Ingredient list

Black salsify (Scorzonera hispanica) is a lesser-known root vegetable with a dark, almost black skin and white flesh. Native to the Mediterranean region, it was especially popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its flavour is reminiscent of artichoke or asparagus with a mildly sweet note. In the kitchen, it is prepared similarly to parsnip, boiled, braised, roasted or fried. The skin releases a milky sap when peeled, so it is best to wear gloves. It works well as a side dish, in soups, creamy sauces or gratins. It is rich in inulin, dietary fibre and minerals.

Black tea is a fully oxidised tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. The oxidation process gives it a distinctive dark colour and a bold, robust flavour with slightly bitter notes. It is one of the most popular teas in the world, available in many varieties such as Assam, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey. In the kitchen, it is used not only as a beverage but also as an ingredient in marinades, sauces, desserts, and baked goods. A strong brew can be used to flavour rice, meat, or dried fruit. Black tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.

Blackberries are dark purple fruits of the bramble plant, widely found in the temperate zones of Europe, Asia and America. Their flavour is bold, sweet and sour with a pleasant mild bitterness. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fibre and antioxidants. In the kitchen they are used to make jams, preserves, syrups, fruit dumplings, cakes, smoothies or as a garnish for desserts. They also work well in savoury sauces for game or poultry, where their acidity creates an interesting contrast. Blackberries can be eaten fresh, dried or frozen, retaining most of their nutritional value in all forms.

Blackcurrant is a small, dark berry with a bold, slightly tart flavour and an intense aroma. The fruit of the Ribes nigrum shrub is valued for its exceptionally high content of vitamin C, antioxidants and flavonoids. In the kitchen, it is used for making jams, jellies, syrups, compotes and fruit tarts. It also works wonderfully in smoothies, yoghurts and ice creams. It can be enjoyed fresh, dried or frozen. Blackcurrant syrup is a popular drink, especially among children. The leaves of the shrub are used in herbal medicine and for preparing herbal teas.

Blackcurrant leaves come from the Ribes nigrum shrub and are valued primarily in herbal medicine and natural cooking. They have a characteristic intense aroma reminiscent of the berries themselves. Fresh or dried leaves are used to prepare herbal teas, which are popular for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the kitchen, they are added to brines when pickling vegetables or fruit, for example cucumbers, where they help maintain crispness. They also work well for flavouring vinegar, syrups or lemonades. They are harvested in spring and summer when their aromatic content is at its highest.

Blood orange je odrůda pomeranče, která se vyznačuje hluboce červenou až rubínovou dužinou. Barva pochází z anthokyaninů, které se vyvíjejí během chladnějších nočních teplot. Nejznámějšími kultivary jsou Moro, Tarocco a Sanguinello, pěstované převážně na Sicílii. Chuť je sladko-kyselá s jemným nádechem maliny nebo jahody, což ji odlišuje od běžných pomerančů. Používá se na šťávy, dezerty, ovocné saláty, marmelády a jako dekorativní prvek v kuchyni. Je bohatá na vitamin C a antioxidanty.

Blue cheese is a group of semi-hard to soft cheeses characterized by blue or blue-green veins of Penicillium roqueforti mold. The most famous varieties include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton. The flavor is bold, pungent, slightly sharp and salty, with intensity varying by ripeness. The texture ranges from creamy to crumbly. In the kitchen, blue cheeses are used in salads, sauces for steaks, risottos, pasta, or as part of a cheese board. They pair wonderfully with honey, pears, walnuts, and dessert wines.

Blue Curacao is an orange-flavoured liqueur made from the dried peel of the laraha bitter orange, which grows on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. It has a sweet taste with a pronounced orange character, and its iconic bright blue colour comes from added food colouring. The alcohol content is typically around 20-25%. It is an essential ingredient in cocktail culture, featuring in drinks such as Blue Lagoon and Blue Margarita. Thanks to its intense colour, it dramatically changes the appearance of beverages and desserts it is added to. Colourless and orange variants are also available under the name Curaçao.

Blueberries are small, dark blue fruits of the wild blueberry plant, one of the most popular wild berries in Europe and North America. They are characterized by a sweet-tart flavor, juicy flesh, and a distinctive dark color derived from pigments called anthocyanins. These anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants, making blueberries widely regarded as a superfood. They are also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber. In the kitchen, they are used both fresh and frozen, in pies, muffins, pancakes, cheesecakes, yogurts, and smoothies. They are ideal for making jams, syrups, compotes, and fruit sauces.

Blueberry compote is a fruit preparation made from fresh or frozen blueberries cooked with sugar and water. It can be prepared as a home-canned preserve for long-term storage or as a quickly made topping. The compote has a deep purple color, a pleasant sweet-tart flavor, and a juicy consistency. It is served as a topping for pancakes, crêpes, cheesecakes, ice cream, or yogurt. It also works wonderfully in pies and as a filling for pastries and strudels. Blueberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. Homemade compote without artificial additives is a healthier alternative to commercially produced jams.

Ostružinová marmeláda je ovocný džem vyrobený z ostružin (Vaccinium myrtillus nebo Vaccinium corymbosum), cukru a citronové šťávy. Má hlubokou purpurovou až modro-černou barvu a intenzivní sladko-kyselou chuť s výraznou ostružinovou vůní. Skvěle se hodí k snídaňovým chlebům, toastům a palačinkám, a také jako náplň do dortů, buchet a pečiva, nebo jako přídavek do jogurtu a kaše. Lze ji také použít v slaných receptech, například jako omáčku k jelenímu nebo kachnímu masu. Připravit ji lze doma z čerstvých nebo mražených ostružin a je široce dostupná jako hotový produkt v obchodech.

Bluma is a traditional plum variety cultivated mainly in Central Europe. The fruits are round to oval, with a blue-purple skin and sweet, juicy flesh. Thanks to its distinctive fruity aroma, it is excellent for fresh consumption as well as culinary use. It is commonly used in cakes, dumplings, jams, compotes and plum butter. It is also popular as a base for fruit spirits, especially slivovitz. The fruits can be dried and stored for winter months, enriching muesli, desserts and baked goods. The Bluma season typically falls at the end of summer.