14 surprising superfoods to watch in 2016: from black pudding to teff

Move aside nuts and blueberries, seaweed and kohlrabi are on the menu...
Seven sprouted grains bread
Press
Ellie Harrison6 January 2016

It looks like this January might be our most health-conscious yet, with a 50 per cent increase in detox ideas trending on Pinterest, the visual discovery tool. Give yourselves a pat on the back.

But which superfoods are going to trend in 2016? Forget the avocado, this year has a whole host of new suspects from kitchen stapes like mushrooms and peanuts, to more unusual things like teff and kohlrabi. Here are the 14 you're going to be hearing more about.

Black Beans

These powerful beans are crammed full of minerals and vitamins, and also pack a punch of protein. They can be used to make anything from burritos to brownies.

Seaweed

This superfood of the deep contains more vitamin C than an orange and packs in plenty of calcium. It also boasts anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Souping

2015 saw juicing, 2016 will be all about souping. Create clean, protein packed versions of some of the nation’s favourite broths.

Mushrooms

This humble fungi is about to step into the limelight. Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and are being praised as a way of adding flavour to food instead of cholesterol-raising salt.

Mushrooms Press
Press

Avocado oil

Coconut oil is losing its crown this year to be replaced with avocado oil. The oil is high in monounsaturated oleic acid, which is a heart-healthy fatty acid, obviously.

Plant based proteins

Good news for veggies looking for their protein kick, lentils, mung beans and peanuts are quickly becoming popular cheap alternatives to keep protein levels topped up in 2016.

Brown lentils Press
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Sprouted grains

These guys are packed with key nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C, folate, fibre, and essential amino acids. They’re even in certain forms of breads – hallellujiah, an excuse at last.

Kohlrabi

This ‘turnip cabbage’ is an exceptionally rich source of vitamin C which is vital for healthy connective tissue, teeth and gums and boosts immunity.

Kohlrabi
Rex

Teff

Move over quinoa, this Ethiopian gluten-free crop has tiny seeds that are high in calcium, iron, protein and amino acids. The grain can substitute any wheat flour based recipe to make anything from pizza bases to waffles.

Sprouted grains

Black rice

Black rice is crammed with antioxidants, vitamin B1 and thrifty times more fibre than white rice. It has a nutty flavour and unique texture.

Tree water

Tree water is supposedly a fantastic natural source of electrolytes and is extremely thirst quenching. It is harvested during certain points in spring when nutrient-rich sap travels up from the roots of the tree to the branches providing life to the budding leaves.

Black Pudding

Blood sausage is going to become a superstar in 2016 as it’s packed with protein and practically carb free. It’s also rich in iron and zinc – two minerals frequently missing from modern diets.

Sweet potato flour

Gluten free, paleo friendly and packed with all the goodness of a sweet potato, the spud’s flour holds moisture well, brings a richness of flavour, and adds a slight sweetness to any baked good.

Teres Major

This relatively unknown cut of beef is destined for big things in 2016 with chefs all over the UK falling head over heels for it. The meat from this area is super lean and has the same texture as fillet but for a fraction of the price.

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Research by MuscleFood.com​

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