Saskatoon Berry, Banana and Orange Muffins

It’s that time of year here!  The two or three weeks during which you can pick Saskatoon berries along the side of the road here in the Okanagan Valley.  As a kid growing up in Saskatchewan this time of year was big because we could stock up on free berries down the old roads around our acreage.  It’s funny, the bushes seem to always grow along side the roads, usually on a bit of a bank, as if they are trying to remain just out of our reach.  Mom used to send my brother and I out with old ice cream pails with the handles on them and an old leather belt.  We would hook the handle through the belt around our waist so that both hands were free to pick.  Smart thinking that lady!!  She’d tell us to go pick a pail and come back when it was full.  That was no easy feat there.  From what I remember the berries were a bit on the scrawny side.  Well, here in Kelowna, they are plump and juicy and amazing.  Other than losing your footing and almost sliding down the bank, it is pretty easy here!

I have been out a couple of times picking with my new electric bike which makes it kind of fun!  Last night I picked a whole heap that I will turn into Saskatoon Berry Crisp tonight.  That recipe will come next.  For now, I’d like to share with you the recipe for the Saskatoon Berry Banana Orange Muffins I made this weekend. They are very simple and nutritious.  Great for a midday snack or even breakfast!

On the prairies, saskatoons were a major ingredient in pemmican made by the Aborginal people. Saskatoons are very hardy plants that can survive winter temperatures of -50 to -60º Celsius with a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.  Not much wonder they do so well in Saskatchewan!  This body doesn’t do so well in those temps so I had to get out.:)

Researchers looked into the nutritional benefits of saskatoon berries, finding a trove of antoxidants.  Specifically, saskatoons are rich in phenolic compounds, a trait shared with wild blueberries.  It’s also a quality much-prized for fighting bacteria and viruses, and possibly even cancer.  They have been shown to improve degenerative diseases and improve cognitive function just like the wild blueberry.

Here is the link to a great referenced article about the health benefits of saskatoon berries written by Deana Steele; a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Digestion Specialist.

Get picking!!  Better health for free!

Saskatoon Berry Banana and Orange Muffins

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Serves: 20 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes 20-25 minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic, unbleached all-purpose flour1 cup buckwheat flour1/2 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1 packed teaspoon grated orange peel1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons of water left to sit for 5 min (egg substitute)4 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup1/4 cup vegan butter, olive oil or coconut oil melted1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract1/2 cup nondairy milk, almond, soy, rice, hemp (anything goes)4 ripe bananas lightly mashed1 cup Saskatoon berries1/3 cup chopped almonds or walnuts, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and spray two muffin tins with non-stick spray.
2. Add all ingredients other than berries and nuts, if using, into a large bowl.
3. Mix well.
4. Stir in Saskatoon berries gently in order not to crush them.
5. Spoon into greased, silicone or baking cup lined muffin tins.
6. Fill to about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool on racks.
9. Enjoy!

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