Seven Species Granola Bars – a modern treat from ancient ingredients!

These delicious granola bars (flapjacks) pack the Biblical seven species into a tasty, nutritious snack. Fusing modern techniques and ancient ingredients offers a unique flavour and a taste of tradition in each bite!

These seven species have a special place in the history and culture of Israel. They represent the staple foods of the ancient Jews, and their first fruits were brought as an offering to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This was done during the Spring harvest festival, on Shavuot.

History of the seven species

Archaeology shows that wheat and barley were among the first crops to be cultivated in the Fertile Crescent. These cereals subsequently formed the central part of ancient diets and offered essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Grapes, figs, pomegranates, and dates were also highly valued for their sweetness and could be consumed fresh or preserved.

Meanwhile olives were prized for their oil, a precious commodity that was used for cooking, lighting, and cleaning and moisturising skin and hair, as well as for religious rituals.

Nutritional benefits of the seven species

The collective nutritional profile of the seven species – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates – is impressive. To start, wheat and barley both provide an excellent source of dietary fibre, essential for digestive health. Both grains also contain vital nutrients, including plant-based protein, B vitamins, iron, and other minerals.

Grapes, particularly when dried to make raisins, are also rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols, which have been credited with reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Figs also offer a bounty of nutrients, including fibre, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Pomegranates are well known for their high levels of antioxidants, which surpass those found in many other fruits. These help to protect the body against inflammation and disease. Olive oil provides healthy fats and is known to be beneficial for heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease. It also contains vitamins E and K.

Finally, dates provide an excellent source of natural sweetness, and are also a rich source of potassium, plus numerous other vitamins and minerals.

Incorporating the seven species into delicious granola bars creates a snack that is not only nutrient-dense but also taps into the ancient tradition of consuming these beneficial foods. The combination of these ingredients delivers a boost in energy, supports long-term health, and aligns with a healthy diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods.

Are seven species granola bars healthy?

These yummy bars combine ancient ingredients with modern cooking techniques to offer a nutritious snack option for any time of the day. They are made with minimally processed whole-food ingredients which retain more of their nutritional value than more processed foods.

I don’t believe that any food is ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’, but based on their nutritional profile some should be prioritised over others in pursuit of a healthy diet. These bars offer fibre, protein and healthy fats, and can certainly be enjoyed more frequently than some other sweet treats.

Delicious and nutritious additions

While I’ve stuck closely to the Biblical seven species to make this recipe, you can certainly add in different ingredients to further boost the nutritional profile and flavour of these bars. For instance:

• Chopped almonds or hazelnuts, which add more healthy fats and fibre.
• Mixed seeds – I love a seedy flapjack and they’re full of delicious micronutrients.
• Desiccated coconut, for a subtle tropical flavour.
• Dark chocolate chips, for deliciousness and an antioxidant boost.
• Chopped dried apricots, for a boost of iron.

I also enjoyed one of these bars spread with some creamy almond butter. You can use nut butter as ‘glue’ to stick on some fresh pomegranate seeds for a bright and colourful presentation, and a sweet and delicious crunch!

Seven Species Granola Bars – home made and delicious!

Compared to store-bought granola bars, these tasty flapjacks have a multitude of benefits. Firstly, they are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals direct from minimally processed whole foods. Unlike many readymade options which can be laden with artificial additives, seven species flapjacks are made with all-natural ingredients, enhancing both their nutritional profile and flavour.

Secondly, the unique, Biblically-inspired blend of ingredients offers a unique tasting experience. The rich, complex flavours turn an otherwise ordinary snack into an indulgent and wholesome treat.

Finally, these home-baked bars remind us of our ancient culture and tradition, and emphasise the millenia-long connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

If you’re looking for a nutritious snack option, a conversation starter, or a way to integrate meaningful historical elements into your menu, these seven species granola bars deliver on all fronts!

A fun and unique Shavuot Food

As mentioned above, the first fruits of the seven species were brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering, during the festival of Shavuot. Why not incorporate these tasty bars into your Shavuot menu as a reminder of this ancient tradition?

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📖 Recipe

Seven species granola bars

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Delicious flapjack bars (granola bars) made with the Biblical seven species of the Land of Israel.

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Cake

Cuisine British, Jewish

Servings 8 bars

Calories 187 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 60 ml olive oil (I used extra virgin but any will do)
• 50 g soft brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon date syrup (silan)
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate syrup (pomegranate molasses)
• 30 g soft dried figs
• 30 g raisins or sultanas
• 55 g wholewheat flour
• 85 g barley flakes

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf tin with baking paper.
• 60 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil, 50 g (2/7 cup) soft brown sugar, 2 tbsp date syrup (silan), 1 tbsp (⅓ cup) pomegranate syrup
  Put the olive oil, sugar, date syrup and pomegranate syrup into a saucepan and heat over the lowest flame until everything is just melted.
• 55 g (⅕ cup) wholewheat flour, 30 g (¾ cup) raisins or sultanas, 30 g soft dried figs, 85 g (1 ½ cups) barley flakes
  Cut the figs into raisin-size pieces – I find this easiest using kitchen scissors. In a medium bowl, toss the fig pieces and raisins with the flour to prevent them sticking together, then mix in the barley flakes.
• Remove the oil mixture from the heat, and add the dry ingredients to the saucepan. Mix well until everything is well amalgamated.
• Tip the mixture into the lined tin and spread out using the back of a spoon. Wet your fingers and use them to press down the mixture into the corners of the tin, and level the surface.
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the top appears 'dry' and is just starting to turn brown. (The mixture is quite dark and it may be hard to see if it's browning.)
• Remove the tin from the oven and allow to cool. Remove the baked 'loaf' from the tin and cut into bars. Enjoy!.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Seven species granola bars

Serving Size

 

1 bar

Amount per Serving

Calories

187

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

7

g

11

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

5

g

Sodium

 

8

mg

0

%

Potassium

 

125

mg

4

%

Carbohydrates

 

30

g

10

%

Fiber

 

3

g

13

%

Sugar

 

11

g

12

%

Protein

 

3

g

6

%

Vitamin A

 

1

IU

0

%

Vitamin C

 

0.2

mg

0

%

Calcium

 

15

mg

2

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword baking, barley, dates, flapjack, raisins

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