Let me introduce you to this crazy root from Japan called KUZU, because it’s rocking my world lately! As with all of my dishes…I try to make them serve a nutritional purpose for when I’m in need of something specific I know just where to turn! By that I mean, as an option for a healthy dessert, as something for a digestive relief, as something for an afternoon pick me up, as something for a healthy snack, as something for hydration, etc. etc. etc.
Kuzu clocks in as one of the most versatile ingredients I’ve cooked with thus far, allowing for the creation of those “purposeful plates” if you will! Kuzu goes great in dinner, dessert, alone, or mixed with nuts, seeds, and fruit! You literally can’t mess it up!
Kuzu, sometimes pronounced (kudzu) is a root native to Japan. It’s been used in Chinese medicine for years for it’s amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With it’s thick viscous like consistency it’s very stomach soothing as it coats the lining, providing you protection. This in combination with it’s high level of flavonoids does wonderful work in strengthening your digestive and circulatory systems.
Kuzu works as a natural stress reliever by promoting your body to produce hormones responsible for a calm state.
It’s been used to treat menopausal and periomenopausal symptoms due to its phytoestrogen content; riding things like hot flashes and night sweats… great tool to add to the box for all my female friends!
From a food stand point, kuzu helps balance the acidity of sweets making it perfect in pair with a dessert!
It’s a class of carbohydrates coming from the root of a vegetable. It’s super low in regards (2g per 1/4 cup) and can be paired along side any other macro/micro nutrients to create a balanced meal.
Kuzu comes in powder form and looks like little white rocks. It seems unusable when it comes to cooking, so I’ve created a little pudding recipe that makes it super simple to use as you wish.
I’ve been having this in dinner, dessert, or mixed with random tid-bits almost everyday now for the past few years and my digestive system, hormones, and blood sugar levels are steady and balanced from doing so.
Here’s a video tutorial on how to make my Kuzu Pudding.
Try some of my favorite ways to eat KUZU..
HERE – Mint Matcha Kuzu Creation
HERE – Dessert in Disguise my e-Book full of smoothies that tap into the kuzu pudding jar!
Show me your creations with KUZU by tagging #NourishingNelli on Instagram or Facebook!
-Nelli
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