Celebrate summer with these fierce and fruity healthy dessert ideas!
Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. Which means that it is time to get your ice cream maker and frozen dessert makers out for some frozen, fruity feasts!
Whip up healthy and delicious sorbets, snow cones and ice creams as snacks or dessert for lazy brunches, pool parties and balmy evening braais.
These Healthy Dessert Ideas aren’t the same old, same old.
Before you roll your eyes and think you’ve read it all before, give us a moment. We’re not talking about the usual banana and strawberry or mixed berry combos.
This summer, we are getting adventurous in the kitchen and celebrating the diverse flavours of tropical fruit and those healthy, leafy greens!
PRO TIP: It’s also a super-sneaky way to let the kids get their dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants disguised as a yummy treat.
Let’s take a look…
Enter the Bright Pink Dragon Fruit.
This often-overlooked health bomb is packed with goodness and is said to be great for your gut, thanks to its probiotic properties.
It is also high in fibre, loaded with antioxidants and low in calories – perfect for that bikini body and even sports antibacterial and antifungal properties!=It even sports
Sure, it’s good for you, but, it is also beautiful to look at. With its deep pink, scaly skin and the bright white and black spotted flesh, it is easy to imagine how it got its name.
A member of the cactus family, this interesting fruit has a subtle sweetness that makes it ideal for refreshing frosted snacks and smoothies. It also pairs beautifully with kiwi, pineapple and even oranges! One of our favourite recipes is to add cherries and mango to dragon fruit and whizz it all together. Remember to save a slice and use it as a gorgeous garnish to posh up your ice cream or sorbet.
More Pawpaw, please!
This big, bright and bold fruit is a real health tonic!
Papaya or pawpaw is packed with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, assist with gut health and fight cancer by reducing free radicals.
Rich in the enzymes that aid digestion, pawpaw is the perfect dessert ingredient after a heavy meal.
Get that summer glow with Vitamin A for sebum production and Vitamin C for plump and firm looking skin.
Start with a pawpaw-inspired sorbet at your next get together. Let them know what a delicious, anti-ageing and health boosting treat really is.
Combine pawpaw with pineapple, lemon and Greek yoghurt for a creamy, pick-me-up ice cream. Or, mix it with passion fruit or melon for a soft sorbet.
Go for Green Goodness.
Kale is a popular superfood and, while it is not everyone’s cup of tea, it is exceptionally healthy. And when you’re looking for healthy dessert ideas, you need not look any further.
Well known as a low calorie, diabetes-friendly, cancer-fighting option, this leafy vegetable is bursting with vitamins and minerals.
These include: Vitamin A – great for your bones and eyes; Vitamin C – a powerful immune system booster and minerals such as zinc and calcium.
Now, I know what you are thinking…
“How does a leafy veggie make it to a smoothie, ice cream or even a slushy?”
The trick is to pair it with complementary ingredients to make this star shine. We love adding pear and cucumber for a refreshing, gorgeously green, health-enhancing combo that will have your friends asking for more.
Nuts About Coconuts.
When looking for Healthy Dessert Ideas for warmer weather, nothing says tropical island vibes and glam pool parties like coconuts!
We know how beneficial coconut oil is for us. The crisp, white flesh inside the coconut shell is just as healthy.
You see, while coconuts contain saturated fats, most are a very productive type called medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). MCT can speed up your metabolism which helps with weight-loss. It also has bacteria-fighting properties which can help ease yeast infections and reduce the risk of heart disease.
This magical fruit pairs well with just about anything.
Keep it simple with a vanilla coconut ice cream or go nutty by adding almonds into the mix or go for fruity sorbets with litchi, lime and mint. You could even take the more decadent route with chocolate, honey or caramel.
The options for Healthy Dessert Ideas are endlessly and exotic!
Fall in Love With Litchis
Summer is synonyms with litchi season! Make sure you stock up on these sweet little treasures, as they are said to contain antiviral properties – perfect during these coronavirus times.
Plus, they also contain an exceptionally high amount of vitamin C, making it a must-eat fruit to boost your immune system.
Small as they are, litchis are also high in fibre which will help with constipation and the general well-being of your digestive system. Adding litchis to your diet is also a great way to help regulate blood pressure and improve your blood circulation.
Make amazing ice cream with litchis and cherries or rosewater or go tropical by adding mango.
Be adventurous with flavours. Combine litchis with ginger or citrus and, for an adult twist, add a shot of tequila or vodka to the mix.
Go on, try it! Let us know your favourites in the comments below.
