The summer heat has everyone searching for ways to cool off, including in the kitchen. Whether you grow your own fruit and freeze it or buy it from the grocery store, frozen fruit is a great way to stay cool and quench your thirst on a hot day. Not only is it delicious, but it’s affordable and nutritious.
Eating a variety of fruits keeps us healthy by delivering essential vitamins, minerals and fiber in a naturally sweet package. Despite what you may have heard, the nutrients in frozen fruit are comparable to fresh, and in some cases are even better. This is because it’s frozen at the peak of the season, which also means it has the best flavor at that time.
Frozen fruit will last almost indefinitely in the freezer, but for the best quality, try to eat it within one year. The texture may be altered the longer a fruit stays frozen.
Here are 7 ways to use the fruit in your freezer:
1. Smoothies
This is the most obvious way to use frozen fruit, and for good reason. Smoothies are so easy and there are endless combinations to explore. Use fruit straight from the freezer. No need to thaw. Smoothies are easy to customize based on individual preferences, and they are a convenient way to increase your fruit intake if you don’t like to eat whole fruit. Give this Berry Peach Smoothie a try or experiment with your own recipe!
2. Sorbet
Cold desserts are refreshing treats during the summer. Substitute sorbet made with frozen fruit for ice cream for a lower fat treat. Sorbet is typically made with fruit, water and a sweetener. Sorbet is a refreshing choice after a grilled meal or a summer get-together with heavy entrees and side dishes. Try this unique Mango Basil Sorbet to cool off after dinner.
3. Frozen grapes
This is the easiest snack you never knew you needed on a hot day. Wash grapes (any variety you like) and freeze for a few hours before eating. These frosted treats are sure to keep you cool and they are just fun to eat! Also, fruit is a much healthier choice than traditional snack foods like potato chips.
4. Fruit-infused ice cubes
Hydration is important year-round, but especially during the summer. For those who don’t like to drink water, using fruit-infused ice cubes may help you increase intake this summer. Drop fruit (berries work well) into ice cube trays before filling with water and freezing. Add to plain water (or any beverage). Not only do they give water flavor as they melt, but they bring the clear liquid to life with pops of color!
5. Ice pops
Ice pops are fun to eat and can help your kids get the nutrients they need from fruit. Look for no-sugar-added varieties when buying ice pops at the store. When making them at home you will need an ice pop mold and wooden craft sticks. Blend whatever combination you like of frozen fruit, and 100 percent fruit juice. Add yogurt for a creamier texture like these Fruit Smoothie Popsicles. Fill mold, insert sticks, freeze and enjoy!
6. Cocktails
If you are someone who enjoys an evening out with cocktails, you have probably shifted during quarantine to making those fun, indulgent drinks at home. Fruit purees add natural sweetness and a refreshing quality to cocktails like this Raspberry Rosé Cocktail. The best part is no thawing is required! Frozen fruit can go straight to the blender to be pureed. Thirsty for more beverage recipes? Download our FREE Cheers to Summer recipe e-book, which is choc-full of mocktails, cocktails, iced teas, smoothies and more.
7. Muffins
Frozen fruit is a great alternative to fresh for making baked goods, like muffins. Keep in mind that thawed fruit will discolor batter – straight from the freezer is best. Prepare batter mix and pour directly into muffin tins, without the fruit. Then, drop the frozen fruit on top of batter just before baking to get an even distribution of fruit in each muffin.