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Quinoa has exploded in popularity in recent years, and can be found in the kitchen of every discerning health-conscious foodie. It’s a superb store cupboard staple ingredient for people wanting to avoid rice and looking for an easy-to-prepare, filling accompaniment to stews, curries and casseroles.

It’s also excellent in a salad, or added to snack bars and flapjacks, and the flour can be used for crackers, breads, cakes and biscuits with fantastic results.

But have you ever wanted to know more about this wonder-ingredient? Then read on…

Ten reasons why Quinoa is so good for you

Quinoa is a very versatile super-grain (well, technically it’s a pseudocereal) and it can be used in a huge amount of ways. It’s available whole, flaked, puffed and even ground into flour.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to curries and stews for anyone tired of – or trying to avoid – the more traditional rice, and can also be used in plenty of sweet treats such as snack bars and energy balls.

But how does it shape up as a health food? Let’s look at the health benefits of quinoa:

Why Tiger Nuts are SO good for you

Tigernuts are scrumptious little bundles of wholefood joy, and can be used whole, chopped, as flour or even made into a lovely, refreshing milky drink commonly enjoyed in Spain and around the Mediterranean.

Although they’re commonly called nuts, tigernuts are actually tiny, tuberous roots from an African plant of the sedge family, and they have many of the same nutrients and benefits of nuts without causing the allergic symptoms that nuts can cause in some people.

So what are the health benefits of tigernuts? Let’s have a look at some of the main ones:

An Introduction to Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is very popular at the moment, and is used as a food and a dietary supplement. Many claims are made about its health benefits, and it’s also added as an ingredient to soaps, shampoos, creams and sprays.

Any city or large town now has one or more juice bars which sell wheatgrass juice as a cure-all panacea, often mixed with other ingredients and colouring everything with its deep green hue.

But what is wheatgrass? Is it just a fad, or is there truth in the claims made about how good it is? Let’s investigate:

What is Amaranth?

Amaranth is growing in popularity because of its flavour, its versatility in the kitchen, its ease of cooking and for the excellent nutrition it provides.

It’s naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for coeliacs, and also it’s good to eat if you’re following a paleo diet.

But what is amaranth? Let’s take a closer look:

Five Facts You Should Know About Maple Syrup!

Maple syrup is a great alternative to cane sugar. It can be used in baking and cooking, and really makes a stack of fluffy pancakes come alive.

But how much do you really know about this beautiful wonder syrup? Check out some of our favourite facts about Maple Syrup and why we think its a great alternative to cane sugar.

FIVE WAYS TO USE CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds really epitomise the concept of ‘super-foods’. They are rich in fat-burning omega-3 fatty acids, and are packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Another great thing about Chia is that they are fibre-rich, this means they can help you feel fuller for longer.

Not only are they good for you but they can also be used in a plethora of ways! Here are our top five ways to use chia!

The Best Superfoods to Help You Lose Weight According to Science

What are the best superfoods that can help you lose weight according to Science? We provide you with the evidence you need to choose the correct foods to help you lose weight.

TEN WAYS TO USE PUMPKIN PURÉE

Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn, however thanks to the wonders of the canning process this versatile ingredients can can be enjoyed throughout the year!

Pumpkin puree is a low-fat, high-fibre option for a variety of sweet and savoury recipes. The pumpkin flesh contains good levels of beta-carotene, a natural antioxidant. This bright orange puree makes a great addition to dairy free recipes as it helps add moisture and texture.

Here are our top ten ways to use pumpkin purée!

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS

Halloween is just around the corner! There are plenty of novelty nibbles you can make at home, choosing healthy ingredients such as fruit, seeds and low-sugar bakes, so that both adults and children can have fun in the kitchen!