Superfoods you can grow in the UK
‘Superfood’ is a term used to refer to nutrient-dense food which plays a vital role in supporting our health and well-being, as well as reducing the risk of disease. They contain a particularly high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients and are therefore massively beneficial to our diets. There are many superfoods which can be grown here in the UK. Growing your own superfoods is both a cost effective and rewarding way to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and strengthen the immune system.
Superfoods fresh from your garden
There is a wealth of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables grown right here in the UK, meaning that we don’t need to turn to more exotic foods from far flung places to get our superfood fill. Taking the DIY approach to growing our own fruit and veg not only saves money, it also helps protect the environment. Below is a list of 7 of the best superfoods to grow in your garden.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a versatile and much-loved vegetable. It grows in abundance in the UK, contains a high amount of cancer fighting folic acid and nitrates and can be eaten hot or cold. It is also reputed to reduce high blood pressure and boost athletic performance. Beetroot is a great place to start for anyone new to vegetable gardening, it is easy to grow and is best sown between February and July.
Broccoli
We should all embrace broccoli into our diet, widely regarded as a nutritional powerhouse, it can reduce cholesterol and the risk of some cancers thanks to its impressive vitamin profile. Broccoli is also easy to grow, it is fast-growing and produces bluish-green heads, and is typically harvested in the summer/autumn, depending on when it is sown.
Spinach
Yet another easy to grow vegetable, spinach is particularly high in vitamin C, K and A, as well as iron and B vitamins. It also boasts some key electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium which are essential nutrients for the body important in maintaining hydration and the right pH balance. For those on a ketogenic diet, increasing your electrolyte intake will reduce the risk of developing symptoms of keto-flu. Spinach can be grown to produce an all year-round crop, which is particularly useful if other green vegetables are in short supply. Spinach should be sown between February and September.
While blueberries can be slightly more challenging to grow then the other superfoods mentioned so far, it is well worth it. Not only are they delicious and extremely high in antioxidants, they are also ornamental in that they produce very attractive, white bell-like flowers. Blueberries require an acidic and moisture-retentive soil and can be grown in either the garden or in containers. The best planting time is from November to March.
Tomatoes
Last but not least, the humble tomato. Undoubtedly a favourite amongst vegetable gardeners, tomatoes are packed full of a range of vitamins and a major source of lycopene, an antioxidant which has been linked to many health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. There are many different varieties of tomatoes and they are all very easy and satisfying to grow. The best time to sow tomato seeds is in March or April.
Jennifer Dawson