nuut x guru - delicious nuut riffs with extraordinary health benefits

at nuut, we love a delicious collab, so we got together with Apple from Guru Medica, an edible apothecary in South Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia to create nuuts with a real difference. Not only do they taste decadent, they are super good for you too.“

Salt gets a bad wrap these days for its lack of minerals, yet good quality salt is rich in minerals called electrolytes which are essential for fluid balance in the body,” says Apple. “The biggest cause of dehydration is lack of electrolytes from sweating – and not just during workouts but also from going about your daily activities. Adding an ancient salt to your nuut is an easy way to add those minerals back into your body.”

Different salts contain distinctive mineral profiles. Choose sea salt for its iodine, rock salt for iron, black sea salt mixed with charcoal for drawing out toxins, and pink sea salt for iodine and a touch of merlot which is wonderful for the soul.

“I always say, you have to look after the body, but you have to look after the soul too,” says Apple.

Almonds are a fantastic source of protein and vitamins. “They are rich in Vitamin E – an emollient nutrient that is essential for keeping the skin hydrated,” says Apple. “They are also rich in polyunsaturated fats that optimise brain, nerve and heart health”.

Almond butter is a great alternative to peanut butter which can cause stomach upsets due to their lectins. “I like to add freshly ground pure almond butter to my nuut as an alternative to using pre-made almond milk,” she says.

Chocolate is also traditionally used as a remedy for a broken heart and recent studies have confirmed that cacao’s flavonoids and polyphenol content is highly beneficial for heart health.

“Cacao is also a food-based anti-depressant which is why we reach for chocolate when we’re feeling low,” agrees Apple. “Cacao is a natural source of five happiness chemicals – dopamine, serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine. These neurotransmitters and precursors are associated with fuzzy feelings of wellbeing, love, and can even combat depression.”

Note: Egyptian and Persian rose buds are mostly organic and a good choice for grinding.

“it has great digestive benefits with a host of potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities making it helpful for clearing up breakouts,” apple says. “try green cardamom too which is herbal with notes of pine and a whisper of sweetness that adds a chai-like pizzazz to chocolate recipes.”

Always opt for freshly ground spices that have a volatile oil content which enhances flavour and medicinal value. “Once ground, they can start to lose their pungency, so ensuring yours are freshly ground means you will enjoy their full benefits,” she says.

A dash of honey adds sweetness and light to spice and chocolate. “I love honey from the Kimberly region in Western Australia,” says Apple. “The beekeeper is an Indigenous woman who works with Broome elders. It is an active honey because of its medicinal compounds, great for gut health, and complements the actions of spices like cardamom and ginger.”

The taste of honey changes depending on the seasons. “This honey, for example, tastes of Melaleuca Tea Tree in spring and autumn, bloodroot in winter, and in summer when the bees are moved to a watermelon plantation, just like melon. Honey is magical in so many ways,” she says.

Note: Freshly ground spices are strong so add a little, and taste, until happy with its ‘kick’.