Blueberries, like I said before, are packed with antioxidants so figs need not be left behind. Figs are full of dietary fiber. Only 3-4 fresh or dry figs provide 5 grams of fiber which is 20 percent of the daily value. Figs are also similar to blueberries in that they are high in antioxidants, even higher than red wine and tea. Next year I plan to grow my own figs, since they are so easily grown! Figs are very draught tolerant and even stand up to temperatures as cold as 20 degrees! Figs also go back many years, in Genesis 3:7 the Bible says that … “the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”
Walnuts really are one of my favorite nuts, they are just slightly bitter with hints of soft nuttiness. They really pair well with any combo (in my option) but they exceptional go well with figs! Walnuts are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which aid in cardiovascular health.
Agave nectar is a great low fructose alternative sweetener to honey. I don’t know any other way to describe it other than to say that it tastes almost exactly like honeysuckle nectar. I use agave nectar in many different things from hot tea to baked goods. It is usually easy to find agave in any grocery store near the honey or in the baking isle.
Blueberry and fig parfait
Ingredients:
¼ cup fresh blueberries
1 fig sliced lengthwise
1-2 tbs raw granola or chopped nuts of choice (I used raw walnuts)*
½ cup Greek yogurt or banana soft serve, recipe below (for a vegan treat)
Salt
Agave nectar or local honey for drizzling
Instructions:
Layer yogurt in glasses or just add it to a bowl and top with granola and fruit. Finish it off with the salt and agave nectar (key ingredients).
*later on the blog I will share my delicious recipe for raw granola!
Simple banana soft serve
Ingredients:
½ - 1 banana cut into chunks and frozen
2 tbs almond milk (or as needed to blend)
Instructions:
Add banana and milk to a food processor or high speed blender with a plunger attachment (such as a vitamix) and blend/ process until smooth. Enjoy before it melts!