain boost.
Eggs -- Throughout history, eggs have been considered the symbol of fertility. This symbolism has been widely circulated through many creation stories. Legend has it that the Egyptian god Ptah created the egg from the sun and the moon, and the American Indians believe that the Great Spirit burst open a large golden egg to spawn the world. An egg is packed with high-quality protein, vitamins B2, B5, B12, D, E, and K, and minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc. Eggs are not only the most nutritious food that money can buy, but also the lowest in calories and the most time efficient to whip up. Eggs can be scrambled, poached, fried and boiled. Because of the egg's versatility, it's the perfect food to curb anyone's cravings.
Honeydew Melon -- The honeydew melon, also known as the winter melon, is sweet and luscious, and loaded with vitamin C and potassium. Part of the muskmelon family -- which also includes the squash and cucumber -- this food originated in Persia thousands of years ago. The soft sweet flesh and crescent shape makes it the perfect fruit for the Crab, which represents the fruits of the moon. There is something so succulent about this particular melon during its peak season, July through September. Honeydew melon is a perfect accompaniment to any dish and can, in fact, serve as the main course.
Lychee -- Lychee, sometimes-called litchi, is one of China's little treasures, dating back over 2,000 years in the southern lower elevations. Lychee is a rare tropical tree that is cultivated in subtropical climates such as Hawaii, California, and Florida. The lychee season is short, starting in June and ending mid-July. It is a summer favorite due to its light and refreshing texture and taste. The lychee's skin has a rough texture with bright red pigmentation, and when it is peeled, it is like opening a greatly anticipated present -- in contrast with the stubborn outside, the inside is a soft and sweet flesh, with the texture of a grape surrounding a seed. In this process of shedding layer after layer only to arrive at a small orb, it represents the evanescent nature of the sky, and the transition from day to night, sun to moon, by Jove, the planet of the crab.
Honeydew Melon -- The honeydew melon, also known as the winter melon, is sweet and luscious, and loaded with vitamin C and potassium. Part of the muskmelon family -- which also includes the squash and cucumber -- this food originated in Persia thousands of years ago. The soft sweet flesh and crescent shape makes it the perfect fruit for the Crab, which represents the fruits of the moon. There is something so succulent about this particular melon during its peak season, July through September. Honeydew melon is a perfect accompaniment to any dish and can, in fact, serve as the main course.
Lychee -- Lychee, sometimes-called litchi, is one of China's little treasures, dating back over 2,000 years in the southern lower elevations. Lychee is a rare tropical tree that is cultivated in subtropical climates such as Hawaii, California, and Florida. The lychee season is short, starting in June and ending mid-July. It is a summer favorite due to its light and refreshing texture and taste. The lychee's skin has a rough texture with bright red pigmentation, and when it is peeled, it is like opening a greatly anticipated present -- in contrast with the stubborn outside, the inside is a soft and sweet flesh, with the texture of a grape surrounding a seed. In this process of shedding layer after layer only to arrive at a small orb, it represents the evanescent nature of the sky, and the transition from day to night, sun to moon, by Jove, the planet of the crab.
Pine Nuts -- Pine nuts are one of the most expensive nuts in the world, which is not surprising considering the laborious harvesting of this delicious seed. Pine nuts are a good source of protein, containing approximately 31 grams per 100 gram serving, and almost 3 milligrams per serving of iron. There are two varieties of the pine nut, the Mediterranean and the Italian -- the latter is the more expensive from the stone pine, with a lighter, more delicate flavor, while the former is the Chinese pine nut that packs a stronger more pungent flavor. Either way, the crab will enjoy this decadent delight in salads, pesto, pasta, or simply roasted on their own. Experiment with this versatile treat!
Pumpkin -- Pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and contains high levels of antioxidants and carotenes, especially vitamins C and E, which may lower the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and cataracts. Pumpkin is a non-fat, low-in-calorie food. Pumpkin seeds are nutritious as well, and can be used in the treatment of kidney, prostate and gallbladder problems. Pumpkin is also known as the mother of all comfort foods, making it perfect for steadying the Crab. When entertaining a Cancer, it doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to whip up pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread to win them over just remember that you may never be able to get rid of them.
About the Author
Sabra Ricci is a chef to the celebrities and caterer on the beautiful island of Maui. She is renowned for her healthy, delectable menus. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Sabra worked in Paris for YES Catering Company and as a consultant at Grail Springs Spa in Canada. During the 2003 fashion week in New York City, Sabra was one of four chefs selected to participate in the "Five Star Feast," a "Chef to the Celebrities" cooking extravaganza and live demonstration hosted by Joan Lunden.
Recipes for Cancer >>
Pumpkin -- Pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and contains high levels of antioxidants and carotenes, especially vitamins C and E, which may lower the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and cataracts. Pumpkin is a non-fat, low-in-calorie food. Pumpkin seeds are nutritious as well, and can be used in the treatment of kidney, prostate and gallbladder problems. Pumpkin is also known as the mother of all comfort foods, making it perfect for steadying the Crab. When entertaining a Cancer, it doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to whip up pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread to win them over just remember that you may never be able to get rid of them.
About the Author
Sabra Ricci is a chef to the celebrities and caterer on the beautiful island of Maui. She is renowned for her healthy, delectable menus. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Sabra worked in Paris for YES Catering Company and as a consultant at Grail Springs Spa in Canada. During the 2003 fashion week in New York City, Sabra was one of four chefs selected to participate in the "Five Star Feast," a "Chef to the Celebrities" cooking extravaganza and live demonstration hosted by Joan Lunden.
Recipes for Cancer >>
