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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Healthy Eating with Garden Picks' Superfood

With the June holidays over and an over-indulgence of food, it is time to get back on some healthy diet. Garden Picks, the leading online retailer of dried fruits and nuts in Singapore has sent us some packets of Superfood - Superfood Granola (with Chia Seeds), Superfood Granola (with Quinoa), Black Forest Granola, Black Chia Seeds and Organic Tri-Colour Quinoa. I love the way the seeds and nuts are nicely packaged in a resealable plastic, making it easy to store or bring along.


Black Chia Seed

Chia seeds are known to be rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Since we bought our first can of chia seeds, we have been putting the chia seeds into our drinks for consumption. Chia seeds when soak in water expand in size, with a gel-like texture. I usually put 1 to 2 spoonful only as I don't fancy my drinks to be too thick. Apart from putting chia seed into drinks, breakfast cereals or smoothies, it can also be incorporated as one of the ingredients when making pudding or even in biscuits or muffins. For quick meals, I enjoy putting some chia seeds into my cup of milo or milk. The children loves it too!


Chia seeds with milo


Chia seeds with milk

Hearty breakfast or snack with a cup of chia seed milk and chia seed biscuits

Organic Tri-Colour Quinoa

A lovely combination of red, black and white quinoa within the pack. Quinoa (pronounced as Keen-wah) is very nutritious, high in protein, fiber and contains various vitamins and minerals. It is also naturally free of gluten and is recommended for people who are on gluten-free diet. I read up an easy recipe online where many uses quinoa to make fried 'rice'.


Quinoa has a natural coating, saponin which can create a bitter taste. Rinse the quinoa under water to get rid of the coating before cooking. For 1 cup of Quinoa, it is recommended to put 2 cups of water. I put them into the saucepan and let it goes to a boil. Once all the liquid has been absorbed, bring the heat down to low and let it simmer for awhile. Together with the cooked quinoa, I added in some salt, pepper, sesame oil, carrots and eggs. Here is my version of Quinoa Fried 'Rice' which took about 15 minutes to cook.


I must say the tri-colour quinoa brings out the colour of the dish. Since this is the first time we are trying out quinoa, I wasn't expecting a very spontaneous response (especially from the children). These tiny little beads have a natural, earthly taste and surprisingly, Denver & Gladys enjoyed my Quinoa Fried 'Rice' very much and requested that I made more for dinner tomorrow!



Black Forest Granola & Superfood Granola (with Chia Seeds/with Quinoa)

Nuts and dried fruits are healthy options for breakfast and snack time. It goes perfectly well with milk or yogurt and even on its own. Multiple ingredients within the plastic package makes it looks colourful and appetizing. Our girl fancy the Black Forest Granola as there are chocolate buttons within!


I, on the other hand, gave my vote to the Superfood Granola as there is no raisins within, plus it has a saltier taste. 

It feels great to start our day with a healthy meal, and to provide us with the energy boost that we require throughout the day. If you like to take home some packages of nutritious dried fruits or nuts, simple logon to Garden Picks website.  

GARDEN PICKS
Website: www.gardenpicks.com.sg

Disclosure: All comments and opinions are personal and no monetary compensation was received. Garden Picks sent us a  package of Superfood  for review purposes only.

12 comments:

mylilbookworm said...

I sometimes buy from Garden Picks push carts at Raffles Plc too! I fing their 3 pkts for $10 so irresistible. Haha ..

Anonymous said...

Chia seeds with Milo and milk - I never thought of that! Do the chia seeds take long to expand? Usually I just throw them into overnight oats, so I have no idea how long it takes for them to expand :D

Phoebe said...

Yes! So now my children keep bugging me to buy more quinoa.heheh

Phoebe said...

It does take some time to expand.. normally I made it hot and put chia seeds and leave it for 30mins or so.. it will expand a little. I tried putting in my water bottle and bring to work. Ater 2 to 3 hours, the seeds expanded quite a bit. I put in milo and milk so that children can try too.

Phoebe said...

It does take some time to expand.. normally I made it hot and put chia seeds and leave it for 30mins or so.. it will expand a little. I tried putting in my water bottle and bring to work. Ater 2 to 3 hours, the seeds expanded quite a bit. I put in milo and milk so that children can try too.

Phoebe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cynthia said...

Garden picks have been around for some time as I have bought from them before. I love your idea of Quinoa fried rice - bringing fried rice to a healthier level!

Young Smarties said...

Wow! Never thought of chia seeds with milo too! So far, only mix chia seeds with oats or rice when having meals. Will try it next round ;)

I love quinoa...now I know where to get them.

Phoebe said...

This is the first time I made quinoa fried rice.. and am going to make more next time. :)

Phoebe said...

I guess I was playing with food. Thought the kids will be more receptive if I put the chia seeds into their favourite drinks. Thanks to Garden Picks.. i know how tasty Quinoa is

Unknown said...

Wow the tricolour Quinoa looks very special! I like mixing quinoa into my rice in the cooker to give it a bit of texture, so it's nice to find a different source.

Ai Sakura said...

I've a packet of chia seeds at home but I've yet to use it for anything haha.. thanks for the milo idea!! ;p

Ai @ Sakura Haruka

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