Make your own Spirulina Flax Snacks
These Spirulina Flax Snacks look a little unappetizing at first but I assure you that they are sweet, satisfying, and delicious. They are all raw vegan and totally healthy. It takes little effort to make them, and you can make a large batch for little cost. Kept in the refrigerator or freezer, these treats can last months. This snack is one I usually have around for quick on-the-go energy and nutrition.
Spirulina is a type of single celled cyanobacteria within the blue-green algae group that is a multivitamin superfood. Over two thirds of spirulina is easy to digest protein. All 8 essential amino acids are very abundant in each serving. It's packed with chlorophyll to build new red blood cells, organic minerals like potassium and calcium, several B vitamins, and more Vitamin E than wheat germ oil. On top of that, there is lots of carotenoids (vitamin A precursors), some polysaccarides (low glycemic sugars), and even some essential fatty acids (check out my interview on omega 3s).
Flax seed is one of the most abundant sources of ALA (Omega 3s) which is great for beautiful skin, heart health, joint health, brain health, and many other bodily functions. In addition to that, it's a great source of amino acids (protein), minerals like manganese, magnesium, and iron, and a lot of fiber. Flax also has one of the highest amount of Lignans which are a polyphenol and a phytoestrogen (different than estrogen). This means that flax is rich in antioxidants and balances hormone efficiently.
For more info about Flax check out this Ultimate Guide to Making Flax Seed Smoothies. There you'll see some great info about how to grind, sprout, and use flax on a regular basis.
Coconuts are another superfood packed full of vitamins and minerals. Of a 100g serving of raw coconut meat, you get about 33g of healthy fats, 3g protein, and 9g of fiber. Then I have to mention the whopping 356mg of potassium, 435mcg of copper, and 47mg of phytosterols (help lower bad cholesterol).
So enough nerd talk, on to the recipe...
Spirulina Flax Snacks
Ingredients
- 1 part Spirulina
- 2 parts shredded Coconut
- 3 parts pitted Dates (soft ones are ideal, I used the coconut date rolls this time)
- 3 parts peeled ripe Banana (I use over ripe sale bananas)
- 8 parts soaked Flax Seed
First, you want to soak about 4 parts Flax Seed with about 4 parts distilled water. Let this combo set for a few hours to let the flax absorb all of the water. If water isn't fully absorbed, then stir and wait a bit longer until all water is taken in by the Flax.
In a food processor fitted with the "S" blade, blend the dates and banana until they are well combined. Mix with all remaining ingredients in a large (preferably glass) bowl. Hand mix until all items are well blended. Spread flat with a spatula on your dehydrator's drying trays. Tip: Use wax paper between the mixture and the dehydrator trays for easier cleaning. Set your dehydrator to about 118 degrees and leave it for about 8 hours.
Around 8 hours check to see if it's dry enough to flip over. If it is go ahead and flip it and remove the wax paper. Allow to dry for another 6-8 hours. Remove, cut into favorable sizes, and store in plastic bags or Tupperware. These snacks will last in the refrigerator or freezer for months, so don't be afraid of making a big batch.
My music inspiration for this batch of Spirulina Flax Snacks was the most current album by The Strokes called "Angles" and "Plastic Beach" by Gorillaz. For Strokes fans I suggest looking into CRX as they are an off shoot of The Strokes. For Gorillaz fans, rumor has it that a new album and a tour are in the works for 2017. Get excited..
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