Cashew energy balls with sea buckthorn recipe

Energy is a popular word in our day and age, and utilised in many different contexts. To name just a few, there’s one’s own physical, spiritual and emotional vitality; the chemistry between living beings; the aura of places; and industrial fuel.

It’s often fascinating to look at the origins of such words, which reminds us of nuances that may have been lost over the years as society and language changes. For instance, the word energy comes from the Greek en, or ‘in and within’, and ergon, or ‘work’. Thus the literal meaning of this word could be understood as ‘work within’. You can think of energy balls, then, as fuel specially meant for the work within that we all need to do. For us, that’s an attractive way to view these dense bites.

Fresh energy

If you tend towards sweet, cacao-based energy balls, this specific recipe brings a tarter, fresher flavour. Coating the balls in Erbology Sea Buckthorn Powder accentuates these qualities. Moreover, a tablespoon of this powder more than satisfies your daily requirement of vitamin A, but more significant may be the 300 mg of omega-7s that it also contains.

Natural sources of this substance are difficult to source within a plant-based diet. It’s especially valuable for combating several variables that promote fatty build-ups in artery walls, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist, and high cholesterol. In other words, the ailments that come with the typical Western diet.(1)(2)(3) If that weren’t impressive enough, the balls also offer you a complete plant-based source of protein by way of the hemp seeds.

Maca powder, in turn, is sometimes termed an adaptogen. This means it may be able to help our body deal with stress. Further, in strengthening stamina, maca powder may combat symptoms of depression.(4)

The other ingredients

Cashews and raisins are classic pick-me-ups, and lemon zest adds a lovely, well…. zest! Do be careful when you buy vanilla extract, however. Many versions are sickly sweet and carry all sort of artificial chemicals. Be sure to source a natural vanilla extract that will match your other ingredients in wholesomeness and bring unrefined sweetness rather than coat your tongue in things you can’t spell.

Bonus points if you manage to hunt down an extract made from Mexican vanilla, as this vibrant country is the birthplace of vanilla, among all else it can boast of. This is a recipe to make when you have a little bit of time on your hands. Rolling the balls in the sea buckthorn powder is a pleasantly meditative task. The work within, indeed…