ComScore

5 Health Foods You've Never Heard of That Will Be Huge in 2017

Kale is out, spigarello is in

2017healthfoodsjackfruit
Twenty20

Kale? Yawn. Quinoa? Double yawn. Resolve to try some new good-for-you foods in the New Year. From jackfruit to spigarello, here are the trends you’re about to see at local markets and on restaurant menus all over the place.

2017healthfoodsjackfruit
Twenty20

1.

Jackfruit

This exotic fruit from Southeast Asia is rich in protein, potassium, calcium and iron. Its flavor and texture resembles pulled pork, so it’s being touted as the newest vegan meat substitute. (try Upton's Naturals Bar-B-Que Jackfruit).

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The Full Helping

2.

Amaranth

This ancient grain is popping up everywhere. Like quinoa, it’s similar to rice but it has nearly ten times the protein and fiber. Make this amaranth polenta and invite your gluten-free friends—it’s on their approved list.

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In Sonnet's Kitchen

3.

Spigarello

Also known as “broccoli spigarello,” this southern Italian green is considered the predecessor to broccoli rabe. Think the sweetness of broccoli combined with the slightly bitter taste of kale. It’s great sautéed in olive oil with pine nuts, but it also makes a nutritious pizza topper.

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Twenty20

4.

Ube

This root vegetable popular in Filipino cuisine is sweet like a yam…and purple! You’ll see it around as a natural food dye in treats like doughnuts and pudding. If you find it in ice-cream form, get a double scoop.

seaweedhealthfoods
Jonathan Austin Daniels/Getty Images

5.

Wakame

This super seaweed is packed with vitamins A, B2, C, D, E and K. Plus, it’s rich in iron, calcium, magnesium (for muscle function) and iodine (for a healthy thyroid). Basically, it has “trendy new superfood” written all over it.


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Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.