Superfoods are very healthy and delicious, so you’ll be pleased to hear that they’re easy to grow, too. Nicky Roeber, Online Horticultural Expert at Wyevale Garden Centres, shares his tips for which superfoods to plant in your own back garden.
Superfoods are nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants such as vitamins, selenium, and carotenoids. Because they’re so nutritious, many people believe that including them in your diet can help fight off cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.
A lot of these powerful superfoods can be grown at home, which can help save you money and reduce the need for trips to the supermarket. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than serving up food you’ve grown yourself.
I’ve hand-picked a few of the best superfoods for you to try, so read on to find out more.
Berries
Berries, especially goji berries and blueberries, are full of antioxidants like vitamin C so they’re definitely worth including in your garden. It’s better to purchase fully-grown blueberry and goji berry bushes from your garden centre and plant them, as growing them from seed can be quite difficult. When handling goji berry bushes, wear gloves to protect yourself from their thorns.
Both goji berries and blueberries are naturally sweet and delicious, so keep it simple and serve them up with a blob of dairy-free Creamy Sheese for breakfast.
Leafy greens
Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are a great source of iron and calcium, both of which are especially important for vegans. Not only that, but they’re even rumoured to ward off serious cardiovascular illnesses.
Kale and spinach are unfussy crops that can be sown all year round and continuously harvested. They’re good beginner crops for gardeners of all abilities. They also don’t need a lot of space, so they can be grown in containers if you prefer.
Leafy greens can be prepared a variety of ways: stewed, roasted, or fried into crisps, or you can just keep it simple with a dark leaf salad and Greek Style Sheese blocks.
Root vegetables
Some root vegetables, like carrots and beetroot, are full of fibre, potassium, and vitamin C, as well as beta carotene, which gives us healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. Carrots and beetroot can be grown from seed easily, but carrots should be sown in loose soil otherwise they can grow into some funny shapes. Beetroot can grow almost anywhere as long as the soil is at least eight inches deep — in your garden, a deep window box, or even a growing bag.
Carrots and beetroot can be eaten raw, but they can also make healthy, colourful French fries, crisps, and mash. Alternatively, blend them with spices, herbs, and Grated Hard Italian Style Sheese to make a warming and hearty soup.
These are just some of the superfoods that you can grow at home. Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way to get outdoors, as well as ensure you always have a supply of healthy, tasty ingredients for recipes, so why not give it a go?