With the summer firmly arrived; we are starting to see the fruits of the hard work at the allotment over the winter and spring. In the case of the strawberries and raspberries this is a literal fruiting; and when it comes to the former, in abundance. The strawberries are ever popular with the kids, but even their insatiable appetite for the berries can’t ensure they all get eaten. The excess crop gets open frozen and put in bags in the freezer, to use at a later date, or to make into a smoothie. I’ve also come to notice the amount of fruit which is thrown away at the local greengrocers and supermarket. The supermarkets seem to still insist that once the best before date has expired, so has the fruit, and this it seems is spreading to the greengrocers as customers reject anything with a bruise or blemish. As a result, I’ve started to check out the shops at the end of the day and have picked up loads of fruit which is slightly bruised, but otherwise fine. Especially when it could go in a smoothie anyway. So once washed and prepared it goes in the freezer to be used another day.
The advantage of using frozen fruit in these fruit drinks is that you automatically get an ice cold smoothie. You can also just grab a handful of whatever fruit you’ve saved from the compost bin and quickly whizz up a refreshing and fruity drink. The other essential ingredient for a smoothie is a banana, giving the drink body, but also natural sweetness. The blacker and softer the banana, the better, with the sugars inside better developed the riper it is. The freshness of yoghurt works well with the sweet banana flavor and also compliments the fruit. Ever popular as a breakfast, lunch, after school or evening drink. The smoothie is a great way to use up those old fruit.
You will need (makes enough for 2)
1 banana
2 or 3 handfuls of frozen berries
200ml natural yoghurt
Peel and roughly chop the banana and add to a blender with the frozen berries and yoghurt. Whizz until totally smooth. Pour into glasses to serve. To make a more substantial smoothie for breakfast, add a small handful of oats to blended mix, before giving it a few seconds more blending. The resulting ‘thickie’ will keep you going well.
This smoothie is really only a rough recipe. It can be adapted to fit whatever fruit you’ve picked up from the grocers or garden.
