Healthy Unicorn Frappe with Edible Flowers

Having started on social media, so-called “unicorn food” is a trend that’s spreading like wildfire. So far there’s been unicorn lattes, unicorn ice cream, unicorn yogurt bark, sprinkle-encrusted unicorn toast, and other vivid delights. Although some of these magical morsels are created with healthy, natural ingredients like beets and matcha, many contain dairy, refined sugar, and synthetic dyes. Fun food doesn’t have to be unhealthy! There are so many natural, delicious flavors and bright colors; it’s easy to whip up something that’s both gorgeous and good for you. With that in mind, we crafted a healthier, better-tasting version of the unicorn frappuccino that’s even more colorful than the original.

Healthy Unicorn Frappe with Edible Flowers

This vegan recipe uses full-fat coconut milk to carry the swirl of color. Like cacao beans and palm oil, coconut milk is one of the few vegan sources of saturated fat. While not as essential as unsaturated fat, many health authorities insist that you do need some saturated fat in your diet. Coconut milk is delicious but dense in calories, so enjoy it sparingly. You can use the remaining coconut milk whipped cream to top off your unicorn frappe but be advised that it will significantly increase the calorie count.

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 7 minutes
• Total time: 12 minutes
• Servings: 3

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Blender
• Spatula
• 2 glasses to serve

Ingredients

Coconut Whipped Cream

• 1 15 oz can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp turmeric, spirulina, or maqui berry powder for color

Topping

• Edible orchids, pansies, or other subtly-flavored flowers

Vegan Frappe

• 1/2 cup hemp milk or dairy-free milk
• 2 medium bananas, sliced and frozen
• 2 tbsp freeze-dried pomegranate powder
• 1 tsp beetroot powder

Directions

1. Add cold coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your choice of turmeric, spirulina, or maqui berry powder to stand mixer. Set to whisk on high for 10 minutes. (You will have extra whipped cream left over.)
2. While the whipped cream is being whisked, add hemp milk, frozen banana slices, pomegranate powder, and beetroot powder to blender and pulse until the consistency is smooth.
3. Fill both glasses halfway with the pomegranate-banana base.
4. Load a teaspoon or coffee stirrer with the colored whipped cream and draw a design on the inside of the glass.
5. Pour the remaining base in both glasses.
6. Top the drink off with an edible flower or two.
7. Grab a straw and enjoy!

Health Benefits of Eating Edible Flowers

Beyond adding a charming touch to desserts, flowers are a source of plant-based nutrients and boast many of the same health-promoting benefits as other brilliant-hued fruits and vegetables. Edible flowers like chamomile, primrose, and lavender can help promote calm feelings. Monks cress and marigold are good sources of antioxidants. Others, like chrysanthemums and violas, are rich in minerals like potassium.^{[1, 2,3]}

Check your favorite organic grocery store for edible flowers. You’ll usually find them in the refrigerated section with the fresh herbs. Never eat flowers from a florist as they’ve probably been sprayed for pests or treated with chemicals to prolong the life of the blooms. There are also many online retailers that sell organic edible flowers.

If you need a light snack to go with your frappe, add an equally bright side of frozen blueberries and raspberries topped with vegan yogurt.

There you have it, a unicorn frappe that’s colorful and healthy. Make it for yourself and let us know what you think!

References (3)

1. Duke, James A., et al. “CRC Handbook Of Medicinal Spices.” 2nd ed. Boca Raton, Fla. [u.a.]: CRC Press, 2003. Print.
2. Navarro-González, Inmaculada, et al. “Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Edible Flowers: Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 16.1 (2014): 805-822. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
3. Rop, O., et al. “Edible Flowers–A New Promising Source Of Mineral Elements In Human Nutrition.” Molecules 17.6. (2012): 672-6683: n. pag. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.