Rosemary & Olive Focaccia
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 3 hours | Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups spelt flour
1 yeast sachet
1tsp honey or sugar
1.5 cups warm water
3tsp rosemary
3tsp black olives
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp sea salt
3tbsp olive oil
Method
Mix together your warm water, yeast & honey/sugar and wait for it to get nice and bubble (minimum 15 minutes)
Add your flour and wet ingredients and combine well
Cover with a wet towel or cling wrap and set aside for 45 minutes to rise
After 45 minutes, do a round of stretch and folds (pulling one side up and across to the other side) turning the bowl in quarter turns.
Then cover and leave for another 45 minutes
Preheat your oven at 200'C
In a food processor, combine your olives, rosemary, 1tsp salt and 3tsp olive oil and whizz together until well combined
Pour your dough into a well olive oiled tray and add your olive rosemary mixture across the top
Dimple your focaccia and sprinkle your last flakes of sea salt before popping in the oven for 20+ minutes or until golden brown
How is it brain loving?
Rosemary:
Carnosic Acid: This is a natural phenolic compound with neuroprotective effects. It can help protect the brain from neurodegeneration and oxidative stress
Rosmarinic Acid: Another phenolic compound in rosemary, rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help protect brain cells from damage and inflammation.
Terpenes: Rosemary contains various terpenes like a-pinene, which may have cognitive-enhancing effects. These compounds are thought to improve memory and focus.
Olive Oil:
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs):
Olive oil is rich in MUFAs, particularly oleic acid. MUFAs are known to be beneficial for heart health, and emerging research suggests they may also have positive effects on brain health
Polyphenols: Olive oil contains polyphenolic compounds, such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help protect brain cells from damage and improve brain function.