Nutritious and Delicious: SolBe Mar Carrot-Nana Muffins. A Healthy Back-to-School Option

As we transition towards enjoying seasonal foods in Massachusetts, @SolBe Learning is celebrating the versatile and vibrant carrot as our highlighted vegetable of the month. Carrots not only add color to your plate but are also packed with essential nutrients, making them a fantastic choice for growing children. In this blog post, we'll delve into the remarkable health benefits of carrots, particularly focusing on the wonders of beta-carotene. We'll also provide you with a delightful and sugar-free recipe for SolBe Mar Healthy Carrot/Nana (banana) muffins – perfect for nutritious and delicious snacking during the back-to-school season.

The Power of Carrots for Children:

Carrots are not just any root vegetable; they're a goldmine of nutrients, making them an ideal addition to your child's diet. Here are some specific details about the health benefits of carrots:

1. Beta-Carotene: Carrots are renowned for their high beta-carotene content, a type of antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is crucial for children as it:

• Promotes Healthy Vision: Beta-carotene plays a vital role in maintaining good eyesight, particularly in low-light conditions.

• Strengthens Immune System: It bolsters the immune system, helping children fight off illnesses and infections.

• Supports Growth and Development: Vitamin A aids in the healthy growth and development of children, including the development of bones and teeth.

SolBe Mar Healthy Carrot/Nana Muffins Recipe: 

Now, let's dive into the delightful recipe for SolBe Mar Healthy Carrot/Nana muffins, a treat that combines the goodness of carrots, bananas, and other wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated organic carrots

• 2 ripe bananas

• 2 Vital Farms Certified Humane Large Eggs

• 1/3 tablespoon Vital Farms grass-fed butter (melted)

• 1 tablespoon Organic Vanilla Extract

• 1 and 3/4 cups einkorn organic unbleached flour

• 1/4 cup ground flax

• 1 tablespoon unbleached baking powder

• 1 tablespoon organic Ceylon cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground organic nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas.

2. Add the eggs, melted grass-fed butter, and organic vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the einkorn organic unbleached flour, ground flax, baking powder, organic Ceylon cinnamon, and ground organic nutmeg. Mix well.

4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is well combined. Add the grated carrots in last- fold them in.

Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a muffin pan with butter or use unbleached muffin liners.

3. Scoop the batter into each muffin slot, filling each about two-thirds full.

4. Bake for approximately 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean

Incorporating nutritious and delicious snacks into your child's diet is essential, especially during the back-to-school season. Our SolBe Mar Healthy Carrot/Nana muffins not only offer a delightful treat, but also harness the power of carrots, bananas, and flax seeds to provide a wholesome breakfast or snack option.

As we mentioned earlier, flax seeds are a key ingredient in this recipe, and they bring their own set of benefits. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds support brain health and cognitive development in growing children. Additionally, their fiber content aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels, ensuring sustained energy throughout the school day.

So, whether your school provides lunch and snacks or not, these muffins are a perfect addition to your kiddo's diet. They are not only a tasty and convenient option but also a nutritious choice that aligns with SolBe Learning's commitment to promoting seasonal and healthy eating habits for kids.

By incorporating the goodness of carrots, the natural sweetness of bananas, and the health benefits of flax seeds, you can feel confident that your child is getting a snack that supports their growth, development, and overall well-being. Happy snacking and happy learning!

Be Vibrant!

Mar