Dishes fitting this description emphasize simplicity, plant-based ingredients, and preparation techniques that maintain the food’s natural state. These meals often involve minimal processing, such as blending, chopping, or dehydrating, and typically exclude cooking above a specific temperature threshold, often around 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples include blended fruit smoothies, raw vegetable salads with nut-based dressings, and energy bars made from dried fruits and seeds.
Incorporating these dietary options into one’s lifestyle can offer several perceived benefits, including increased nutrient intake from unprocessed foods and improved digestive health due to the presence of enzymes. Throughout history, various cultures have incorporated raw or minimally processed plant-based foods into their diets, although the formal concept of a fully raw vegan diet is a more recent development.
