Purple Smoothies - Dragon Fruits & Banana Smoothies 紫色冰沙-火龙果香蕉

It's been such a hot month, not a single rain drop, just melting tropical sun that burns the skin. So I decided to make some smoothies to combat the unbearable heat before anyone of us got dehydrated (excuse excuse.. the truth is we just love smoothies :)).

Dragon fruit is an ideal choice; it is naturally sweet, high in fiber, vitamin C and is a good source of anti-oxidant. It's locally produced so getting a fresh one is really not that difficult. I usually pick the pink dragon fruits instead of white ones, as they have higher vitamin C content. Besides, go for the fruit that is heavy and firm when hold in hand, and a tip the store worker told me was - check for fresh looking "spikes" on the outer layer, that's a sign of fresh and juicy dragon fruit.

This smoothies is so simple that it can be ready less than 10 minutes, absolutely no flavoring or sugar required.

Preparation Time: 8 min
Cooking Time: Not required
Serving for: 4 cups

Ingredients:
1 dragon fruit 火龙果一粒

2 medium size ripe bananas 香蕉两条

1 cup / 240ml fresh milk or low-fat milk 一杯或240ml鲜奶/低脂牛奶

6-8 ice cubes 六至八颗冰块

How to cut the dragon fruit with least mess? Just scope around it using a spoon then make tic-tac-toe cuts using a knife. Give it a light push and the flesh with come off easily.

Step-by-Step Guides:
1. Wash and cut all the fruits into cubes, toss into the blender and pour in the milk. 

2. Blend on high speed for 20-30seconds. Add the ice cubes last. This is how it should look like, before and after..

3. If the mixture is too thick, dilute with some milk; If its too thin, add a little more banana or ice.

4. Chill the smoothies in the fridge for 30 minutes, or serve as is if you just cannot resist, like me. ;)

Yum... Anyone care for a cup of this Purple Smoothie? 

Just some Tips..

• This is a naturally sweeten smoothie, while I found that many will add sugar or honey to it, it is really not necessary.

• Due to the high fiber content, dragon fruit is ideal to ease constipation problem too.

• Pink Dragon Fruit may stains the cloth, so avoid to let your little one self-feed. I only let my 18 mo to have a few sips as I discourage cold drink for young infant.  Even for elder toddler you may want to serve in moderation, i.e. just one small kid's cup.