Strawberry Basil Vinegar Pops

If you want to try something a little different, here’s your chance!

Healthy Pops 2

*Strawberries- these heart shaped fruits are high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.

BUYING TIP: I am never one to push for buying organic, but I definitely recommend choosing local or organic strawberries. In 2012, they were named #5 on the Dirty Dozen list of EWG’s pesticides in produce. Their skin is so thin that pesticides can easily sip in and are hard to clean out. In addition, research has shown that conventionally grown strawberries are lower in cancer-fighting antioxidants. Fresh or frozen are best. 

*Balsamic Vinegar- a naturally acidic food that is low in calories and sodium, and fat free. Yet- it’s not perfect, so it does does have a little sugar, ~3 grams per tablespoon. 

Makes 10 pops (3.5 cups = 28 ounces)

~45 calories each

- 2 cups of tightly packed, thawed strawberries
- a little less than ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- ½ lime
- a handful of basil
- water as needed

Mix strawberries, sugar, vinegar, and lime in blender. Add enough water to total 3.5 cups. Blend really well. Add basil and pulse blender, enough so that you can still see little pieces of basil. Add to pop maker and freeze. 

I’m not going to lie. The taste will surprise you at first, but it is delicious! Trust me.

Recipe adapted from People’s Pops Cookbook.

Healthy Pops (Recipe 1). For those of you who enjoy something sweet (but not too sweet) and sour, try my Cucumber-Lime Pop.

Makes 10 pops (total of 28 oz= 3.5 cups)

Place 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 large cucumber (without the peel) in a blender. Add enough water to total 3.5 cups. Blend. Add to pop maker and freeze. Wait for a hot Summer’s day to enjoy!

Calories: ~35 per pop.

TIP: If you are not convinced about getting a pop maker, you can make ice-cubes with this recipe and add it to sparking water for a “light limonada.”