Strawberry and Watermelon Drink

I love the texture of this drink because it's very light and almost frothy and wonderfully refreshing. Watermelons, like most melons are rich in potassium, which helps control blood pressure, regulate heart beat, and possibly prevent strokes. Watermelon also has lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of several types of cancers. They are also packed with antioxidants and are abundant in vitamin C and beta-carotene. Researchers believe that beta-carotene and vitamin C are capable of preventing heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Watermelons are a valuable source of lycopene, one of the carotenoids and research indicates that lycopene is helpful in reducing the risk of prostate, breast, and endometrial cancers, as well as lung and colon cancer.  Strawberries are also wonderful. They are beautiful in colour, tasty and sweet and packed with goodness. They contain a broad range of beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins C and K, manganese, folic acid and fibre. The phytonutrients in strawberries (the pigmentation that makes the strawberries (and watermelons) bright red) may have considerable preventative effects on cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive decline. Now how about that. To top this, the drink also pretty good!


A refreshing and very healthy drink

This recipe is:

  • Egg free
  • Gluten free
  • Lactose (dairy) free
  • Nut free
  • Nut free but includes seeds/oils from seeds
  • Vegan

Strawberry and Watermelon Drink

Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients

  • 200 grams chilled, seedless watermelon (weight measured after trimming)
  • 50 grams strawberries, fresh or frozen
  • 50 millilitres soy milk (or any milk you prefer)
  • 1 small banana, very ripe
  • A few ice cubes if not using frozen strawberries

Preparation

  1. If the strawberries are frozen, allow them to thaw for 10 minutes before blending.
  2. Slice the watermelon horizontally into wedges. Remove the rind by inserting a knife between the rind and the flesh to cut it away. Cut 200 grams watermelon into large chunks.
  3. If your watermelon contains seeds, try to remove them as they will interfere with the otherwise lovely taste of the drink.
  4. Place the 50 grams strawberries in a blender or food processor along with the watermelon and 50 millilitres soy milk. Blend for 20 seconds or until completely smooth.
  5. Peel the banana and add it to the blender. Blend for 10 seconds or until completely smooth.
  6. Pour into glasses and serve immediately with ice cubes if preferred.

Tips

  • You can use soy yoghurt or natural yoghurt instead of the soy milk for a thicker smoothie-like drink.
  • You can add one, very ripe kiwi for an extra vitamin C and fibre boost.