Tiger Nuts: The Sweet Ancient Treasures
Tiger nuts appear to have been originally farmed in Egypt, many thousands of years ago. Although some modern farmers consider them a weed, they are rich in nutrients like fiber, potassium and magnesium. The tiny tubers are joining amaranth and other foods of the ancient world that are currently being rediscovered by modern food trends. They can be eaten raw or roasted, with a texture and lightly sweet flavor much like a macadamia or Brazil nut.
Despite the name, tiger nuts aren’t nuts at all, but small root vegetables packed with prebiotic fibre, iron, and heart-healthy fats. With more people seeking alternative, allergen-free snacks, tiger nuts are being turned into flour, energy bars, and even dairy-free milk alternatives. Plus, they fit right into the trending low-sugar, high-fibre movement.
Sea Buckthorn: The Miracle Berry
The organic sea buckthorn is a small, bright orange berry that is also known as ‘miracle berry’ or ‘holy berry’. It has been utilized in traditional medicine all the way from China to Greece for centuries. Ancient Greeks discovered its wide array of health benefits when war horses were retired the ones who went to the wild sea buckthorn bushes would return re-energized and healthy with a glossy coat. With protein building amino acids, Vitamins B1, B2, K, C, A, E, folic acid, healthy fatty acids, at least 60 antioxidants and 20 minerals among other beneficial compounds, sea buckthorn is a true super food.
Wild sea buckthorn is very tart and has a flavor profile that some describe as sour orange meets mango. When the Chernobyl disaster struck, Sea Buckthorn was used to help treat the burn victims. Powerful antioxidants found in wild sea buckthorn may help reverse the effects of gout, eliminate skin rashes, cure infections and promote eye health, just to name a few health benefits.
Amaranth: The Aztec Powerhouse
Amaranth is a New World crop, a staple of the ancient Aztecs, who popped it and mixed it with honey to make a treat somewhere between marzipan and Cracker Jacks. In fact it was such a central part of their Precontact culture that the Spanish Conquistadores felt a need to ban its cultivation and consumption. Anyway, amaranth use went underground for centuries, grown and eaten in secret. Now its reputation has been thoroughly rehabilitated, due largely to its superior nutritional value and suitability for sustainable crop systems.
Amaranth is an ancient grain that contains more protein, lysine and essential amino acids than many other grains. This will help you build and repair tissues. Its gluten-free nature allows sensitive people to enjoy nutritious grains with no digestive issues. In addition to proteins, amaranth is an excellent source of fiber, iron and magnesium.
Teff: Ethiopia’s Ancient Grain
Teff, an ancient grain native to the Horn of Africa, has found new enthusiasts in the United States. It’s being cultivated in the American West and Midwest, where growers note its increasing appeal as a gluten-free “super food.” When he came to the United States for college in 1981, he missed injera, the spongy, teff-based flatbread that is a staple of the Horn of Africa diet. Now his Selam Foods markets the iron-rich grain online, with a website sharing recipes for injera and the history of teff, one of the oldest domesticated plants.
Although teff grains are tiny, they’re packed with important nutrients, such as iron and magnesium. They are also one of the few grains that boast vitamin C, a nutrient vital for immune and bone health. In Ethiopia, conditions like iron deficiency anemia are quite rare, possibly due to this nation’s high consumption of teff grains.
Maca Root: The Peruvian Energy Booster
The maca plant, called Lepidium meyenii or “Peruvian ginseng,” is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Native to the high Andean plateaus, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and can survive the harsh weather of the Peruvian Andes above 4,000 meters. Historically, it has been used as a nutrient-dense food and for its medicinal properties, primarily in enhancing energy and fertility.
Growing maca is a labor-intensive process. It thrives in harsh conditions above 4,000 meters. The locals believe maca increases stamina and energy. This belief has now spread worldwide. A 2024 review of studies explains that one traditional use for maca in Peru is to lower systolic blood pressure.
Camu Camu: The Vitamin C Champion
Camu camu grows wild along riverbanks in the Amazon rainforest. Harvesting this fruit is challenging. It requires boats and knowledge of the wild bushes. The fruits are collected by hand. This ensures that the berries arrive intact to the markets. It’s always harvested in small quantities.
To make camu camu last, it needs processing. The producer turns it into powder to preserve its nutritional benefits. In markets, camu camu powder is a sought-after commodity. Camu Camu: Another berry that is incredibly high in vitamin C and antioxidants, often found in the Amazon rainforest.
Black Currants: The Antioxidant Powerhouses
Black Currants: A small berry that is packed with vitamin C and anthocyanins, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These dark purple berries were once common in European and American diets but gradually disappeared from most Western tables over the past century. Their rich, tart flavor made them a favorite for jams, juices, and traditional remedies.
The fascinating thing about black currants is their incredible concentration of beneficial compounds. Unlike many fruits that lose their nutritional value when processed, black currants maintain their potent antioxidant levels whether fresh, frozen, or dried. You can find them in specialty health food stores or order them online from European suppliers.
Functional Mushrooms: The Adaptogenic Fungi
Functional mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga have been low-key popular for years, but 2025 is seeing them go mainstream. These adaptogenic fungi are known to help the body manage stress, improve cognitive function, and even support the immune system. Aside from being utterly delicious, mushrooms also provide health benefits. Eating more mushrooms may be associated with a lower risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, according to a review of studies.
Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, including a particularly powerful one called ergothioneine, which has been studied for its potential to help protect against disease. Shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster tend to have more ergothioneine than white button, crimini and portabella. More brands are launching coffee alternatives, protein powders, and wellness tonics infused with mushrooms, and with stress levels still high, people are looking for natural ways to chill out and focus.
Sea Moss: The Mineral-Rich Algae
Move over kale, there’s a new nutrient-packed powerhouse in town—sea moss. This algae is making waves (literally) thanks to its rich profile of 92 essential minerals that support gut health, immunity, and even skin hydration. TikTok wellness influencers swear by its ability to boost energy and improve digestion. Expect to see sea moss-infused smoothies, supplements, and even skincare products hitting supermarket shelves.
This red algae has been harvested along the rocky coastlines of Ireland, Scotland, and Jamaica for centuries. Irish families traditionally used it to make a nutritious gel that helped them survive potato famines. Today, it’s gaining recognition as one of the most mineral-dense foods on the planet.
Chia Seeds: The Tiny Aztec Warriors
Chia Seeds: A small but mighty seed that is rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. For example, chia seeds were once a staple food for the Aztecs and Mayans. These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. The word “chia” actually means “strength” in the Mayan language, reflecting how these warriors valued these small seeds for sustained energy during long journeys.
What makes chia seeds particularly fascinating is their ability to absorb water and form a gel-like consistency. This unique property made them perfect for ancient travelers who needed hydration and nutrition in harsh desert climates. Modern research confirms that chia seeds can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness.
