Bee Pollen is one of Vivapura's most popular products so what better place to start a new series of articles? Bee Pollen is a beautiful and nutrient-dense superfood which we can always find a place in our diet for. These tiny granules are filled with huge amounts of nutrients. Bee pollen is rich in protein, mostly in the form or free form amino acids. It is also rich in lecithin and choline, two nutrients that can be difficult to find on low animal food diets. Pollen is a truly magical food whose secrets we are only now unlocking. Up to this point our Jarrah Bee Pollen has been our flagship Bee Pollen. It is a truly amazing pollen but recently we came across another pollen that we absolutely adore, Cascadian Mix Bee Pollen. The first thing you'll notice about this pollen is the amazing spectrum of color it has. It ranges from the palest yellow through oranges and reds to and purplish-black. Like the Jarrah Pollen it is dried as soon as it is harvested which preserves the nutrients and prevents rancidity. It is not dried quite as much as the Jarrah which gives it a slightly chewier texture. It has a sweet and florally taste that is delightful on its own or in recipes like the one which follows.
Spiced Cupcakes with Creme Cheese Frosting and Pollen Sprinklesfrosting ½ cup brazil nuts ½ cup Vanilla Coconut Creme 1 orange, juiced 1 tsp. lecithin ¼ cup raw honey 1-4 tbs. water Place brazil nuts in a food processor and process until really broken down. Add remaining ingredients except for water and process. As the machine is running add water 1 tbs. at a time until a creamy but thick consistency is achieved. Chill while making the cup cakes cake 1 cup of pulp leftover from making nut milk (I used a blend of coconut & brazil nuts) 2 apples, shredded 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. Vanilla Bean Powder 6 medjool dates ½ cup walnuts Zest and juice of 1 orange 1/3 cup Chia, ground 1/3 cup Hunza Raisins pinch salt 2 tbs. Coconut Oil 2 tbs. raw honey Place all of the ingredients into a bowl. Mix and knead with your hands until everything is well combined and a doughy consistency is achieved. AssemblyCascadian Bee Pollen Press cupcake dough into a cupcake mold, shaping the top to be slightly rounded. Frost each cupcake and garnish with Cascadian Pollen. Chill about 30 minutes before serving. Other Pollen Serving suggestions from the Vivapura crew:Erika: I like to mix equal portions of Cascadian Pollen, Coconut Chips and Cacao nibs for an energizing afternoon snack. Ben: Likes to blend with honey, chocolate and medicinal mushrooms while he does the bee mudra and chants. Michelle: Has two ways she loves to eat pollen, besides just eating it by the spoon: 1. On top of her green smoothies. 2. Chopped banana, tahini & pollen breakfast bowl....yum Izaiah: Melted in a hot chocolate drink. Joel: Sprinkled on chia seed pudding. We think you should try out our new Cascadian Mix Bee Pollen as well. To encourage you we're offering you a coupon for 15% off your next order of Cascadian Mix Bee Pollen, use coupon code "buzz15".