Often find yourself searching the internet for meal inspiration? We have you covered! From the first meal of the day to your afternoon snack, we’ve put together some of our favourite must-try healthy recipes… oh and they all contain a blackcurrant somewhere along the way. Why blackcurrants? Simple. Blackcurrants are bursting to the brim with anthocyanins – the compound that gives them their purple colouring – which provide a number of benefits to promote fitness and general well being. As well as containing double the antioxidant value of blueberries, blackcurrants also have a unique taste, adding a whole new flavour to meals and making them the go-to fruit for 2019!
Breakfast:
Arguably the most important meal of the day, however also the most commonly skipped meal. We get it, sometimes you just can’t stomach something too heavy, however hard you try. We also understand that those extra minutes in bed are extremely precious, especially on a Monday morning…
Instead of skipping it altogether, try giving our breakfast blackcurrant smoothie recipe a go. Make it before you go to bed and leave it in the fridge overnight. Consuming your breakfast in smoothie form will mean it won’t sit too heavy in your stomach and also means you can drink it on the go!
Our favourite combination? Throw some frozen blackcurrants, a banana, some apple juice and a couple of teaspoons of plain yoghurt in a blender. With just four ingredients it’s quick and easy to make and will get you well on your way to achieving that all important 7-a-day.
Lunch:
Salad isn’t usually the most exciting choice on the menu when it comes to lunch, however add some duck and scatter a few blackcurrants over your leaves of choice and you will quickly change your mind. The richness of the duck will help balance out the sharpness of the blackcurrants making them the perfect duo. Research has proven that blackcurrants have a positive effect on cognitive function and performance, and can even increase your alertness and attention span. Sound like your kind of thing? Finish with your dressing of choice and you’re good to go!
Snack:
It’s 3pm and your stomach starts to rumble (it happens to us all). Instead of reaching for the usual custard cream, plan ahead and bake a batch of homemade energy bars. Mix together some oats, golden syrup, peanut butter, blackcurrants and your choice of seeds, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Packed full of oats, the wholegrains from this fruity flapjack will slowly break down to become energy that’s gradually absorbed by your body. Simply put, your energy levels will remain stable throughout the duration of the afternoon, avoiding that nasty sugar spike which leaves you crashing later! The blackcurrants will also help to raise energy levels by increasing blood flow and giving you that boost to help get you through the afternoon.
Dinner:
Pork chops- a definite English favourite! However, try swapping mash for fried apple wedges and finish with a blackcurrant sauce and your usual comfort dish will transform into something special. For the blackcurrant sauce, simply cook together some blackcurrants, port, and stock and leave to simmer. What’s more, brand new research has shown that blackcurrants can increase fat burning whilst walking by up to 16%, so take your dog out on a post-dinner stroll for extra benefits.
Pudding:
Last but certainly not least: Pudding! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party with friends or making a Sunday evening treat, you can’t go wrong with a crumble. Substitute your usual apple and blackberry for this mixed berry recipe – it won’t let you down! For a real sweet treat, we recommend combining blackcurrants, raspberries and strawberries. Quick and easy to make, this pud can be created up to 2 two days ahead of the big night, giving you one less thing to worry about, just don’t forget the custard!
CurraNZ:
Not a fan of the taste but don’t want to miss out on the benefits blackcurrants have to offer? We have your back! CurraNZ is a 100% natural blackcurrant extract made from just one ingredient… New Zealand blackcurrants. We pack 85 of these mighty berries in each of our capsules, meaning you’d have to eat a LOT of blackcurrants to achieve the same benefits. Also, being tasteless means our capsules are easy to consume and are perfect for those who just can’t get on-board with the taste of the fruit!
Need these in your life? Take a look what else CurraNZ has to offer here!
