A superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. These raw brownies are loaded with superfoods!
Nutrient-rich chia seeds are good sources of α-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid), fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and falls into this category.
Dates contain many different vitamins, such as B1, B2, B3, B5, A1 and C. Minerals include like potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, copper, and magnesium.
Raw cacao is high in calcium (more than milk), iron and antioxidants. Soaking and dehydrating nuts, although not necessary also breaks down enzyme inhitibors, increases enzyme action and the vitamin content, in particular the B vitamins.
Raw pumpkin seeds are highly anti parasitic. They are also mineral dense including magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper.
Improving gut health helps you absorb all of these valuable nutrients and we all know that fermented foods play a very important part in this. No one will likely notice the fermented sauerkraut you sneak into these scrumptious treats. Let's not forget the 57 mg/cup of vitamin C in raw cabbage rises to 600-700 mg/cup when it is fermented and is more bioavailable. (Sailors used to take thousands of pounds of saukerkraut on voyages to avoid scurvy!) Folks we are looking at a treat that is jam packed with nutrition!
Raw brownies are easy to make and you can tweak them to your liking (or the availability of what is in your cabinet) in a flash. Try our basic recipe and then use your imagination to change it up for different flavors. Consider goji berries, cayenne pepper, carob powder, shredded coconut, flax seeds and more!!
Raw Fermented Superfood Brownies
1 cup of almonds
1/2 cup of cashews, pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup of dates
1/4 cup chia seeds
5 T raw cacao powder
1 T raw, local honey
2 T cashew or almond butter
1/4 c fermented sauerkraut
Place the nuts, dates & pumpkin seeds in the food processor.
Pulse until ground.
Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until thick.
Add additional honey or nut butter if it is not thick like a paste.
Press into a glass container of choice or make into round balls rolled in shredded coconut or almond flour.
*May substitute flax for chia.
*May substitute carob for cacao
*May substitute honey for maple syrup, date syrup, whole organic stevia powder to taste
*May experiment with other fermented krauts.
*Soaking and dehydrating nuts prior to use will increase nutrient bioavailability but it is not necessary.
What other additions can you think up??