Delectable organic fruit coolers are a treat in and of themselves. They can also be a delicious complement to a refreshing meal (like the ones highlighted in our article on organizing organic meals). And summer is the perfect time to experiment with different types of fruit in all-organic smoothies.
Organic summer fruits, which are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, are typically more affordable this time of year and they peak right about now, too, in terms of tastiness. So, what are you waiting for?
If you’re in the mood to savor traditional summer fruits try a strawberry watermelon cooler. It’s best to choose medium-sized strawberries that are firm and dry with a uniform deep, red color. (Note: the strawberry season peaks through July. This no-cook, low sodium beverage is a snap to concoct; simply blend the hulled strawberries, chunks of watermelon, ice and sugar into a purée.)
Feeling a bit more daring? Try adding organic pineapple, avocados, mangos and papaya to your creamy concoction. “You could also include the summer crop fruits like cherries, peaches, nectarines and plums,” says Rob White, produce buyer and department manager at the Living Earth in Worcester, which carries all-organic produce (and all of the varieties featured here). “Make sure all fruits are ripe and yield to gentle pressure before adding to a smoothie,” he says.
Maybe it’s melons you crave. “Don’t forget summertime is melon time with many to choose from—cantaloupe, honeydew, canary, crenshaw and others,” White says. The melons have their own unique tastes that when blended together make for a great smoothie.
Give the Galia melon – one of White’s favorites – a shot, too. Galia is a cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew melon. It’s bigger than a cantaloupe and has a deep green flesh—a perfect fruit to reach for when you’re on the fence about whether to go with cantaloupe or honeydew!
Some of the fruits may take a little more time to prepare, like cherries, for example, but it’s worth it for the taste and nutritional power these organics add to any summer smoothie, White says.
Natick Community Organic Farm’s Breakfast Smoothie
This and a piece of toast with peanut butter and you have a very healthy, calorie conscious, on-the-go breakfast.
1 cup kefir or plain yogurt
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon of honey (or to taste)
Combine in a blender and process until mixture reaches a desired smoothness (or chunkiness).
Note: Starting off with frozen fruit will give you a thicker product.
Tips: Freeze large bags of blueberries when they’re in season so you’ll always have them on hand, and freeze this smoothie mixture to make killer homemade popsicles!
Recipe courtesy of Trish Umbrell, Natick Community Organic Farm
