Homemade smoothies are my daily fuel. Ripe mango with chia seeds and raw honey is a favourite. I love mangoes whether eaten as a fruit or eaten green in savoury dishes. They contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and carry plenty of fibre and pectin. Mangoes boost the immune system, aid digestion can help balance insulin levels, and they taste great. Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica. For the indigenous people of Central America and Mexico they have been an important part of their diets for thousands of years. These seeds were often referred to as “running food”. Chia seeds and water were mixed to maintain energy levels and stay hydrated during conquests.
On a recent trip to Bali I got to try a variety of mangoes. Did you know there are over 500 varieties large and small, smooth and fibrous, sweet and sour? The short mango season has arrived here in the region (we’re based in Dubai) and smooth Alphonsos are piled up in the shops beckoning with their perfumed aroma. Look for the ones that are green with a hint of orange. They will ripen at home by the next day or even within hours. The flesh is soft orange-gold and the juice runs out when you cut them (do this on a board so you don’t waste a drop).
All together I add a large spoonful of Balqees Raw Yemeni Sidr Do’ani honey to really bring out the sweetness. It’s a delicious compliment.
Healthy dessert with mango and raw honey
While everyone loves a smoothie, we have another family favourite which is a version of mango custard. Take a large fresh ripe mango, chop it up and blend it with organic natural yoghurt and a spoonful of raw honey. It’s particularly popular with children, giving them something sweet and delicious and full of goodness. Now here’s our favourite mango smoothie recipe…
Mango smoothie with chia seeds and raw honey
Tropical and creamy, this great tasting smoothie will see you through until lunchtime. Use juicy, ripe mangoes and the best raw honey for refined sugar-free sweetness packed with health-promoting enzymes.
Ingredients
- 2 mangoes, small
- 3 tbsp natural yoghurt
- 250 ml milk plant-based or whole
- 1 banana, frozen add ice if not frozen
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp raw honey or to taste
- 1 tsp bee pollen optional
Instructions
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Peel the mango, remove the stone and chop into chunks.
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Put all the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth. If your banana was not frozen, add a few ice cubes when blending to add volume and coolness to the smoothie.
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Sprinkle with bee pollen (optional).
What’s your favourite fruit smoothie? Which other recipes would you like us to share?
