Itinere

HEALTHY INGREDIENTS

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Every month a selection of healthy, light, and flavoursome dishes created with ingredients high in nutritional value. They will be the protagonists of our menus: recipes full of taste and creativity, cooked using methods that preserve the flavour and properties of the goods. 










THE INGREDIENTS OF DECEMBER



AVOCADO, WHEN FATS ARE GOOD

Avocado is a delicious superfood with a South American accent. Although it contains a lot of fat, these are monounsaturated acids, basically, good fats, the same as those contained in extra virgin olive oil, which reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and keep the brain healthy. The Mediterranean diet meets the Aztec one, with the same benefits for the body. 


Try it in the Salad with farro, salmon, avocado and citrus fruit featured in the Restaurant and Executive service




SAVOY CABBAGE, TASTE AND BALANCE

90% water and 0.1%  fat. What more needs to be said to know that savoy cabbage is a very satiating and low-calorie food. Not only does it satisfy the palate, but it also rebalances the body thanks to the content of potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium and selenium, as well as vitamins A, C and K. What goodness! 

Try them in the Puréed potatoes and savoy cabbage featured in the Restaurant and Executive service




RADICCHIO, THE RED PURIFIER

Radicchio is a light, digestible and low calorie red-leafed lettuce. It mainly consists of water and fibre, it is also rich in nutrients, such as vitamins and potassium, and antioxidants that can delay cellular ageing. The variety most found on our tables is the red one, which has high purifying and detoxifying power.

Try it in the Mini - quiche with radicchio and smoked provola cheese of the Executive service




BASIL, ITALY'S FAVOURITE HERB

It is the most Italian aroma of them all, in fact, its unmistakable perfume is used to flavour both spaghetti with tomato sauce and piazza Margherita. Basil leaves contain antioxidants that fight free radicals, and essential oils that help digestion and combat stress. 

Try it in Trofie pasta with broccoli and basil at the Restaurant and Executive service




CHESTNUTS, THE CEREAL THAT GROWS ON TREES

This is how peasant farmers defined this nut due to its nutritional characteristics similar to those of wheat: starch, protein, fats, vitamins B1, B2, PP and C and minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium. Cholesterol-free and rich in fibre, the chestnut is a complete energy-giving food that can be used to make thousands of sweet and savoury dishes.

Try them in Veal medallion with honey, pistachios and chestnuts in the Restaurant and Executive service


THE INGREDIENTS OF NOVEMBER



MARJORAM, THE SCENT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Its velvety leaves are a concentration of wellness used to add flavour to Mediterranean dishes. It contains minerals, vitamins, essential oils and tannins and has digestive, calming and stimulating properties for the immune system, so much so that it is widely used in herbal therapy and phytotherapy. 

Try it in the Mezze penne pasta with rabbit and tomato ragù infused with aromatic herbs at the Restaurant and Executive Service.





CHICKEN, LOTS OF FLAVOUR AND FEW CALORIES

Tender, light, easy to digest, perfect for those who are on a diet or want to stay in shape. Chicken meat has lots of health and dietary benefits that, together with its low fat content, offers a rich intake of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and proteins, i.e. substances that help the body to regenerate tissues and synthesise hormones. 

Try it in the Chicken Cacciatore at the Restaurant and Executive Service.  



THE INGREDIENTS OF OCTOBER



FARRO, THE RECIPE AGAINST AGEING

The oldest cereal cultivated by man has been reassessed in the modern diet due to its high digestibility. But that’s not all. It is also rich in proteins, vitamins and mineral salts and low in fat. However, its main value lies in the content of selenium and phytic acid which counteract the action of free radicals, the main cause of ageing.

Try it in the Ligurian-style farro salad featured in the Freschi Sapori menu of the Easy Gourmet service.





THYME, THE SCENT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

It is one of the most distinctive aromas of Mediterranean cuisine. Thymol, the essential oil responsible for its unmistakable fragrance, has been known since ancient times for its antiseptic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Thyme is a complete food that also contains vitamins, mineral salts and proteins.

Try it in the Veal medallion with rosemary and thyme found in the Restaurant and Executive Service.





GREEN BEANS, AN ANTI-STRESS CURE

At 35 calories per 100 grams, green beans are a waistline's best friend. Despite its lightness, it is rich in antioxidants, mineral salts and vitamins such as B6, which is responsible for the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. That's why this vegetable is particularly suitable for people under stress.

Try it in Ligurian-style farro in the Freschi Sapori menu of the Easy Gourmet service.





PEAR, 5000 TIMES HEALTHY

Sweet, juicy and tasty, the pear is a concentrate of wellness. It's no coincidence that it is one of the most common fruits in the world with more than 5000 varieties, each with an unmistakable flavour. It is an energising fruit because it contains sugars and vitamins B1 and B2, and its high content of water, fibre and potassium gives a quicker feeling of satiation (fullness).

Try it in the Mini-quiche with brie and pears of the Executive service.



PUMPKIN, MANY HEALTH BENEFITS FOR VERY FEW CALORIES

Whatever the shape and colour, pumpkin is a friend to our body because it contains many nutrients and very few calories. The bright orange colour of its flesh indicates the presence of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. But it is also high in fibre that helps to regulate bowel movements, in Omega 3 fatty acids that reduce cholesterol in the blood, and tryptophan, a substance that promotes the production of serotonin and good and calm feelings.









SWEET POTATOES, A REAL SUPERFOOD

These tubers are considered a superfood because they are packed with nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and tons of fibre, which makes them one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They are also ideal for dieters because they contain more nutrients and less sugar than white potatoes.

Try them in the Curried sweet potato purée featured in the Restaurant and Executive service.



THE INGREDIENTS OF SEPTEMBER



CAPERS, SMALL TREASURE TROVES OF HEALTH

Intense flavour, especially when packed in salt, very few calories and no fat. Capers are perfect for adding a touch of Mediterranean flavour to low-calorie dishes. And also to supplement the diet with vitamins, mineral salts and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that protect the body.

Try it in Beef meatballs with tomato sauce, Taggiasche olives, capers and oregano  offered by the Restaurant and Executive services and in the Sardinian-style gnocchetti with capers, olives, carrots, tuna, primo sale cheese and parsley featured in the Freschi sapori menu of the Easy Gourmet service.





ONION, ESSENTIAL FOR PURIFICATION

99% water, 1% tears... This is the synthesis of onions, a food that is good for the body thanks to its purifying properties, known and appreciated since ancient times. This is mainly due to essential oils, the same ones that make us cry when we slice them. To take advantage of all its qualities, experts recommend eating them raw, especially the red varieties, which are more digestible than the yellow ones.

Try it in Mini quiche with potatoes and onions of the Executive Service.



THE INGREDIENTS OF AUGUST



MINT, TASTE AND FRESHNESS

Peppermint, Roman mint, mentha, water mint… there are many varieties of this plant, whose distinctive aroma and fresh and delicious taste adds a special touch to many Italian dishes. Mint not only tastes delicious, but the essential oil contained in its leaves also aids digestion 

Try it in the Smooth penne pasta with pesto of aubergines, pistachios and mint at the Restaurant and Executive service



EGGPLANT, SUMMER ON THE TABLE

Exquisite and useful for the body: eggplants are rich in water, potassium and other mineral salts. The important thing is not to eat them raw because they contain small amounts of a toxic substance called solanine. This problem goes away during the cooking or salting process which only leaves the goodness of this typically summer vegetable.

You have already tasted their properties in Smooth penne/Caserecce pasta with cherry tomatoes, grilled eggplant and basil and in the Vegetable Caponata in the Restaurant and Executive service, try them too in Smooth penne pasta with aubergine, pistachio and mint pesto in the Restaurant  and Executive service, and in Mezze penne pasta with aubergine, basil, walnut and confit tomato pesto in Easy Gourmet Freschi Sapori menu.






PISTACHIOS, GREEN GOLD

Not only are pistachios delicious, they are also a valuable source of energy and when eaten in moderation, provide the body with vegetable proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. Like all nuts, they are also able to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol.

You have already tasted their properties in the Restauran's Charlotte cake made with pistachio flour, pears and chocolate chips and and in the Barley salad with green apples, green celery, Greek feta cheese and pistachios featured in the Easy Gourmet "Freschi Sapori” menu, try them too in Smooth penne pasta with aubergine, pistachio and mint pesto in the Restaurant and Executive service. 



ZUCCHINI, FROM 0 TO 100 YEARS OLD

Zucchina or zucchino? Zucchini comes from the Italian word “zucchina” or “zucchino” (both are correct according to the Academy of Crusca) and the plural is zucchini or zucchinis. However, it doesn't pay to be overly particular in the kitchen and this vegetable rich in water and potassium can be cooked in a thousand ways. It is refreshing and easily digestible which makes it one of the first foods to be introduced to a weaning child. Calories? Almost zero.

You have already tasted their properties inin the Smooth penne pasta with zucchini and basil pesto of the Restaurant and Executive service, in the Mediterranean-style bulgur  in the Freschi sapori menu of the Easy Gourmet service and in the Ottavino olive bread with grilled zucchini, primo sale cheese, dried apricots at the Bar, try them too in Focaccia slice with zucchini, feta cheese and walnuts in Executive service



CARROTS, THE ALPHABET OF HEALTH

Bugs Bunny loves their crunchy texture and sweet and aromatic flavour. We should follow his example because carrots contain vitamins, mineral salts, fibre and two antioxidant compounds such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, considered elixirs of long life. 

You have already tasted their properties in the Freschi sapori menu's Couscous with carrots, celery root, potatoes, peas and almonds of the Easy Gourmet service, try them too in Carrots of parsley in Restaurant and Executive service.






CURRY, A MIX OF WELLNESS

Directly from India, this blend of spices adds flavour and appeal to recipes and has excellent nutritional and healing properties. The main ingredient is turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

You have already tasted its properties in the Curried sweet potato purée featured in the Restaurant and Executive services, try its too in Curry chicken in Restaurant and Executive service


WALNUTS, FRIENDS OF THE HEART

Rich in proteins, fatty acids and antioxidants, walnuts are good for your wellbeing, particularly to lower cholesterol and to improve the health of your heart. Only five kernels every morning provides enough energy to tackle day-to-day activities with verve. Breaking news: walnuts are also known to have a positive impact on mood.

You have already tasted their properties in Casarecce pasta with broccoli, anchovies and walnuts at the Restaurand and Executive service, try them too in Mezze penne pasta with aubergine, basil, walnut and confit tomato pesto in in Easy Gourmet Freschi Sapori menu.




THE INGREDIENTS OF JULY



BELL PEPPERS, THREE COLOURS OF GOODNESS

Red, yellow and green: the three colours do not depend on the species but on different stages of ripeness. The red ones are the crispiest, the yellow ones are the juiciest and the green ones are the fleshiest. They all contain vitamin C (4 times more than citrus fruits), vitamin A, mineral salts and water. Thanks to their fibre content and very few calories, they are excellent for staying in shape.

Try them in the side dish Vegetable Caponata in the Restaurant and Executive service



BULGUR, HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE WHEAT

Typical of Middle Eastern cuisine, bulgur is nothing more than whole wheat kernels  that have been cleaned, steamed, dried and crushed into rather large-sized grains. It retains all the properties of wheat, such as fibre, vitamins, mineral salts, and carbohydrates, while the cooking process makes it more digestible than other cereals.

Try it in  Mediterranean-style bulgur in the Freschi sapori menu of the Easy Gourmet service.  



LEMON, THE HEALTHY JUICE

It aids digestion, cleanses the body, increases immune defences, lowers cholesterol... The definition of the lemon as a “natural drug” is perfect, since it not only contains vitamin C but also other precious substances, such as citric acid, which has powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Try it in Chicken breast marinated with turmeric and lemon in the Restaurant and Executive service






CHERRY TOMATOES, THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

Their small size makes cherry tomatoes real pills of wellness that help the body cope with the hot weather. Rehydrating, refreshing and remineralising, they contain vitamins, potassium and, when mature, lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that also protects the skin, while ensuring a perfect tan!

Try them in the side dish Smooth penne/Caserecce pasta with cherry tomatoes, grilled eggplant and basil and in the Vegetable Caponata in the Restaurant and Executive service



THE INGREDIENTS OF JUNE

PRIMO SALE, THE LIGHT CHEESE

This fresh and light cheese has a short ageing period that allows it to preserve the flavour of milk and its nutrients: fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins. The advantage of primo sale is its low calorie count. This makes it ideal for those who want to stay in shape without giving up on the pleasure of cheese. 

Try it in the Mediterranean-style bulgur in the Freschi sapori menu of the Easy Gourmet service and in the Ottavino olive bread with grilled zucchini, primo sale cheese, dried apricots at the Bar.



BROAD BEANS, THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD WELLNESS

Fresh in spring and dry all year round, broad beans contain many of the nutrients necessary for our diet, such as vitamins, minerals and plant proteins. They also have few fats and very few calories, so not only are they one of the oldest legumes, they are also a favourite among those who want to combine taste and wellness.

Try it in the side dish Broad bean purée at the Restaurant and Executive service.




ASPARAGUS, THE GOOD MOOD FOOD

This vegetable is a natural mood booster. First of all because it is delicious and secondly because it is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that is used to synthesise serotonin, i.e. the neurotransmitter of happiness.  It is a very good source of plant fibres, mineral salts and vitamins, making it one of the world's healthiest foods.

Try it in the Asparagus mini-quiche at the Executive service 



THE INGREDIENTS OF MAY




PEAS, WELLNESS WITHOUT CONTRAINDICATIONS

Rich in mineral salts, vitamins and water, peas are also low in calories and fat. And that's not all. They are lighter and easier to digest than other legumes, and therefore are suitable for all diets. Dried peas are also an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

Try them in the side dish Taccole beans and peas of the Restaurant and Executive service and in the Freschi sapori menu's Couscous with carrots, celery root, potatoes, peas and almonds of the Easy Gourmet service. 




TACCOLE BEANS, FIBRE PLUS

They are also called flat beans and “mangetout peas” because their pod is tender and edible as are their seeds.  They have the same virtues as peas, with an additional benefit: the plant fibres of the pod have long been considered a panacea to regulate bowel movement.

Try them in the side dish Taccole beans and peas of the Restaurant and Executive service



CELERY ROOT, UGLY BUT GOOD

Don't be put off by the rough, bold appearance of this root. It has a very white heart that is tasty and rich in water, fibre, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. In short, it is a complete food that is becoming more and more popular because it has very few calories and does not harm the figure.

Try them in the Freschi sapori menu's Couscous with carrots, celery root, potatoes, peas and almonds of the Easy Gourmet service. 



THE INGREDIENTS OF APRIL




THE GREEN APPLE, A HEALTHY SMILE

The green apple, also called Granny Smith, is the variety with the lowest calories and is therefore suitable for those who want to stay in shape without losing the benefits of mineral salts, antioxidants and amino acids contained in fruit. It also contains vitamins A, B and C, which are a panacea for the skin and can help cleanse and clean teeth.

Try it in the Barley salad with green apples, green celery, Greek feta cheese and pistachios featured in the Easy Gourmet “Freschi Sapori” menu  






POPPY SEEDS, A SOURCE OF OMEGA 6

Poppy seeds are oilseeds rich in fat and protein, but don't fear. They are eaten in such small quantities that they cannot harm your weight loss attempts.  They are also a source of manganese, calcium and linoleic acid, i.e. the precious essential fatty acid known as Omega-6.

Try them in the Mini-quiche with peas, Greek feta cheese and poppy seeds featured in the Executive service 






BARLEY, WHAT STRENGHT!

It is said that barely was a primary component of the diet of gladiators because it contained potassium, calcium and iron which gave them strength and stamina. However, the virtues of barley do not end here: it is easily digestible, nutritious and rich in fibre, especially betaglucanes, which help to reduce the absorption of cholesterol

Try it in the Barley salad with green apples, green celery, Greek feta cheese and pistachios featured in the Easy Gourmet “Freschi Sapori” menu.

 




GREEN CELERY, FINE BRAIN

Celery is excellent for our wellbeing. It is incredibly low in calories, so you can crunch on them as much as you want.  It also purifies the body, improves digestion and helps to lower cholesterol. Last but not least, it contains luteolin, an antioxidant that enhances brain activity and memory.

Try it in the Barley salad with green apples, green celery, Greek feta cheese and pistachios featured in the Easy Gourmet “Freschi Sapori” menu.





THE INGREDIENTS OF MARCH




IN PERFECT SHAPE WITH CAULIFLOWER

Low in calories, high in flavour: the perfect vegetable to stay in shape. However, the benefits of cauliflower don't end here. This vegetable is a rich source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, of antioxidants and minerals and has a purifying and regenerating effect on the body.

Try it in the steamed vegetables offered in the Restaurant and Executive service, and in Carlo Cracco's Sandwich with Cooked Culatello, cauliflower, goji berries and toasted almonds featured in the Easy Gourmet menu 






SALMON, A SUPERFOOD

It's tasty, rich in protein and has many powerful health benefits. An excellent anti-ageing food and excellent source of Vitamin D. But that's not all. Salmon is one of the best sources of Omega3, which is important for brain and mental health. In fact, these polyunsaturated fatty acids help to improve concentration and are a natural antidepressant.

Try it in the Salmon steak with thyme, offered in the Restaurant and Executive service and in the Black Venere rice with edamame beans, salmon, yogurt sauce with chives and sautéed chard dish featured in the Easy Gourmet “Freschi Sapori” menu. 







OREGANO, THE SCENT OF WELLNESS

A pinch of this typical Mediterranean herb not only gives the dish an unmistakable aroma, but also provides many benefits. Oregano is a powerful natural antibiotic rich in minerals and vitamins which are essential to maintaining good health.

Try it in  Fusilli with puttanesca sauce offered in the Restaurant and Executive service.

 






FLAXSEED, RICH IN OMEGA3

These oily seeds are one of the main plant sources of Omega-3, fatty acids essential for the proper functioning of the body. The recommended dose is three teaspoons per day of ground flaxseed, to be added as a final touch to your dishes.

Try them in the Artichoke and leek mini-quiches with flaxseed dish offered in the Executive service.



 

THE INGREDIENTS OF FEBRUARY




BROCCOLI, TO SURVIVE WINTER

Tasty and low in calories, this vegetable, which resembles a small tree, satisfies the palate and helps to cleanse and detoxify the body. Furthermore, the content of Vitamin C and folic acid boost the immune system, preventing winter colds and the flu.

Try them in Casarecce pasta with broccoli, anchovies and walnuts at the Restaurant and Executive service




SESAME SEEDS, A HANDFUL OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Sesame seeds are one of the main plant sources of calcium and therefore help to strengthen the teeth and bones.  They contain oleic and linoleic acid, precursors of Omega 3 fatty acids, which protect the heart and reduce cardiovascular diseases.   A small handful of toasted sesame seeds consumed together with muesli or a salad provides the perfect daily dose of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and protein.

Try them in Roast pork fillet with sesame seeds, at the Restaurant and Executive service and in Wholemeal wild rice with sautéed black cabbage, sweet potatoes, roasted chickpeas and sesame yogurt dressing in the Easy Gourmet Freschi Sapori menu





SPINACH, NOT ONLY IRON

Everyone knows that this vegetable is rich in iron, although in actual fact other vegetable foods, such as lentils, contain a higher quantity. However, the benefits don’t end here: spinach is a beneficial source of vitamins, fibre and protein, and also contains an amino acid called tyrosine which improves reflexes and makes us more lucid and responsive. Just like Popeye.

Try it in Quiche with spinach, ricotta cheese and chia seeds at the Restaurant and Executive service




BELGIUM ENDIVE, ELEGANTLY BENEFICIAL

Elegant like a white cloud coloured with green. Excellent both natural in salads and cooked in thousands of recipes thanks to its characteristic delicate bitter taste. A concentrate of beneficial substances: fibre, mineral salts and vitamins, as well as folic acid, essential for the health of the body. Cholesterol? Zero.

Try them in Belgium endive stewed with raisins at the Restaurand and Executive service.




CHIA SEEDS, MAY THE STRENGHT BE WITH YOU

These seeds have been known in Central and South America since the time of the Aztecs: they called them "chia" which means "strength". And they were right, because chia seeds have a high content of calcium and other mineral salts, vitamins and fatty acids that make them a valuable source of essential nutrients and energy. One or two tablespoons a day are an excellent natural food supplement. 

Try them in Quiche with spinach, ricotta cheese and chia seeds at the Restaurand and Executive service.




THE INGREDIENTS OF JANUARY

TURMERIC, THE ROOT OF WELLNESS

Turmeric is a golden-coloured spicy root that adds great flavour to dishes. But not only: it aids digestion, eliminates excess cholesterol and contains a substance called curcumin which has been found to have natural anti-inflammatory properties that increase considerably when associated with pepper.






ALMONDS, A BURST OF ENERGY

Almonds are oily seeds full of beneficial properties. They contain polyunsaturated fats that lower the level of bad cholesterol, Vitamin E that combats the activity of free radicals, and calories that have an energising effect. However, it's better not to exaggerate, 10-15 grams of almonds a day are enough the exploit all their advantages while maintaining your weight.






CHICORY, A THOUSAND BENEFITS

The bitter taste of this leafy vegetable is due to the presence of chicoric acid, a true panacea for the body thanks to its purifying properties. Chicory is also free of cholesterol, rich in mineral salts and even though paradoxically used as a coffee substitute, helps relieve sleep disorders