Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with it comes a tidal wave of all things pink. From roses to centerpieces to cards (and let’s not forget #millenialpink), get ready to be inundated with all things PINK.
Luckily, pink foods look stunning on a plate.
What makes pink food…well… pink?
You can credit that rosy hue in your berries to a little pigment called anthocyanin. This little pigment isn’t just nature’s food dye, though. It offers a host of health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant that shows great promise for protecting your heart and even helping ward off cancer. It can also help protect you from oxidative stress and fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Here’s something else to consider: anthocyanins are natural indicators of acidity. In acidic environments, anthocyanin pigments turn red, while in alkaline environments, they turn blue.
In a way, you can think of pink foods as nature’s own version of an alkalinity mood ring. If you are on an alkaline diet, just knowing this can be extremely useful!
So, now that you know what makes pink foods pink… which ones should you add to your dinner plate tonight?
Pink Oyster Mushroom
Talk about food that is a work of art. Pink oyster mushrooms are a wonder to behold. They are so beautiful that they look almost like an edible rose placed right on your dinner plate. And my fellow Miamians will appreciate this – some people call them the “pink flamingo” mushroom!
Ever wonder why you don’t see these beauties anywhere but the fanciest of restaurants? Well, it turns out that their shelf life is only about a day!
Because of their specific flavor profile, these mushrooms make an excellent substitute for bacon bits. And instead of all the grease, you get a healthy dose of antioxidants, heart-healthy, and immune-boosting support through things like pleuran, niacin, zinc, pantothenic acid, and more!
Pink Peppercorn
Pink peppercorns are up for quite a spicy debate. If you’ve not seen them on your grocery store shelf, it might be because, once upon a time, the FDA banned them, citing concerns that they caused inflammatory symptoms similar to those of poison ivy. But the French quickly argued otherwise, and the ban was overturned.
If you have tried them, you know that these tiny little pink-color berries (that’s right, they aren’t actually a pepper!) add quite a twist to any plate–and they are beautiful as well.
We find pink peppercorns to be quite flavorful. We tend to agree with most sources that, in moderation, pink peppercorns are good to eat and can even be powerful anti-inflammatories. However, they are not a good choice for everyone, especially those prone to allergies or gut issues. This is why we never use pink peppercorns in our own spices for our personal chef services!
Rose Petals
Did you know that rose petals are edible? They have a robust, aromatic flavor that is a bit sweet. You can turn them into rose syrup, mix them into salads, or dry them and add them to your breakfast cereal. Want something a little sweet and truly luxurious to add to your romantic dinner lineup? Try candied rose petals.
Rose petals aren’t just pretty, either. According to WebMD, rose petals are also high in phytonutrients, which means they might also be a strong cancer-fighting food.
Salmon
Salmon practically needs no introduction. It is extremely popular, probably in part because it is not only tasty but it is widely available. And since it is rich in omega-3s, protein, and other essential vitamins, it has taken its rightful place amongst the healthiest foods.
Our slow-roasted salmon features mustard seeds, honey, and a bit of lime. In a word, it’s delicious. Grab the recipe here!
Dragonfruit
While other states find this pink fruit to be a bit gourmet and mysterious, we are lucky. You can find dragon fruit in just about any backyard in Florida!
Also known as the “strawberry pear,” these fruits are quite a showstopper, with their vibrant magenta skin and their juicy white flesh speckled with black seeds. They might just be the most beautiful fruit on earth, and they make a great addition to smoothies. Or, just cut them in half and eat them with a spoon.
Guava
Another fruit that can be found growing roadside and in backyards of Florida is the guava fruit. This one can be a bit intimidating to newbies, but actually, it is quite delicious when you find it in season. And the seeds are edible and chock full of even more vitamins and nutrients than the pink flesh itself!
And if you want to add a pink cocktail to your Valentine’s Day line-up, a guava cocktail is both delicious and much healthier than any sugary mix you’ll find in the store.
Beets
Beets are one of those foods that people love to debate (Einstein famously hated beets). But as you can probably tell by the name (we are The Pickled Beet, after all) we love them! Not only are they tasty, but they are absolutely nutritious. They are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, and so many other nutrients sorely needed by your body.
And if that isn’t enough to love, they are thought to be an aphrodisiac, making them even more suitable for Valentine’s Day!
Pink Grapefruit
Another Florida favorite, grapefruit, was actually the happy accident of hybridization of an orange and a pomelo. And the result couldn’t be sweeter. Pink grapefruits are especially tart, though, with a flavor more intense than that of the red varieties.
However, many people don’t know that grapefruit can interfere with medications. So for our clients on daily prescriptions, we steer clear of this one in our personal chef services.
Pomegranates
Chock full of seeds, not only are pomegranates delicious – they are a symbol of love and fertility. These “apples of many seeds” are considered a superfood, and are full of ingredients that can help improve your overall health.
Full of polyphenols, these fruits can help keep several health issues at bay. But health issues aside, they are a decadent fruit that is a treat to consume.
Falling In-Love With Pink Foods
The health benefits of pink foods make them positively swoon-worthy.
Want to learn about other foods that will leave your tongue “tickled pink” (sorry, we had to!)? We would love to hear from you! We provide personal chef services to Miami and the surrounding area. Our focus is on crafting menus that cater to specific dietary needs in creative ways. Our mission is to help you eat food that isn’t just delicious–it makes you feel good.
Enjoy food that is both imaginative and healthy with The Pickled Beet’s personal chef services. Complete this food questionnaire to set up your free consultation and get started!
Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals and the information we have provided is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional to address any concerns or questions you may have regarding your diet or overall health. The Pickled Beet is not liable for any risks or issues associated with acting upon the information we have provided.
