Hello Lovelies, you might have seen it on my Instagram the past week, I’m really fascinated with “Black Water” at the moment. That’s water enriched with activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a fine black odorless and tasteless powder made from coconut shells that have been exposed to very high temperatures in an airless environment. It is then treated, or activated, to increase its ability to absorb various substances.
The water with activated charcoal has a detoxing and rinsing effect and it also should help you to get over a hangover – which I haven’t tested myself yet! I have to admit in the beginning I felt a bit strange to drink black water, but it has absolutely no taste of its own and just tastes like natural water. After I received the first bottles from Beneva Black Water my mind started to get creative. Of course I would not only drink it – you would not have expected that from me would you?!
Idea 1: Black chia pudding
The first thing I created was a black chia pudding – which a lot of people on Instagram liked, and I liked it too, so mystical with the black and it tasted yummy too. The chia seeds soak overnight in the black water, and in the morning the pudding is layered with plant-based yogurt and fresh berries – the contrast of deep-black pudding, light yogurt and dark blackberries is simply beautiful. The complete recipe with all the amounts, my tips and the most frequently asked questions now lives on its own recipe page.
View recipe: Black Chia Pudding
Idea 2: Infused water with black ice cubes
I also liked the idea of freezing the black water in ice cubes, I was pretty sure it would look awesome and it did! I put the ice cubes in fresh water, with lots of berries and added more black water for a perfect summer refreshment. How cool does this look – I think I really like those dramatic look more and more.
Idea 3: Popsicles with chia and berries
And last but not least, I HAD to make popsicles, since it worked with the ice cubes, it also is perfect for popsicles. I made a combination with chia pudding, berry yoghurt and coconut creme and they turned out so good, fresh and colorful, perfect for a hot summer day! If you want some extra sweetness you could dip them in melted dark chocolate.
For the chia mix: Mix one cup of black water with 3-4 tablespoons of chia seeds let rest in the fridge for 2-3 hours Mix in some plant-based yoghurt and mashed blackberries and sweetener of your choice Fill in popsicle molds, starting with the plain black water, then the chia mix and top off with some plain yoghurt or coconut cream (that’s what I used) – freeze and enjoy!!
The bottled Beneva Black Water is unfortunately no longer available – but don’t worry: with food-grade activated charcoal powder you can easily mix your own black water (you’ll find out exactly how in the frequently asked questions and on the recipe page). The ideas work just as well with the homemade version – give them a try and let me know which black creation is your favorite!
Love, Verena
*This post is a cooperation with BENEVA Black Water
