Frugal Fruit: Bananas

Thanks to everyone who has been reading this series on frugal fruits and veggies.  My hope is that many people who think that eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is too costly, start to revise their thinking. And in addition, I hope that some readers are inspired to try new ways of preparing and serving cost effective fruits and vegetables and increase their consumption.  I thought I’d take a break from the series of veggies and address frugal fruit this week.  The most consumed fruit in the United States is the banana (globally, I’ve heard it’s the mango).  Bananas are also one of the least costly fruits per pound and kids often like the sweet taste and natural packaging.

Interestingly, I am not a huge fan of bananas.  I much prefer reaching for some other fruit to go with my breakfast granola (like berries) or an apple to eat with lunch.  However, I do like having bananas as part of a mixed fruit salad, where the soft sweet texture offsets the crunchy apple well.  In addition, bananas play a leading role in my healthy banana and oat bars, where no added fats or oils are used.  I also like this dessert, especially in the heat of the summer.  The banana helps to create a creamy texture and this is like a soft serve ice cream.  I make this with vanilla flavored rice milk to be dairy-free and add no extra sweetener.

Healthy Banana-Strawberry Sorbet

1 large ripe banana
8 oz. of frozen strawberries
1/4 cup of frozen pineapple, optional
about 4 T of rice milk (or other milk)

Peel the banana and break into chunks.  Freeze for at least an hour (can be done ahead).  In a blender or food processor, combine the frozen banana chunks, strawberries, and pineapple if using.  Add several tablespoons of milk and blend.  If too thick add 1-2 T more of milk.  Blend into a smooth (but not runny) consistency.  Serve immediately.

see the previous frugal veggie posts on: Cabbage, Broccoli, and Carrots

see more ideas at Frugal Friday, Ultimate Recipe Swap, Grocery Cart Challenge, and Food Renegade