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HK Magazine

Goji Berries
A true super fruit, goji berries are incredibly nutrient-dense and filled with antioxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene. They’re taste is a little sour with a tangy sweetness. Studies show that these berries can boost the immune system and combat inflammation. Some people even refer to the goji berry as the fountain of youth.
 
How to eat? Goji berries can be consumed in many ways, such as eating them dried or baking them into muffins like you would raisins or blueberries. You can even try putting them in some hot tea to get that goji flavor.
 
Where to buy? Purchase these berries at Health Gate: 8/F, Hung Yak Building, 106 Des Voeux Rd. Central.
Photo: Miheco/Flickr
Kombucha
Known in ancient China as the “immortal health elixir,” Kombucha is a fermented mushroom tea packed with vitamin B, enzymes, probiotics and antioxidants. Depending on how long the tea is brewing, the flavor ranges from earthy and mild to a tangy, vinegar-like taste. While the sour flavor may not be everyone’s cup of tea (so to speak), there is no denying that this tea has many health benefits.
 
How to eat? You can either ferment your own tea using the Kombucha SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), or you can buy a pre-made Kombucha drink.
 
Where to buy? The organic grocery store Just Green sells pre-made Kombucha teas. It has stores in Central, SoHo, Wan Chai, Lamma Island and Discovery Bay.
Photo: Ralph Hogaboom/Flickr
Pak Choi
Pak choi is more than just a side veggie to accompany your char siu rice; it is in fact a superfood packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene and calcium. That’s a lot of nutrients!
 
How to eat? Pak choi can be boiled, steamed or sautéed. To make it tasty, try cooking it in a stir-fry with garlic and ginger.
 
Where to buy? A perk to living in Asia is that pak choi can be found at pretty much every grocery store or wet market.
 
Photo: Jules/Flickr
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass juice contains more than 80 highly active live enzymes. These are great for digestion, removal of harmful substances in the body, and for maintaining good health. It provides fiber, potassium, tons of vitamins and even protein. If you can get past the grassy flavor, a shot of wheatgrass everyday will do wonders for your health.
 
How to eat? Just like a shot of tequila! Pour a serving of wheatgrass juice into a shot glass, brace yourself for an unpleasant taste, and throw it back. Bottoms up!
 
Where to buy? Green Vitamin is known for its wheatgrass juice, which can be purchased at stores like Nood Bar (Central) and Classified (Repulse Bay).
Photo: Shayan/Flickr
Chia Seeds
With a nutty taste, chia seeds are the perfect source of fiber, calcium and heart-healthy omega-3s. One benefit to this tiny superfood is that they can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, promoting hydration. Who knew that so many nutrients could come in such a tiny package!?
How to eat? Eat the seeds raw poured over cereal, oatmeal or salads to add a nutty flavor. Also try using them to thicken puddings and stir-fries.
Where to buy? Find them at Organic Land's Wan Chai Store at 181 Hennessy Road, or the TST branch at 100 Nathan Road.

	Photo: Stacy Spensley/Flickr
Kelp
Kelp is a type of seaweed. This “king of the ocean” is chock-full of essential nutrients and fiber. This superfood has a salty, fresh flavor and is sometimes sold with additional seasonings to make it even tastier. Studies have shown that eating kelp will help prevent obesity, poor digestion and thyroid problems.
 
How to eat? Depending on the variety, you can eat kelp in many ways. Try using kombu-kelp as a flavor enhancer for dashi, a
cooking stock that is the base of miso soup.
 
Where to buy? You can purchase a variety of kelp products, such as kelp noodles or kelp seasoning, online at www.lifeproject.hk.
Photo: Kake/Flickr
Almonds
Almonds are the Holy Grail of the nut world. They have more fiber and vitamin E than any other nut. These nutrients are proven to lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Not to mention they do wonders for your hair and skin.
 
How to eat?  This one’s a no-brainer; almonds are the perfect snack to munch on all day to satisfy cravings. No work necessary! Almond butter is also increasingly popular; spread it on toast in the morning for a quick protein fix.
 
Where to buy? Again, that’s an easy one. Almonds can be found at most grocery stores, including Wellcome and Park N Shop. 

	Photo: HarshaKR/Flickr
Acai Berry
Acai berries are bursting with antioxidants, amino acids and omega fatty acids, which all work together to slow the aging process by boosting immunity and the metabolism. In Brazil, these bad boys are called the “beauty berry.” The taste can be described as a rich mix of blackberries and raspberries with an oddly chocolatey flavor.  
 
How to eat? Use acai powder as an ingredient in fruity smoothies or yogurt.
 
Where to buy? You can find both an Acai berry juice and Acai organic powder at Just Green Organic Convenience Store, with locations in Central, SoHo, Wan Chai, Discovery Bay and Lamma Island.
Photo: Eli Duke/Flickr
Kefir 
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains beneficial bacteria, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Kefir is similar in taste and texture to a tart yogurt, but has different microflora. There are two types of kefir: the typical milk kefir and a dairy-free water kefir, which is fermented from different kefir “grains.”
 
How to eat? Try milk kefir in place of yogurt for yogurt-based salad dressings, or sip on flavored water kefirs.
 
Where to buy? Green Vitamin has just started making delish organic berry or pineapple flavored water. Order online at www.greenvitamin.hk.
 
Ginger
The ginger root has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have proven that ginger is great for digestion and provides gastrointestinal relief. It can also be used as a remedy for a cold, flu and headaches. With a slightly bitter, spicy taste, ginger is a great ingredient for day-to-day cooking,
 
How to eat? Ginger can be used in many ways: to make tea, to add to smoothies, or to add some flavor and seasoning to a big stir-fry filled with veggies and meat.
 
Where to buy? You can find ginger at most local grocery stores and wet markets.
 
Photo: Delphine Menard/Flickr


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The New Superfoods

Photo: StacySpensley/Flickr

Magazines

With superfoods falling in and out of fashion faster than you can say "kale chips," Melissa Frankenberry takes a closer look at the newest superfoods on the block, and a few classics, too.
