Post by Lottie Ryan on behalf of Replenish
Fruit and herb ice cubes
With the summer holidays here at last and warmer weather (hopefully!) on the way, what better way to use up leftover fruit and herbs than by freezing them!
Fresh fruit or herb ice cubes are a fantastic way to not only add natural flavour but add a charming twist to your drink. They are also very easy to make.
Cut up your fruit into small pieces so they fit into your ice cube tray. Cover with water and then put in the freezer.
Use familiar favourites like mint, lemon, and lime just in water or soda, or combine them to add depth of flavour.
Herb ice cubes are also a great way to add flavour to a cocktail.
Basil pairs well with strawberry, so try adding to your strawberry daiquiri or Pimm’s.
Rosemary and thyme go well with citrus flavours so try adding thyme to a limoncello spritz or rosemary and lime to your gin and tonic.
Ice lollies
Leftover fruit, and vegetables, can also be used to make an easy, cheap and healthier alternative to shop-bought ice lollies. By mixing both fruits and vegetables you can create a nutritionally rich, higher fibre content lolly, that is still sweet to taste.
Think of what ingredients go into your favourite smoothie and use those!
You’ll need a reusable lolly mould and a blender or food processor. Puree your ingredients separately or together and pour into the lolly moulds and freeze.
Image by Yao Charlen from Pixabay
Ideas to try
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which gets converted in the body to vitamin A. Their sweet flavour means they are an ideal ingredient to combine with fruit. Try adding to apple, orange and mango.
- Avocado gives a creamy texture and is nutrient dense. Its mild flavour means it can easily be combined with a varierty of fruit flavours. Try adding it to summer berries.
- Beetroot not only gives a beautiful vibrant colour but is full of antioxidants. Try combining with apple and ginger for a zingy healthy flavour.
Images by ivabalk (left), Julie Henriksen (centre) and Anna Sulencka (right) from Pixabay
- Leafy greens are packed full of micronutrients such as iron and vitamins A and C. They also are a good low-calorie ingredient. Spinach’s mild taste means it is easy to combine with many different fruits. More bitter greens, like kale, are better added to sweeter fruits to help disguise their bitterness. Try adding kale to banana and pineapple.
Top tips
- For fun different coloured lollies, fill the mould halfway, freeze and then add a different fruit and freeze again.
- Remember to leave a slight gap at the top of the mould as the liquid will expand when freezing.
- Make creamy lollies with leftover fruit yogurt or add pureed fruit to plain yogurt. Pour into the moulds and freeze.
- With yogurt, you can add different colours to the mould at the same time without waiting for them to freeze as they won’t mix.
- You could also use up leftover dairy or plant milks in your lollies.
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