* I received a complimentary sample for review purposes but all opinions and love of pancakes are my own!
Our household is a firm believer of "pancakes are for life, not just for Christmas". In other words, we have them most weekends, not just on a dedicated day of the year. Whilst this is great news (hooray for all the pancakes) it can get a little tricky coming up with new ideas for toppings. Maple syrup is always a winner, as is lemon and generous dustings of sugar equal to that of a snow capped mountain. Chocolate is always well received too (although admittedly not so great on the waistline).
Enter Sambazon’s fruity Açai Compote.
WHO YOU ASK?
Sambazon gets its name from its core goal: Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon. Proceeds from each purchase helps to protect the Amazon rainforest and the families that farm there. Having a Sambazon product so close to Pancake Day was suitably apt as this also falls within Fairtrade Fortnight. Sambazon is currently said to be the only certified organic and Fairtrade Açaí brand in the UK.
I have always been passionate about food, but lately I have been increasingly conscious about where my food comes from and its ecological footprint. I don't know about you, but for me food always tastes that little bit better when you know the farmer / source hasn't had a raw deal.
Enter Sambazon's Açai berry superfruit pack.
Pronounced "ah-sigh-ee", Açai is a type of berry renowned for its superfood properties. Açai berries grow at the top of palm trees in the Amazon rainforest and each berry contains just 10% of usable fruit and pulp and then a large seed (the latter of which has no benefits) -which gives you an idea of how many berries are needed. Dark purple in colour (similar to a grape), it is full of antioxidants and has a wealth of other health benefits:
And with that, let's crack on with how to make some nutritious yet delicious pancakes full of antioxidants and extra goodness.
I was really pleased with how my berry compote turned out (and for the record, it was every bit as delicious as it looks!). It barely took any time to rustle up, and really couldn't be any easier.
If you're looking for a pancake topper full of berries and antioxidants, you know where to go. Sambazon products like this one can be found in the freezer aisle of Wholefoods and Ocado (I've also seen on Amazon). Each pack contains four individually sealed bags. Simply keep frozen until needed and once thawed, do not re-freeze. For a full list of stockists, you can find these on the Sambazon website here, or feel free to reach out to the Sambazon team who will be more than happy to help.
Alternatively the Sambazon superfruit packs are also great for smoothies, smoothie bowls and porridge toppers (you can find a full list of recipes here).
Our household is a firm believer of "pancakes are for life, not just for Christmas". In other words, we have them most weekends, not just on a dedicated day of the year. Whilst this is great news (hooray for all the pancakes) it can get a little tricky coming up with new ideas for toppings. Maple syrup is always a winner, as is lemon and generous dustings of sugar equal to that of a snow capped mountain. Chocolate is always well received too (although admittedly not so great on the waistline).
Enter Sambazon’s fruity Açai Compote.
WHO YOU ASK?
Sambazon gets its name from its core goal: Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon. Proceeds from each purchase helps to protect the Amazon rainforest and the families that farm there. Having a Sambazon product so close to Pancake Day was suitably apt as this also falls within Fairtrade Fortnight. Sambazon is currently said to be the only certified organic and Fairtrade Açaí brand in the UK.
I have always been passionate about food, but lately I have been increasingly conscious about where my food comes from and its ecological footprint. I don't know about you, but for me food always tastes that little bit better when you know the farmer / source hasn't had a raw deal.
Enter Sambazon's Açai berry superfruit pack.
WHAT IS AÇAI?
Pronounced "ah-sigh-ee", Açai is a type of berry renowned for its superfood properties. Açai berries grow at the top of palm trees in the Amazon rainforest and each berry contains just 10% of usable fruit and pulp and then a large seed (the latter of which has no benefits) -which gives you an idea of how many berries are needed. Dark purple in colour (similar to a grape), it is full of antioxidants and has a wealth of other health benefits:
- The pulp and skin contain the most nutrients and are a good source of fibre (great for digestion)
- Açai berries have similar levels of essential fatty acids as olive oil, of which there are studies linking essential fatty acids to a healthy heart and nervous system.
- .... and let's not forget about the antioxidants they contain (anthocyanins) which are also great for a healthy heart
- Açai berries contain amino acids which are said to help promote muscle performance, production of energy, endurance and strength (excellent news if you're an avid gym goer)
- Açai berries are said to contain as much vitamin C as blueberries, and also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and E. They are also a source of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.
- Interestingly they are one of the only fruits on the planet to be naturally sugar free
And with that, let's crack on with how to make some nutritious yet delicious pancakes full of antioxidants and extra goodness.
YOU WILL NEED
- A punnet of berries like blueberries or blackberries (I really recommend raspberries for this)
- One pack of Sambazon superfruit
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Ground ginger (optional)
- Mint (optional)
- Pancake ingredients (whether you go for standard, buckwheat or other, this is up to you!)
METHOD
- Cook your pancakes in advance and leave warming in a stack in the oven
- Empty one pack of Sambazon superfruit into a pan and add a small handful of berries
- Keep on a medium-low heat and keep stirring until the fruit softens and breaks down a little (not too much though as you don't want mush!)
- Taste as you go. You can add cinnamon / ground ginger if you wish
- Dish up the pancakes and top with the açai berry compote, fresh berries (I used raspberries) and a sprig of fresh mint (optional)
FINAL RESULT
I was really pleased with how my berry compote turned out (and for the record, it was every bit as delicious as it looks!). It barely took any time to rustle up, and really couldn't be any easier.
If you're looking for a pancake topper full of berries and antioxidants, you know where to go. Sambazon products like this one can be found in the freezer aisle of Wholefoods and Ocado (I've also seen on Amazon). Each pack contains four individually sealed bags. Simply keep frozen until needed and once thawed, do not re-freeze. For a full list of stockists, you can find these on the Sambazon website here, or feel free to reach out to the Sambazon team who will be more than happy to help.
Alternatively the Sambazon superfruit packs are also great for smoothies, smoothie bowls and porridge toppers (you can find a full list of recipes here).
How do you like your pancakes?
