One of the Healthiest Snacks Around!
Considering the situation we’re in right now, it’s no surprise lots of folks are looking for healthier ways to snack. And of course the health food industry is happy to accommodate them.
For instance, more and more information is getting out to mainstream cooks about the wonders of Goji berries. I know they don’t sound as tempting as an ooey-gooey carmel-covered brownie bomb, but keep an open mind and read on.
This once-unrecognized food, also known as the wolf berry, is related to the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers). And it’s really drawing attention. Goji berries have been enjoyed all over the world; internationally it’s known as a power-packed fruit with multi-nutrients. Research shows they contain amino acids, vitamins A, B, D, E, lots of minerals, proteins, and amino acids.
The berry’s vitamins help protect liver, provide better eyesight, and nourish the skin and hair. And its amino acid feature is a BIG deal because amino acids protect against aging. Also, goji berries help improve blood circulation, and strengthen the immune and digestive system. They’ve also been shown to help with reducing insomnia and anxiety. Scientists have found that the Goji berry improves memory and the nervous system. Finally, they’ve been found to boost energy when eaten daily.
So my point is, when’s the last time you had a snack that did all THAT? Once you learn how to use this berry, you’ll find it’s not just one of the healthiest snacks around, but one of the tastiest as well.
One thing, though: right now the fruit is only sold dried and comes from China, Mongolia, and Tibet, and is a tad expensive. But a little does go a long way. Keep your eye on this fruit, however. Farmers in America sure are, and one day we’ll see fresh as well dried available from home-grown, local markets. (BTW: If you don’t have a whole or health foods store in your area, you can get these berries, along with the cacao mentioned in the recipe, online—amazon.com, for instance.)
Anyway, with this information in mind, I went searching for a snack recipe that incorporated the goji berry as well as other healthy ingredients. Here is just one recipe. You’ll likely appreciate how this healthy treat is super easy to make! All you need is a food processor (or if your handy with a knife then use that!) and a bowl and a pan to freeze or cool them in! This recipe yields about 12 bars (depending on how you slice it) and takes just minutes to whip up.
One final goji berry thought: This berry is also a terrific addition to your morning smoothie. Just add it and a little of your chosen liquid (water, almond milk, juice, etc) in first, so they have a chance to soften up a smidge, and they’ll blend in well.
In times like these, we can all use a little comforting snack now and then. But do your immune system a favor, and favor your immune system by pushing the ooey-gooey stuff aside, and give one of the healthiest snacks around a sincere try.
3/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut divided into two parts
1 cup goji berries, dried
1 cup cacao powder (NOT baker's cocoa)
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds
2 1/2 cups melted Coconut Oil
1-2 tablespoons raw honey
extra Coconut Oil (for greasing pan)
Directions:
Add Recipe to Cook'n
This is really great as a frozen treat on a hot day!
This once-unrecognized food, also known as the wolf berry, is related to the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers). And it’s really drawing attention. Goji berries have been enjoyed all over the world; internationally it’s known as a power-packed fruit with multi-nutrients. Research shows they contain amino acids, vitamins A, B, D, E, lots of minerals, proteins, and amino acids.
The berry’s vitamins help protect liver, provide better eyesight, and nourish the skin and hair. And its amino acid feature is a BIG deal because amino acids protect against aging. Also, goji berries help improve blood circulation, and strengthen the immune and digestive system. They’ve also been shown to help with reducing insomnia and anxiety. Scientists have found that the Goji berry improves memory and the nervous system. Finally, they’ve been found to boost energy when eaten daily.
So my point is, when’s the last time you had a snack that did all THAT? Once you learn how to use this berry, you’ll find it’s not just one of the healthiest snacks around, but one of the tastiest as well.
One thing, though: right now the fruit is only sold dried and comes from China, Mongolia, and Tibet, and is a tad expensive. But a little does go a long way. Keep your eye on this fruit, however. Farmers in America sure are, and one day we’ll see fresh as well dried available from home-grown, local markets. (BTW: If you don’t have a whole or health foods store in your area, you can get these berries, along with the cacao mentioned in the recipe, online—amazon.com, for instance.)
Anyway, with this information in mind, I went searching for a snack recipe that incorporated the goji berry as well as other healthy ingredients. Here is just one recipe. You’ll likely appreciate how this healthy treat is super easy to make! All you need is a food processor (or if your handy with a knife then use that!) and a bowl and a pan to freeze or cool them in! This recipe yields about 12 bars (depending on how you slice it) and takes just minutes to whip up.
One final goji berry thought: This berry is also a terrific addition to your morning smoothie. Just add it and a little of your chosen liquid (water, almond milk, juice, etc) in first, so they have a chance to soften up a smidge, and they’ll blend in well.
In times like these, we can all use a little comforting snack now and then. But do your immune system a favor, and favor your immune system by pushing the ooey-gooey stuff aside, and give one of the healthiest snacks around a sincere try.
Cacao, Coconut, and Goji Treats
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut divided into two parts
1 cup goji berries, dried
1 cup cacao powder (NOT baker's cocoa)
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds
2 1/2 cups melted Coconut Oil
1-2 tablespoons raw honey
extra Coconut Oil (for greasing pan)
Directions:
In your food processor place goji berries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and 1 part shredded coconut. Pulse until berries and seeds are a quarter of their original size.
Spoon berry/seeds/coconut mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Add the melted coconut oil, cacao, honey, and remaining part shredded coconut; stir until well combined. Pour into a coconut oil-greased pan; flatten the mixture with the back of your knife. Place in fridge or freezer until firm. When firm, cut into bars and return them back to fridge until completely set (i.e. it doesn't fall apart).
Spoon berry/seeds/coconut mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Add the melted coconut oil, cacao, honey, and remaining part shredded coconut; stir until well combined. Pour into a coconut oil-greased pan; flatten the mixture with the back of your knife. Place in fridge or freezer until firm. When firm, cut into bars and return them back to fridge until completely set (i.e. it doesn't fall apart).
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
This is really great as a frozen treat on a hot day!
Sources:
- www.cleanplusonline.com
- www.dolphinfitness.com
- www.restorationseeds.com
- www.happyskinkitchen.com
Alice Osborne
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
Email the author! alice@dvo.com
