I recently took a ten-day hiking trip to Peru with my family. Every year we get together to explore a new region of the world. This year we chose Peru. None of us had ever been to South America for an extended amount of time, and we were especially excited to see Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. While we were there we ate everything from cuy (guinea pig) to alpaca. Our local guide taught us about the Incan diet and the superfoods that allowed them to accomplish all of the miraculous things they did. Below are some of the best Peruvian superfoods to try this year.
- Maca: Maca is a root vegetable, similar to a potato that usually comes in powder form and can be added to smoothies or taken as a pill. It helps with fertility, menopause and PMS symptoms and increases energy.
- Quinoa: This seed, which is often confused as a grain, is a staple in South America cuisine. It is high in protein and low in carbs. It can be used in place of rice, as a side dish, in salads, or used as a meat replacement in veggie burgers.
- Pink Salt: The salt ponds in Peru are famously beautiful. The higher mineral content in this salt is what makes it a super food. It helps regulate heartbeats, minimizes stress, and prevents osteoporosis. It can be used in place of table salt and offers a great crunch when added as a finishing salt.
- Cacao: Antioxidant rich cacao is grown heavily in Peru. It releases feel good endorphins, enhances libido, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. You can add raw cacao powder to many different recipes or try to find chocolate with a high percentage of cacao and low in sugar to gain the benefits.
- Coca & Muna Leaves: Coca and Muna are plants that are typically used to make tea or candies. Coca leaves are used to help with altitude sickness and are strongly encouraged to chew when traveling to high altitudes. Coca also is an energy booster. Muna is the natural ibuprofen of the Incas. It can help with many aches and pains.
If you are interested in learning more about healthy cooking and cooking with superfoods, join us for our Clean Eating Boot Camp with Chef Alia Dalal at Lincoln Square on Saturday, January 28th.
The Chopping Block also has three Superfood Spotlight demonstrations coming up in January at the Merchandise Mart that are just $30/person.
- Essential Vitamins Friday, January 13 1pm-2pm
- Probiotics Friday, January 20 1pm-2pm
- Fiber and Hydration Friday, January 27 1pm-2pm
