WHY IS EVERYONE PUTTING BEE POLLEN IN THEIR SMOOTHIES?

April 11, 2017

Ever been curious about bee pollen?

Sure, people have been eating out of the honey pot for years, but bee pollen, the lesser known yet incredibly nutritious and versatile bee by-product, is also a nutritional force to reckoned with—or sprinkled over your smoothie!

What is bee pollen?

What are these mysterious, granulated, mustard-yellow sprinkles really, and what are they good for? Bee pollen is the result of when bees pick up flower pollen granules, mix them with regurgitated honey or nectar, and pack them into ‘baskets’ on their hind legs to take back to the hive.

What are the nutritional benefits of bee pollen?

When you take a look at the nutritional makeup of bee pollen, you can see why it’s been called one of the world’s most nourishing foods. One tablespoon of bee pollen has approximately 45 calories, and a 35% protein makeup. It’s one of the richest sources of vitamins in a single food, with eighteen vitamins including a B complex, all essential amino acids, fatty acids, and enzymes. All of that created by a little bee, and a few flowers.

A few cautions:

If you have allergies, talk to your doctor before taking bee pollen. In some cases, bee pollen has caused allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

Bee pollen is also not advised for pregnant, breastfeeding women, or anyone taking blood thinning medication.

Any special storing instructions?

Yes. Bee pollen should be stored in a cool, dark place. It can lose it’s effectiveness when stored at room temperature, so storing it in the freezer is also a good option.

What’s it taste like, and how do you eat it?

Bee pollen has a slightly crunchy, but mostly chewy texture, and has a chalky, sweet taste that is reminiscent of raw honey. Personally, I loved it when I first sprinkled it over top my smoothie, but found the taste to be a bit off putting once it had time to marinate in the smoothie jar for a while.

•Sprinkle it over top your smoothie, juice, salad, granola, or popcorn.
•Use bee pollen as an ingredient in raw protein bars or desserts.
•Include it in your salad dressing.
•Sprinkle it over top chocolate bark or cake.
•Blend it right into a delicious Turmeric Mango Smoothie!

Turmeric Mango Smoothie with Bee Pollen

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas
1 small fresh mango, peeled with pit removed
1 medium-small orange, peeled and seeds removed
1 inch fresh turmeric root, peeled
1 teaspoon bee pollen, plus more for sprinkling
1 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon coconut cream
1 fresh medjool date, pitted

Add all ingredients to blender, and blend on high until smooth. Pour into one large or two small glasses. Sprinkle with extra bee pollen.

SPUD

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