There’s nothing quite like British summer time, the smokey scent of barbeques flooding through neighbourhoods, the sound of the ice cream van sending us down a nostalgic memory lane of childhood summers, and we still haven’t got used to how light it is at 9pm. And while the ice cream van is great for a little treat every now and then, have you considered making your own frozen sweet treat, loaded with CBD goodness? Introducing: The CBD Infused Cherry Frozen Yoghurt.

Those of you who follow us on Instagram would have seen our new feature “What’s In Season, And Why You Need It In Your Diet”, and when you start taking an active interest into why you should have certain things in your diet at certain times of the year, you’ll question why you never did before. As a brand, we’re obsessed with all things health, whether that be mind health, gut health or all over body health. There are so many ways of caring for your mind and body and optimising your wellness, to learn more about how CBD can help read here.

Let’s break down why lapping up seasonal produce is so important:

Fresher and Superior Flavour

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically harvested at their peak ripeness, resulting in superior taste and flavour. They’re often sweeter, juicier, and more aromatic compared to out-of-season produce that may have been picked early or stored for extended periods.

Higher Nutritional Value

Freshly harvested produce is generally richer in essential nutrients. Fruits and vegetables that are allowed to fully ripen on the plant before being picked tend to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The longer the time between harvesting and consumption, the more nutrient loss occurs.

Cost Effectiveness

The cost of living crisis in the UK is very much at the forefront of our minds, and this is just one way of helping to cut back on the pounds and pennies.  When produce is in season, it is abundant and readily available, leading to lower production and transportation costs. As a result, you’re more likely to find seasonal produce at affordable prices, in comparison to out-of-season produce that often requires importing from distant locations, increasing costs due to transportation and storage expenses.  

Environmental Sustainability

Eating seasonally supports sustainable agricultural practices. Locally grown, seasonal produce requires fewer artificial inputs such as pesticides, fertilisers, and preservatives. Additionally, transporting produce over long distances contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing seasonal options, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support local farmers.

Culinary Variety

Embracing seasonal eating encourages culinary creativity. As different fruits and vegetables come into season, it allows you to diversify your diet and explore new flavours, promoting a connection to the natural cycles of the earth and encourages you to experiment with seasonal recipes. Consuming produce that's in season provides fresher, more flavourful, and nutrient-dense options, while also benefiting your wallet, the environment, and local communities.

With cherries in season, and with 16th July being International Cherry Day, this month we’ve taken a deep dive into why they’re the king of the crop when it comes to health. Deep and rich in colour, they’re the humble sweet treat you never knew you needed that offer a huge range of health perks due to their rich nutrient profile and unique compounds:

Antioxidant Power

Cherries are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamin C. These compounds help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from oxidative stress and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Tart cherries, in particular, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The anthocyanins and other compounds in cherries can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may benefit conditions such as arthritis, gout, and exercise-induced muscle soreness.

Improved Sleep Quality

Containing a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, cherries have been shown to increase melatonin levels in the body and improve sleep duration and quality. When doubled up with a dose of CBD, you’ll be geared up for a heavenly night of sleep.

Heart Health

The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in cherries may have positive effects on heart health including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy blood vessel function. These factors collectively contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Exercise Recovery

Cherries have gained attention as a potential aid in exercise recovery. Their anti-inflammatory properties and high antioxidant content may help reduce muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation after intense physical activity. Consuming cherries or cherry juice before or after exercise, along with CBD, can support faster muscle recovery and reduced strength loss or muscle soreness.

Weight Management

Cherries are relatively low in calories and high in fibre. Their natural sweetness can satisfy cravings for sugary snacks, making them a healthier alternative. Additionally, the fibre content in cherries aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, which can support weight management efforts as well as keeping our gut healthy.

We’re doing a handful of CBD recipes this month featuring the almighty cherry (which naturally goes hand in hand with our Wild Cherry 1200mg CBD Oil). And jumping on a trend at any given chance, we’ve done a CBD spin on this viral frozen yoghurt recipe. Thanks Ocado for the inspo! Follow the recipe below or watch the video here.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of cherries (you’ll only need half of them)
• 250g vegan or greek yoghurt
• Honey or agave
• Love Hemp CBD Chocolate Balls

Method

• Wash and de-stone your cherries, as they’re in season they should be nice and plump and really juicy. The stones will pop out very easily.
• Mash with a fork then add to a bowl of vegan or greek yoghurt.
• Add a big squeeze of honey or agave, approx 2-3 tbsp.
• Add 70mg Wild Cherry CBD Oil.
• Marble the cherry/honey/CBD mix into the yoghurt and separate into approx 7 blobs on a lined baking tray.
• Freeze
• Melt 1 pack of Love Hemp CBD Chocolate Balls in a heat-proof glass bowl over simmering water
• Drizzle the chocolate over the frozen yoghurt blobs, or dip in to cover entirely.

A healthy summer sweet treat for everyone to enjoy. Who needs the ice cream van anyway?