I love this time of year when the days become warmer and longer, the leaves start to form on the trees and the birds are becoming more vocal as the sun rises.

Spring is a time of new beginnings, gentle cleansing and increasing activity. It also means those wonderful fruits like mangoes, stone fruit and all the berries start returning to the markets. Mangoes are one of my favourite fruits and when they return I will use them as much as I can – a burst of sunshine on my plate.

Green smoothies are a great way to start gently cleansing the body from the more heavier foods of winter. They are easy to make and the whole family, including the kids can enjoy. This is my all time favourite smoothie recipe as it so simple to make and makes great icy poles.

Ingredients:

1 mango

1/2 cup cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours*

2 cups of filtered chilled water

2 cups of baby spinach

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse the cashews. Place the cashews and water in a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the baby spinach to the cashew milk and blend again until smooth
3. Peel the mango and add to the blender. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour into your favourite fancy glass and find a quiet place to enjoy.

*It is recommended to soak the cashews to remove the phytates which inhibit digestion.

If the smoothie is too thick for your liking add some more water and blend again. Use a thicker consistency if making icy poles.