Five healthy reasons to make your own sorbet

There is nothing like something sweet and cold during the summer months. There's no shortage of satisfying frozen treats at the grocery store, but you don't have to buy them — you can make your own at home.

Store-bought versions of frozen desserts can often be loaded with processed dairy, sugar, and other additives, so be sure to either look for organic or non-dairy options and check your labels for other hidden ingredients. Otherwise, if you have a good blender or ice cream maker at home and are ready to take on a simple dessert creation, then read on!

For making homemade ice cream, choose a non-dairy based milk such as almond, cashew, coconut, or hemp milk — this will give you a creamy consistency. Then add in your favourite flavours, from chocolate chips to ground nuts or even fruit.

Give sorbet a try
However, if you want to keep things simple and light, opt for making a refreshing sorbet. It's an easy dessert that doesn't require a bunch of specialty ingredients — all you need is fresh or frozen fruit, sweetener, and lime juice.

Here’s are five reasons to try making your own sorbet:

1. It’s low in calories and easy to eat after a meal.

2. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals when you add fresh or frozen fruit.

3. Sorbet can easily be topped with mint, chocolate, nuts, or fresh fruit for some added texture.

4. You can make it with no added refined sugars, flavours, or colourings.

5. It's versatile and can be used in other recipes, as the base of a smoothie, or in homemade cocktails.

Homemade raspberry sorbet

Ingredients:
4 cups of frozen raspberries
3-5 tablespoons of maple syrup
Splash of lime juice

Directions:
1. In food processor or high-speed blender, combine raspberries, maple syrup to taste, and lime juice, blending until smooth.

2. Serve immediately — if a bit too runny place in freezer for 30 minutes until sorbet firms to proper consistency.

3. Scoop and serve with fresh mint leaves.

Do you know any great sorbet recipes? Share them here.

Marni Wasserman is a culinary nutritionist in Toronto whose philosophy is stemmed around whole foods. She is dedicated to providing balanced lifestyle choices through natural foods. Using passion and experience, she strives to educate individuals on how everyday eating can be simple and delicious.