Activated charcoal is ‘the new black’ in your food

Chennai

Here are a few recipes where activated charcoal capsules or powder can be used but remember to only ingest small quantities. 

Avoid consuming it frequently, ensure to drink plenty of water, intake roughly three-four hours after meals and purchase those derived from pure coconut shells that have no additives, fillers or sweeteners.

CHARCOAL CHAI

Serves one 

INGREDIENTS: 

2/3 cup non-dairy milk 

1 cinnamon stick 

6 green cardamom pods, crushed 

6 black peppercorns 

2-inch ginger piece peeled, cut into 1/4-inch slices and smashed 

¼ teaspoon activated charcoal 

1 tiny pinch sea salt 

1 teaspoon honey 

METHOD: 

• Combine the milk, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and ginger in a small saucepan. 
• Bring the mixture up to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cover. Cook over very low heat for 5 minutes. 
• Put the activated charcoal, sea salt, and honey in a powerful blender. 
• Strain the chai mixture directly in and blend for 1 minute, or until frothy.

CHARCOAL WAFFLES

Makes between 4 and 6 waffles, depending on iron size 

INGREDIENTS:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted

4 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

3 egg whites

3 egg yolks

½ cup melted butter

2 cups milk

¼ cup activated charcoal powder 

METHOD:

• Preheat waffle iron.
• Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, then lightly add charcoal powder using a whisk. 
• In a bowl, beat the egg yolks, and add the milk and the melted butter. Add the sifted dry ingredients. 
• In a small bowl, beat the egg whites to a thick foam and add them gently to the preparation until just combined. 
• Pour ¼ cup batter mix onto your iron; cook until done through. 
• Serve with anything from coconut ice cream to maple syrup.

CHARCOAL LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS: 

500 ml water 

1 lemon 

1-2 tablespoons maple syrup 

1-2 capsules of activated charcoal 

1 pinch salt 

1 drop of lemon essential oil 

Fresh bruised herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil 

METHOD: 

• Begin by juicing the lemon into your water.
• Next add the maple syrup and the salt.
• Mix together and pour ¾ of it into a tall glass with ice.
• Mix to chill.
• Next add the activated charcoal to the remaining lemonade and mix well.
• Gently pour the mixture over the iced lemonade in your glass to create a pretty layer.
• Add your freshly bruised herb of choice if using.
• Add one drop of lemon essential oil.

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