Don’t Pass Up These 12 Unique Health Foods

10/25/2017

Eating healthy can sometimes feel like a chore. Especially when you’re stuck eating the same thing over and over. Why not do yourself a favor and try something new? By making just a few swaps here and there, you may be surprised by how both your palette and your body responds!

We’ve put together a list of 12 health foods you may have never heard of before, all inspired by an infographic we stumbled upon earlier this week.This Infographic Was Supplied by Meal Delivery Experts. We’re pretty sure most people haven’t heard of some of the unique foods on our list. That’s exactly why we wanted to share them with you.

Each food we included on our list was added because it’s not only good for you, but it tastes delicious too! Take oca, for example. It’s similar to a sweet potato but somehow is even healthier and tastier than the popular side dish ingredient.

Maybe you’re a fruit fiend? Try biting into a cherimoya instead of an apple and be amazed as your taste buds come alive. There’s a reason it’s commonly referred to as a “custard apple!”

If you’re looking at our list and feeling a bit intimidated by these new ingredients, we completely understand. It certainly takes a step or two outside of your comfort zone to try a new food. Especially one that looks as bizarre as romanesco or a kiwano melon!

But rest assured, the foods on our list are easy to eat. Some of them can even be eaten raw, like starfruit and dragon fruit! Just remember to peel them first, of course.

As for the other ones, a simple online search will reveal dozens of delicious ways to cook with each of the ingredients on our list. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve included two of our favorite recipes.

Remember that when it comes to eating healthy, a little bit can go a long way. These foods are so full of flavor and nutrition, you’ll wish you had discovered them sooner. Give the following recipes a try and rest assured you’re doing your body well.

Parmesan Roasted Kohlrabi

Ingredients

• 6 kohlrabi
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• Cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
2. Peel the kohlrabi, then cut them into 1-inch wedges
3. In a large bowl, toss the wedged kohlrabi with the olive oil and a pinch of cayenne
4. Spread the kohlrabi on a rimmed baking sheet
5. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes
6. Remove roasted kohlrabi to a serving bowl and ross with the parmesan and parsley
7. Serve warm

Baked Romanesco with Olives & Mozzarella

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium-sized heads of romanesco
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil + more to grease the baking dish
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella – sliced
• 1 dozen soft black oil-cured olives – pitted
• 1 C grated pecorino or Parmesan
• 1 tsp roughly chopped capers
• 4 roughly chopped anchovy fillets
• 4 garlic cloves – minced
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
3. Cut the romanesco into quarters. Cut off any rough bits and trim away the core.
4. Chop the quarters into cubes about 2 inches in size
5. Add the chopped romanesco to the boiling water and cook for two minutes
6. Drain the romanesco and rinse with cold water
7. Add oil to a baking dish
8. Arrange the cooked romanesco in the dish in a single layer
9. Season with salt and pepper
10. Tear the mozzarella into pieces and place on top of the romanesco
11. Add the pecorino
12. Arrange the olives on top of the cheese
13. In a small bowl, mix the anchovies, garlic, capers, cayenne pepper, and 3 tbsp of olive oil
14. Drizzle the mixture over the top
15. Place the dish into the oven for 30 minutes until the cheese has browned
16. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving
17. Serve topped with a pinch of dried oregano