Just when I thought my little ‘superfoods’ basket in the pantry was overflowing, along comes the next flood of nutrient dense superstars to make it to mainstream health food stores. When I say ‘new’ I do mean new to the general population and that you don’t have to live in the Peruvian mountains or the Amazonian jungle to get them.
Here are 5 that I have come across lately
1. Camu camu berry
This is a small reddish-purple, extremely tart fruit which grows in the Peruvian Amazon. Traditionally it was used as a folk medicine but has become popular in western cuisine due to high levels of vitamin C (30-60 times an orange), antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
It’s easiest to consume in a powdered, freeze-dried form and used in breakfasts, drinks and smoothies
2. Golden berry
Otherwise known as gooseberry, ican berry..whatever you choose to call these sweet-sour flavoured berries they are sure to delight your taste buds.
High levels of antioxidants as well as Vitamin A, C, protein and phosphorus are claims by the berry plus that they are naturally low in sugar.
Sundried goldenberries are found in health stores and used as snacks, in salads,, breakfasts, sweets and desserts
3. Sacha Inchi
This is an Amazonian seed which looks and tastes like a peanut. It’s an easily digestible form of protein and has dietary fibre. The main attraction of these seeds is their the highest known source of healthy plant-based omega – 3 fats on the planet! (13 times that of salmon, gram for gram).
You can eat them roasted or use as an oil for cooking, and goes well in sweet or savoury dishes.
4. Matcha
The new green tea on the block, this tea’s power is so super because entire leaves dissolve in water than steeped in bags. Instead of throwing away the leaves, you ingest all their antioxidant powers.
The green tea possesses antioxidant levels 6.2 times that of goji berries, 7 times that of dark chocolate, 17 times that of wild blueberries, which is quite amazing!
Matcha is available as a concentrated powder and can be found at health food stores.
5. Black rice
Highly treasured in ancient China, Black Rice was reserved exclusively for emperors and nobility as it was believed to ensure their good health and a long life.
It has a delicious rich nutty taste and a chewy texture that suits a range of meals.
Black Rice is a whole grain and has been referred to as a “super food”. It has essential vitamins and minerals including niacin, thiamine and magnesium as well as source of dietary fibre. Its delightful dark purple colour is due to natural anthocyanin which also gives blueberries and blackberries their dark colour.
1. via 2. via 3. via 4. via 5. via
