Chocolate coconut balls

Looking for a delicious and nutritious snack? Check out these healthy energy balls.

Chocolate coconut balls
Photo by Louis Hansel / Unsplash

Looking for a delicious and nutritious snack? Check out these healthy energy balls!

INGREDIENTS

  • 120g coconut powder
  • 180 g fresh Medjool dates
  • 2 tablespoon of raw cacao
  • 50g of fresh orange juice
  • 60g desiccated unsweetened coconut + extra for coating

PREPARATION

(in Food Processor or in Thermomix)

  • Mix the coconut powder and dates
  • Add the cacao powder and orange juice until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
  • Using your hands form little balls and roll them in coconut to coat.

Nutrition facts

Coconut =  dietary fibre, vitamin C, E, B-complex, iron, potassium, and magnesium & protein. Coconut also contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids (which can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body)

Dates = Fibre, potassium, magnesium, vit B6, iron (note that dates are high in natural sugars, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet). When buying Medjool dates make sure they look plump & moist.


Photo by Mona Mok / Unsplash

Interesting fact about Medjool dates

They were once reserved exclusively for Moroccan royalty and were considered a delicacy in the Middle East. In fact, they were so highly valued that they were often given as gifts to foreign dignitaries and heads of state. Medjool dates were introduced to Europe in the late 19th century, when Moroccan farmers brought them to the French Riviera for an exhibition. The dates were a hit with French and European aristocracy and quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of date palm plantations in several Mediterranean countries. Today, Medjool dates are widely available throughout Europe and are enjoyed for their sweet, caramel-like flavour and nutritional benefits. They are used in a variety of dishes, from salads and appetisers to desserts and baked goods, and are a popular snack among health-conscious consumers.


Cracked Coconut background
Photo by Tijana Drndarski / Unsplash

Interesting fact about coconut

Coconut have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and healing practices. In some cultures, coconut water is considered a natural remedy for various ailments, including dehydration, digestive issues, and kidney stones. The oil extracted from coconut meat is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions, hair loss, and fungal infections.