Amazing raw ice cream.

Eating raw is an art and many people are drawn to this nutritious, delicious and vibrant way of eating.

People go for raw foods as part of a natural detox, to alkalise their bodies and to minimise the loss of enzymes and phytonutrients which may be destroyed by cooking.

There are many helpful books and websites to check out and a small community of dedicated raw foodies in New Zealand.
With any change in diet be sure to get the support you need and seek the advice of a registered health professional.

Raw Banana “Ice Cream”

Looking for a way to use very ripe bananas? Try this frozen mixture of dates, honey, bananas and cashews for a special treat.

• 20 Pitted dates, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch ground cinnamon, to taste
• 4 cups sliced very ripe bananas
• ½ cup cashews coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped almonds

Soak dates in lukewarm water to cover for 10 minutes. Drain dates and reserve soaking liquid.

In a food processor, blend dates with three to four tablespoons of soaking liquid, honey, coconut oil, vanilla and cinnamon until smooth.

Add bananas to food processor and blend until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks of banana intact if desired. Transfer banana mixture to a stainless steel bowl and stir in cashews.

Freeze mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a semi-solid state, 4 to 6 hours or overnight. Allow to thaw at room temperature 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Sprinkle each serving with roughly chopped almonds.