Is Sugar from Fruit the Same as Sugar From Candy? The simple answer is no, mainly because consuming fruit in its whole form comes along with fiber and nutrients such as vitamin C. Consuming fruit juices (even fresh-squeezed juices and some store bought smoothies) does away with a good deal of these nutrients which is why it’s better to eat fruit whole or make smoothies at home in order to benefit from the full nutrients.

One excellent way to utilize fruit to its fullest potential is this frozen banana lassi. Lassi, a traditional Indian drink, is a combination of yogurt and fruit, often mango. Any local berries or seasonal fruit can be frozen and used in place of the tropical fruits in this recipe, but bananas are widely available year round. Frozen, they develop a sweet, custardy texture unobjectionable to most taste buds.

Buy overripe bananas at the market or once your regular bananas start to turn brown, stick them in the freezer for this recipe. One of our educators was lucky enough to have overripe bananas donated from the school she worked at. You may be able to find them at a discount at your local fruit stand.

Smoothie recipes are also an easy and fun way to get kids involved. Your little assistants can chop fruit into chunks, and press the “Power” button once the lid is secured. For our classes we use hand blenders which make it even easier to for kids to get (safely) involved.

FROZEN BANANA LASSI

Makes 2 servings

3/4 cup plain yogurt

2 frozen ripe to overripe bananas, peeled and sliced

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 ice cubes

Place ingredients in a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.