5 super foods you will be hearing more of

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 obtain 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 diue 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 tastebuds.

High levels of antioxidants as well as Vitamin A, C, protein and phosphorus are claims by the berry plus the fact that they are naturally low in sugar. 

Sundried goldenberries can be 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 contains 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 are dissolved in water rather 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 wide range of meals.

Black Rice is a wholegrain and has been referred to as a “super food”. It contains essential vitamins and minerals including niacin, thiamin and magnesium as well as being a 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