TROPICAL TUESDAY: Ciku-Date Smoothie with Cinnamon (Raw+Vegan)

I recently got asked a very difficult question for a raw foodie like myself - What is your favorite fruit? Obviously I can never decide for one ultimate favorite, but even choosing my current top five can be quite tricky for me, I just love so many of them! This time I can proudly say that I know exactly which one it is right now - Ciku.

Many names, for one amazing piece of fruit

This little brown fruit with a skin similar to a potato is also called sapodilla, sapote or naseberry, but here in Malaysia you find it under the name ciku. It originally comes from Mexico and Central America and is now a common treat in tropical countries especially around Asia. Rough outside, but sweet and tender on the inside - its taste might actually rock your world.

The flavor of the soft flesh reminds me of brown sugar with caramel, it is absolutely delicious!

The right timing - When ciku is ready to shine

Don’t be tempted to cut it open too early though. When the fruit has reached its peak ripeness, it gets really soft and mushy. You will actually be able to smell the candy-like sweetness hidden inside. Then and not any earlier is it ready to present you its best flavors. There are black seeds in the heart of the ciku, that can be easily removed and then you can eat the light brown flesh nicely with a spoon.

You like candy? Then you'll love this smoothie.

For today’s smoothie creation, put the following ingredients into your blender...

3 bananas
3 cikus
2 medjool dates
1 tsp cinnamon

I bet you can imagine how well the caramel-sugar flavor goes with the dates as sweet as candy and the mild spiciness of cinnamon. And how can such a great taste become even better? When you learn about all the benefits for your health and wellbeing that this fruit brings along.

Ciku and the story of your health

Rich in vitamin A and C, anti-inflammatory properties, filled with antioxidants and containing minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron. I could go on and on, since most fruits tend to have a variety of healthy benefits to show off. Therefore, here comes a small selection of ciku's exciting characteristics:

ENERGY: This sugary fruit contains a high amount of glucose and is therefore a great power food to give you instant energy.
DIGESTION: With its great levels of dietary fiber it supports a good digestion and if you might be suffering from constipation, ciku is also helping you out with its laxative effects.
CALMING: On top, it is popular as natural sedative, so that ciku not only satisfies your cravings for sweets on stressful days, but also calms your nerves and helps to let any stress melt away.

So, you have to keep an eye out for these wonderful fruit and if you can manage to not eat them all up instantly, try my smoothie recipe and let me know your new top five fruits!

Stay tuned for more tropical treats, since this July I will post a new smoothie recipe each Tuesday, creating something special with the tropical fruits I encounter here in Malaysia.

Apart from that, this post is taking part in the amazing Fruits and Veggies Monday Competition from @lenasveganliving .

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Have a wonderful day and a fruitful journey ahead!

Yours, Anais

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Disclaimer: I am not a registered dietitian, doctor or trained detox expert. My goal is to share my knowledge from conclusive research and personal experiences to inspire you on your own raw adventure. I do not give medical advice and am not liable for any negative consequences you might face by following any information from this post - even if it is too much energy from a newly gained vibrant health and no idea how to deal with it. Always do your individual research when it comes to your precious health, it is absolutely worth the extra effort!