This is potentially the quickest and easiest jam you’re ever going to make. You don’t have to simmer fruit and sugar for a while until it thickens into a sugary, jammy spread. You also don’t need added sugars or pectin to yield the consistency that is common in most jams. Another reason you don’t need pectin is because dried fruit only contains 22% water, so there is no need for a thickener. This raw apricot jam has incredible depth of flavor and made entirely from dried fruit, a touch of maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt.

Since dried fruit contains less water than fresh fruit, you want to rehydrate it prior to making the jam. By rehydrating the dried fruit, you make it softer and easier to blend. Just soak in a bowl of warm water for a few hours and be sure to discard the soaking water. The reason we decided to use dried apricots is because they, much like figs, cherries, and plums, are juicier dried fruits. Just make sure that you purchase dried apricots that are free of sulfites, added sugars, and preservatives. Those dried apricots tend to be brown in color, so your jam may not be the most picturesque orange hue you’re dreaming of, but it is chemical-free and healthier.

Just like fresh fruit jam, dried fruit jam is very versatile. Use it instead of jelly on a classic PB&J sandwich, spread it on crepes, or use it as a topping for your yogurt bowl. It should be noted that all of those suggestions are acceptable to enjoy if you are not cleansing. Should you want to enjoy this while cleansing, you can use it as a topping for banana or cashew pudding, chia pudding, or on raw vegan ice cream.

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It is no secret that we love to create recipes that utilize seasonal produce items. The summer sun is shining, which means a plethora of new produce items should be showing up in your local grocery store. Among those items, you should see an array of melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and maybe other varieties, depending on your location. Although not technically a melon, cucumber is another popular summer fruit. Believe it or not, cucumber belongs to the same plant family, Cucurbitaceae, as watermelon.

When you make beverages with naturally sweet ingredients, such as the cantaloupe, you do not need to add extra sweeteners, such as maple syrup or raw agave nectar. Cantaloupe is not only sweet and delicious, but it is also rich in a variety of nutrients and health properties. Like apricots, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, tangerines and mangos, cantaloupe is a great source of beta-carotene. This valuable carotenoid gives cantaloupe its orange color, but it also converts to vitamin A in the body, where it is used to fight free radicals and benefit eye health, immune function, and support red blood cells.

Although cantaloupe provides great nutrition and sweetness for this refreshing beverage, we cannot ignore the cucumber. Like cantaloupe, cucumber is a wonderfully hydrating fruit that helps enhance immune function due to its vitamin C content. Some test-tube and animal studies indicate that cucumbers may help regulate blood sugar levels. In a 2016 test-tube study, for example, cucumbers were effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes related complications. More research is still necessary on this matter, though. What does not require more research is the deliciousness of this refreshing summer beverage!

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If you’ve been craving a fruity twist on your favorite dish, you clicked on the right recipe. It isn’t the New York slice you were hoping for, but it is an unusually delicious rendition, and perfect for summer too. Enjoy it as a unique appetizer, snack, or even a dessert. Not only is it a great party pleaser at a summertime get together, but it is also perfect for impressing friends and family. It hits all the high notes and refreshes the palate with ease!

Why should you eat a watermelon pizza? Not only is it a home run of flavor, but it is also a great way to surprise your friends and family with something fun and new. It is very easy to make, with the “crust” being slices of crisp, juicy watermelon. Your toppings are the various fruit that you either decide to purchase or have in your kitchen already. The recipe lists specific fruits, but you can use other varieties if you have them. Grapes, cherries, peaches, nectarines, dragon fruit, and apricot all make for great “pizza” toppings. Get a little creative with it and add some fresh basil or mint as well.

The easiest way to get an even “crust” is to slice a big watermelon into one-inch-thick rounds. Then you end up with circular pieces that have the rind on them. Cut those discs into four or six pieces and then you can use the rind as a supportive grip, like you would on a real pizza. The last thing we’ll say about this watermelon pizza is that you cannot freeze it, unfortunately. The watermelon and the “toppings” will get mush after you thaw the frozen pizza. Don’t want to waste food? Make one or two pizzas at a time so that nothing goes to waste. Trust us when we tell you that this will not go to waste if you have company because they’ll love it!

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“Summer’s here and the time is right…” for enjoying these zesty homemade mandarin popsicles. Sunshine and citrus collide in this raw vegan recipe that is pure icy perfection. Crafted with refreshing mandarins and wonderfully flavorful Meyer lemon juice and zest, these popsicles are like a tropical vacation on a stick Not only are they bright, tangy, and incredibly irresistible, but they also exhibit a natural sweetness from the mandarins and agave nectar that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of Meyer lemon.

Sweetened gently with agave nectar, these popsicles strike a pleasant balance between sweet and tart. Don’t worry, you won’t feel heavy or overwhelmed while enjoying these citrus delights because they don’t feel heavy or cloying. Because raw agave nectar has a smooth, caramel undertone, it beautifully complements the citrus’ vibrancy, making each bite a delightful dance of flavors on the palate. Plus, making these popsicles at home means you’re in control, meaning that you aren’t adding any artificial dyes, sugars, or preservatives. It’s just pure, homemade goodness that will you down and lift your spirits.

So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hanging at the lake, chilling in the backyard, or just craving a sunny pick-me-up treat, these mandarin popsicles are exactly what you need. They’re as easy to make as they are to love! Think of them as frozen bites of citrus sunshine that will transform a boring day into a personal vacation. Grab your ingredients, get blending, and enjoy the icy, tangy magic of summer in every bite.

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You know what’s unfortunate? It’s the fact that papaya does not get a lot of love during the summer months. Papaya is a delicious, must-try fruit that is naturally sweet and creamy. When you blend the papaya with the homemade almond milk, chia seeds, and other ingredients, the result is a smooth chia pudding that is almost less chia and more pudding. That means that if you tend to steer clear of chia pudding because of the lumpy, tapioca-like texture, this recipe is for you.

Besides being incredibly tasty and tropical, papaya is a nutrient-dense fruit. Research indicates that papaya may improve everything from blood glucose levels in people with diabetes to blood pressure levels for people prone to heart disease. Many scientists attribute papaya’s benefits to papain, a proteolytic enzyme in papaya. It works to break down proteins into smaller fragments, which is why papain is used as a meat tenderizer. Some research shows that papain may reduce inflammation related to joint conditions, in addition to neuropathic pain from fibromyalgia.

When it comes to choosing your papaya, you do not want a green one, unless you plan on making green papaya salad. There are two main varieties of papaya: Hawaiian and Mexican. The former variety is much smaller, a little more expensive, and packs a sweeter flavor than the larger Mexican papayas, which tend to have a milder flavor. Whichever papaya you choose, make sure to scoop out the seeds first before blending the flesh with the chia pudding ingredients.

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If you understand flavors, you know that you cannot go wrong with the combination of lemon and basil. You typically see those two ingredients in a classic pesto recipe, but they work in salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and even this hummus. Because hummus is incredibly versatile, you can doctor it up to create a unique and memorable dip. You can enjoy hummus with pita chips, vegetable sticks, or as a spread on a sandwich. With so many flavor combinations, the hummus possibilities are endless!

Some of you might be wondering, “Why can’t I just buy hummus in the store? There are so many options that I enjoy.” Well, there is nothing better than making your own food. Secondly, hummus is a very easy dip to make and you know exactly what goes into it when you make it yourself. There are no added sugars, excess sodium, preservatives, or other ingredients that you cannot pronounce. Plus, you can whip up this batch of lemon basil hummus in about 10 minutes…and that includes prep time!

As with any hummus, you need chickpeas, which are naturally rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep you from unnecessary eating between meals. According to research, protein and fiber work together to slow digestion, a process that promotes feelings of fullness. Additionally, protein may increase levels of hormones in the body that reduce appetite. In fact, the filling effects of protein and fiber in chickpeas may help you reduce your total caloric intake.

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There are many people who love to indulge in cold, sweet treats, especially during the warmer months. There are many variations of “nice cream,” which is what people call healthier ice cream typically made with bananas as the base. When blended, frozen bananas create a smooth and creamy base, so there is no need for churning this raw vegan creation. Using bananas also means that you do not have to add sweeteners, such as agave nectar or pure maple syrup. Plus, the cherries in this recipe provide natural sugars in addition to a subtly tart flavor.

If you are one of those people that likes kitchen toys, consider investing in a cherry pitter. It is exactly what it sounds like: a tool that pits cherries and leaves you with the whole fruit. No need to cut around the pits or bite the cherries in order to remove the pits with your teeth. It’s truly an incredible creation and there is no better time to use it than during the summer when cherries are in season. The cherry pitter also makes freezing whole cherries that much easier.

Now, there are two ways to enjoy this ice cream. You can blend the ingredients together in a food processor and enjoy it immediately after blending into a smooth consistency. It is more like soft serve in that state. If you prefer scoops of ice cream, spoon the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for two to three hours. Remove from the freezer and then scoop the ice cream with an ice cream scooper. Just don’t leave the ice cream in the freezer for longer than two to three hours, or else it becomes a little too hard to enjoy.

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Golden milk, or turmeric milk, has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. Not only is the drink bright gold, which stems from the turmeric, but it also offers a rich, smooth flavor and several health benefits. In present day, golden milk has made its way onto trendy coffee shop menus. It is usually listed as turmeric latte, which infuses coffee into the classic beverage. That said, there are many places that serve the traditional recipe of turmeric, animal- or plant-based milk, and other spices and sweeteners.

And now that soothing drink has been transformed into energy balls. Isn’t that incredible?! These are especially great to enjoy if you love to snack. One thing we can say is that these are much healthier to snack on than a bag of chips or box of crackers. They are nutritionally balanced, offering both macro and micronutrients. You get the carbohydrates from the fruit and protein and healthy fats from the nuts and nut butter. The micronutrients come from the turmeric, desiccated coconut, and dates. The combination of macros and micros can help you remain full between meals and keep you from experiencing a sugar rush and crash.

If you are not the biggest turmeric fan, this is a great entry point. It can be a little bitter and very strong, which is why you may not be a turmeric latte lover. The dates and dried mangos provide sufficient sweetness to balance turmeric’s naturally bitter flavor. Plus, the cashews and cashew butter add a pleasant nuttiness that not only enhances the flavor of the energy balls, but also gives them a chewy and creamy texture.

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Cue the music because summer’s here and the time is right for juicing with some beets. Anyone? Sometimes, you run out of recipe ideas for homemade juices. What do you do in these situations? Perhaps you look up some recipes, searching for juices with ingredients you already have at home. When we need inspiration, we will try to make juices that focus on ingredients that are all the same color.

In the case of this recipe, we wanted to highlight red ingredients, many of which are in season. If you are familiar with our website, you know how much we emphasize using seasonal produce items. This recipe works because it contains simple ingredients that are nutrient-dense and perfectly balanced. It contains a nice blend of fruits and vegetables (well…fruits and vegetable), so the sweetness of the fruits balance the earthiness of the beet. This juice is hydrating, filling, and you can adjust the amount of beet you use if you are new to the world of beets.

Although you can use any mix of berries, we encourage you to use the red ones, such as strawberries, red currants, and raspberries. Just be mindful that currants can be quite sour, and so can the cherries if you pick them incorrectly. Any type of cherry works, but just remember to remove the pits and stems prior to juicing them. Can’t find cherries or they are too costly? Use a little more berries and watermelon!

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Some energy balls are just more delicious and nutritious than other recipes, and this is one of those recipes. It combines the natural sweetness of dried apricots and Medjool dates with the rich, creamy texture of Brazil nuts. You make these bite-sized treats by blending the ingredients into a sticky paste. This takes some time and you’ll have to scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Using your hands, roll that sticky mixture into bite-size balls, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. They are also great little pick-me-up snacks to boost your energy levels during long days.

The apricots provide a natural source of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber, which increases feelings of fullness, helps stabilize blood sugar, and supports digestion. Brazil nuts are known for their high selenium content, an essential mineral that benefits thyroid function and exhibits antioxidant potential. Together, all of these ingredients create a nutritious and delectable snack that helps you sustain energy keep you full between meals. Whether you are an athlete, busy professional, or anyone seeking a wholesome treat, these energy balls are for you!

These energy balls are also versatile and customizable. If you want to enhance their flavor with raw vegan additions like cinnamon powder, ground nutmeg, or a sprinkle of chia seeds, then go for it. The prep work is minimal because all you need to do is pulse in the food processor and roll. Freeze them immediately after rolling to accelerate the hardening time. The quicker they firm up, the sooner you get to eat them!

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