To celebrate Meals on Wheels’ 70th birthday, Christopher Thé (creator of Black Star’s famous strawberry watermelon cake) has joined forces with cognitive experts to develop a very special brain-friendly cake.

Dubbed ‘The Unforgettable Cake’, it was created with only natural ingredients that are widely believed to be beneficial to the brain, such as beetroot, spinach, turmeric, olive oil and blueberries.

According to UNSW’s food and health expert Professor le Coutre, using his background in food and nutrition science to help conceptualise a cake was new territory for him.

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“When I was first approached about this project, I was intrigued by the challenge of creating a cake which may be beneficial to cognition, using ingredients from different food groups, while also providing an experience for Meals on Wheels customers,” he says.

“Along with Meals on Wheels and a team of specialists, we had to consider both ingredients and texture – including how to minimise sugar, and how to ensure the cake’s texture was suitable for individuals who suffer from dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, which is a concern for some older Australians.”

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Social engagement is known to improve brain function, and for many Meals on Wheels clients, a visit from a volunteer is the highlight of their week. The team is hopeful that by bringing a bit of extra cheer, they can elicit more happy memories and add another layer to the important role the organisation plays in the community.

The Unforgettable Cake will be delivered to select Meals on Wheels clients from Wednesday, November 22. To donate visit nswmealsonwheels.org.au

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