Have you ever noticed the array of colors in P.S.& Co.’s baked goods? We love to bake with the rainbow and each color comes directly from…plants! Yes, our menu is chocked full of 100% natural and organic vibrant hues. Whether it’s matcha, pureed berries, lavender, or pink pitaya; we always find ways to make our treats stand out without all the preservatives, chemicals, and toxins of the typical dyes, décor, and food coloring you see on the market. What’s even better, is that what goes into our desserts are not just natural coloring to make them prettier, they are full-on superfoods. You get the benefit of a wide range of uniquely beautiful colors and that extra added bonus of health benefits as well. See some of the plants you can find throughout our ever-changing cake and cupcake offerings and the powerful health benefits they hold.
Blue Butterfly Pea Powder
This natural powder is made from the butterfly pea flower native to Asia. It can be used in baked goods, smoothies or smoothie bowls, milk, and yogurt; anywhere you want a pop of this rich cobalt blue. Butterfly pea flowers are high in antioxidants including ternatins that give the plant the blue coloring. This antioxidant is known to alleviate inflammation which is said to be at the root of several diseases, obesity, and arthritis. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, the flowers have also been known to possess antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities.
Pink Pitaya (dragon fruit)
Pink pitaya is known for its hot pink, spiky exterior, and its equally vibrant pink seedy interior. Found in tropical regions of Southeast Asia and South America, this fruit is delicious in its whole, natural form or can be used as a plant-powered food coloring when dried and powdered. Pink pitaya can also be used in baked goods, yogurts, milk, and smoothies. Containing several phytochemical components in the flesh, seeds, and peel; pink pitaya is known to carry antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Also high in Vitamin C, a water-soluble essential vitamin that has been known to boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and work as a defense mechanism with its powerful antioxidant embodiment.
Emerald Pandan Leaf
Emerald Pandan leaf is a beautiful emerald-hued plant with a wide range of culinary applications and medicinal properties. Seen throughout Southeast Asia, this plant can be dried and used as a food coloring for baked goods, smoothies, milk, etc. Ayurvedic science has studied the phytochemical profile of pandan leaves showing that the oils within can relieve headaches and earaches. They have also been known to help relieve arthritis aches and pains due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Pandan leaves contain Vitamin A, important for eye health, fiber, essential for gut health; and iron, proteins, and amino acids. It also contains lignans, which work as both a phytoestrogen (a naturally-occurring compound found in plants) and an antioxidant, have been reported to contain powerful disease-fighting properties.
Find these colors extracted from superfood plants in our cakes, cupcakes, donuts, and more on our rotating menu via Toast or in the shop.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33967304/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32378233/
