Pancake Day is here. A time to embrace the usually-vilified duo of sugar and carbs, the real key to their power lies in the accoutrements. You could go with the standard, overdone options (we’re looking at you golden syrup). Or you could experiment by adding our dried culinary herbs to your pancakes.
To commemorate Shrove Tuesday, we’ve selected five healthy alternatives to the usual pancake adornments. But first, we need to find out a bit more about the day itself…
What is Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day?
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world on the day before the start of the Christian season of Lent. Traditionally, Pancake Day was a way for people to use up certain ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the start of the fasting period.
Which herbs can I add to my pancakes?
Shrove Tuesday doesn’t have to involve an overload of sweetness – you can swap out that mound of sugar and deluge of syrup for healthier options.
We’ve compiled five such options from our DaoDi culinary herb range, each as delicious as they are nutritious…
Gou Qi Zi – Goji Berries
As good as fruity accompaniments get, our Goji Berries are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option to liven up your pancakes. Packed with antioxidants and a number of other body-boosting properties, they’re tasty and good for you.
Shan Zha – Dried Hawthorn Fruit
You may not presently associate pancakes with Dried Hawthorn Fruit, but that might change as soon as you’ve tried this culinary combination. The tart, invigorating punch of each berry balances out the richness of the pancakes wonderfully.
Hong Zao – Red Jujube
A palate-pleasing fruit of Eastern origin, Red Jujube are crisp on the outside yet juicy in the middle. They offer a refreshing, unusual layer of texture to typical pancake recipes. Just don’t forget to remove the stone in the middle first!
Wu Mei – Black Plum
Adding a sour, juicy explosion to your pancakes may not immediately spring to mind, but this unique mix yields impressive results when done correctly. You can sprinkle Black Plums on as is, or rehydrate them in boiling water first – either way they’re an innovative choice to spice up your Shrove Tuesday.
Wu Mei – Black Plum | (100g) | Purchase Now
Chen Pi – Orange Peel
There’s a reason lemon is so popular in pancake dishes; that citrusy zing is hard to beat. But it doesn’t always have to come from lemon, and in fact the zest you get from Orange Peel can bring a totally new dimension to your pancakes. Sprinkle them on top for a vibrant, vitamin C-infused burst.
Chen Pi – Orange Peel | (100g) | Purchase Now
Summary
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a holiday traditionally associated with an excess of sugar and carbs. While you sort of have to accept the latter, you can effectively cut down on the former by swapping out sugary additions for healthier, dried, herbal alternatives.
In the process, you may just find some herbal combinations that work even better than traditional options – especially when it comes to nutrition.
For more on our DaoDi culinary range, please click the link.
What do you think?