Danielle Woodward discovers how to incorporate superfood supplements into everyday meals, that actually taste good as well as do good
As someone who wonders how to use superfoods like these for the best results, I was excited to try the range from Rainforest Foods, an ethical Soil Association-certified company that manufactures additive-free superfoods and supplements, selling them in convenient forms, such as powder. The quote on the website “We’re good to nature so that nature is good to us” sums up their ethos.
Next was the chia seed pesto, inspired by the recipe in The Chia Cookbook by Janie Hoffman, which needed a bit of prep, as when chia seeds are soaked in liquid, they expand to create a type of gel. This was mixed with walnuts, almonds, garlic, basil and olive oil to make a pesto, which I used to top a fillet of white fish, then roasted in the oven. It was a bit dry and crunchy for my taste, so I added a bit of butter; but the flavour was good and the crunchiness of the topping contrasted well with the soft flesh of the fish.
As a treat for my sweet-toothed children, I made the no-bake açai berry truffles from Debbie’s Adler’s book, Sweet Debbie’s Organic Treats – the only sweetness being the dates and orange juice. Easy to make, just whizz the ingredients in a food processor, then roll into balls and coat with dessicated coconut, these are kept in the freezer until ready to eat. They were a big hit – with my kids and myself, and the knowledge that they are full of goodness was a bonus.
I also tried Ella Woodward’s Chia Seed Pudding from her book Deliciously Ella – where chia seeds are soaked overnight in almond milk, with some maple syrup and cinnamon for flavour and Debbie Adler’s Acai Berry Chia Pudding. The trouble with these was its frogspawn-like texture and look of it, although the flavour was good, the texture just didn’t sit well with me. My daughter on the other hand, scoffed her portion down – so it’s all down to personal taste!
My introduction to cooking and eating with superfoods has inspired me to discover more ways to incorporate them into my diet. Rainforest Food’s blog has lots of inspiration – next on my list is the Cacao Sourdough Cake with Coffee Filling and Sicilian Marzipan Tart with Cacao Nibs, which are sure to satisfy my sweet tooth!
Buy online at www.rainforestfoods.com