Frozen Fruit

I have been really frustrated by the lack of healthy, inexpensive summer treats available for our family.  You know the kind, the ones without corn syrup, food colorings and so on!  One day while at a play group, a Mom brought a bowl of frozen grapes.  They were instantly devoured.  So, that got me thinking.  What else could I put in the freezer that would taste great and provide nutrition while cooling us down this summer?

So far, we have tried the following things…

Peas. It is amazing to me how great a bowl of frozen sweet peas tastes on a hot day.

  • Peach slices
  • Nectarine slices
  • Plum slices
  • Grapes
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon cubes
  • Cantaloupe balls
  • Honeydew balls

To make these treats as inexpensive as possible, watch for the fruit (or veggies) to go on sale. I have also enjoyed finding ripe fruit on the “overripe” fruit shelves at our grocery store.  This is fruit that needs to be used up that day or the next before it goes bad.  It is kind of like a “day old bread” section, only for fruits and veggies.

The nice thing about freezing fruits and veggies this way is that they take little to no prep to get them frozen and ready to consume.

For the berries and grapes, simply wash them, put them on wax paper on a cookie sheet and stick them in the freezer.  When they are frozen, pour them into a container or zip-top bag, and they are ready to go.  They can even be put into individual baggies, making them easy to grab and go.

For peaches, pears, nectarines and plum, slice them into wedges, remove the pit, place on wax paper on a cookie sheet, freeze and enjoy!

The melons can be cut into cubes or scooped into balls.  If you are adventurous, you can even use cookies cutters to cut them into shapes.  Then, place the balls, cubes or shapes onto wax paper on a cookie sheet, freeze and enjoy!  No popsicle sticks, no pureeing, no waste, no hassle!

As another experiment, try placing the frozen fruit in a glass of cold water in place of ice cubes.  It gives the water a nice flavor and a boost of nutrients.  Plus, it looks really colorful and happy!  We have tried adding lemon, lime and orange rings to a pitcher of water.  Cut the fruit around its circumference (in rings or circles) and freeze.  This also makes a beautiful party punch.  Add the frozen fruit to a fruity punch for decorative flair!

 

 

Kimberlee

Kimberlee is a certified music therapist, SAHM, homeschooler and chef for three kids with celiac disease.   She loves to read, teach guitar and hike in the mountains.  Her goal is to post things that either make you smile, hum or think.  Kimberlee writes about music therapy, homeschooling, and her challenges with her family’s dietary restrictions.