A List of the Best Fruits to Freeze for Quick Preparations with the Ninja CREAMi
Making homemade ice cream with the Ninja CREAMi gives you the freedom to choose your ingredients and create unique flavors at home. And what's better than using fruit for a naturally sweet and flavorful base? By freezing the right fruit, you can quickly make delicious and fresh ice creams, sorbets, or even milkshakes, without additives or added sugar. Here's a list of the best fruits to freeze for quick preparations, along with some tips for maximizing their flavor.
1. Bananas
Bananas are a staple for homemade ice cream. Their creamy texture and naturally sweet taste make them an ideal base for ice creams free of dairy and refined sugar. They pair well with a multitude of ingredients (chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, etc.), making them a very versatile fruit.
Tip : Slice bananas before freezing. This makes blending easier and ensures a smooth texture in the Ninja CREAMi. Try banana-cocoa ice cream for a delicious chocolatey taste without added sugar.
2. Mangoes
Mango is an exotic and sweet fruit that adds a tropical touch to all your frozen creations. It gives a rich and creamy flavor, ideal for sorbets or creamy ice creams. Plus, mango is often enough on its own to naturally sweeten your dessert.
Tip : Dice the mango and freeze it in portions. To maximize the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of coconut milk when preparing. Mango-coconut is a classic frozen dessert for a reason!
3. Strawberries
Strawberries are perfect for sorbets and add a beautiful natural color to your ice creams. Their slightly tangy flavor pairs well with other fruits like banana or peach, and they impart a pleasant aroma without the need for artificial flavors.
Tip : Freeze strawberries whole after hulling them. For a super fresh sorbet, blend them with a touch of mint or basil – you'll love this more original version!
4. Raspberries
Raspberries add a tangy touch and vibrant color to your homemade ice cream. They're perfect for sorbet recipes, especially if you're looking for a slightly less sweet alternative. Their intense flavor can be used alone or in combination with other fruits.
Tip : Freeze raspberries as is. When preparing them, combine them with a banana to soften their acidity while achieving a creamy texture.
5. Peaches and Apricots
Peaches and apricots are ideal for summer ice creams. Their soft, slightly sweet flesh blends perfectly into light and refreshing preparations. These fruits provide a sweet and subtle flavor, ideal for lovers of fruity desserts.
Tip : Slice them before freezing. Pair them with a little natural yogurt for a creamier result or a touch of vanilla for an even more indulgent effect.
6. Cherries
Cherries are delicious in sorbet or ice cream and add a rich color to your dessert. Their sweet, slightly tart flavor is perfect on its own or mixed with sweeter flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
Tip : Pit the cherries before freezing. Blend them with plain yogurt or coconut milk for a creamy version of cherry ice cream that's reminiscent of a gourmet dessert without the excess sugar.
7. Pineapple
Pineapple is a sweet tropical fruit that adds a vibrant, refreshing flavor to sorbets. It pairs well with coconut milk or even lime for an even more exotic touch.
Tip : Cut the pineapple into small cubes and freeze it in portions. For an enhanced flavor, blend the pineapple with a touch of lime juice. You'll get a refreshing sorbet, perfect for hot summer days.
8. Blueberries and Blueberries
Blueberries, with their natural sweetness and vibrant color, are ideal for healthy and delicious ice cream. They also have the added benefit of being rich in antioxidants, making them a perfect choice for desserts that are both indulgent and healthy.
Tip : Freeze them as is, then blend them with yogurt for a creamy and colorful dessert. If you like sweet flavors, blueberries are also perfect combined with banana for an even creamier result.
