Today we’re featuring my youngest son, Alex, who created a refreshing summer drink he calls the Triple Fruity Freeze. This healthy, frosty beverage was a hit — even Steve Jobs the duck, the Kids Cooking Channel mascot, tried it and loved it.
Staying hydrated in warm weather is important, and using whole fresh fruits is a delicious way to replenish fluids and nutrients. Watermelon is roughly 92% water, making it an excellent base for a hydrating blended drink. I often blend watermelon chunks with a squeeze of lime and ice for a simple summer refreshment, but Alex combined watermelon, cherries, bananas and pomegranate juice to create this extra-fruity icy treat.
My four boys play two-on-two basketball and come home hot and sweaty after their games. While I encourage plain water, an icy fruity drink like this is a special reward that still supports hydration and nutrition. I love when kids experiment in the kitchen and invent healthy recipes — Alex’s Triple Fruity Freeze is a great example of creativity and wholesome ingredients.
Watermelon provides vitamin C and vitamin A, along with potassium and magnesium. It is also a rich source of the antioxidant lycopene, linked to protection against several types of cancer. Additionally, watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline, which the body converts to arginine — a compound involved in removing ammonia from the body and supporting overall metabolic function.
The Triple Fruity Freeze also includes cherries and pomegranate juice, both full of antioxidants that support brain health, and bananas, which add natural sweetness plus vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, fiber, potassium and magnesium. Combined, these ingredients deliver hydration, flavor and a range of nutrients in one icy drink — a delicious way to cool down and support health.
Triple Fruity Freeze
Ingredients
-
1
watermelon (medium slice or about 2 cups cubed) -
1/2
cup
cherries
pitted -
1/2
cup
pomegranate juice -
1/2
cup
frozen banana slices -
1
cup
ice
Instructions
-
Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frosty. If the texture is too thick, add a splash of pomegranate juice or a little cold water and blend again.
-
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If your watermelon and cherries are not very sweet, a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup can be added, but the bananas usually provide enough natural sweetness.
-
Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately for the best icy texture. Garnish with a cherry or a small watermelon wedge if desired.
Sources:
The World’s Healthiest Foods: Watermelon
WebMD: Best Brain Foods for Brain Function, Health, and Memory
LIVESTRONG.COM: How Sweet Raw Cherries Benefit Your Body