Imagine turning frozen fruit into a delicious treat that looks and tastes just like traditional soft serve ice cream, but without dairy or added sugar. Sounds crazy, right? With the arrival of Yonanas, a fun kitchen gadget that transforms frozen fruit into dreamy desserts, “nice cream” will soon become a staple in the dessert hall of fame.
About the size of a small food-processor, Yonanas is available in two sizes—the Classic and the Elite—and neither take up very much kitchen counter space. It’s also easily transportable and can create an “a-ha” moment at parties and potlucks. Create a sundae bar with all the fixings, and the party just got better.
Over-ripe “leopard” bananas (aptly called because of their spots) sitting on the kitchen counter now have a new purpose. Peeling the bananas and placing them in the freezer will create the base for many desserts. Add frozen mangoes, peaches and berries, and there is a new horizon of desserts that are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, low in calories and very nutrient-dense.
The opening chute at the top of the machine is where the frozen fruit is placed. Using manual pressure applied with a tamper, the fat-free dessert appears in mounds and swirls of scrumptiousness once passed through the rotary grinder. You can easily calculate the yield: one and a half bananas will equal a cup of dessert.
The most important thing is gauging the fruit’s readiness for the Yonanas. Too frozen, and fruit will appear like shaved ice. Too soft, and the yield is more like a jam or jelly. Removing the fruit from the freezer about ten minutes before use is a good baseline to follow when creating these yummy frozen desserts.
When O Magazine listed Yonanas as one of Oprah’s favorite things for 2016, the machines sold out for months, and they’ve continued to grow in popularity! But as far back as 2009—long before Lady O’s pronouncement—plant-based cookbook authors like Rip Esselstyn (author of The Engine 2 Diet) offered Yonanas recipes.
Whichever model you choose, the machine will help you create dairy-free, healthy desserts that are fun to make. The machines are also available in commercial grade and are beginning to appear in hospital cafeterias to provide a healthy alternative to ice creams.
And, yes, although it is true that commercial ice cream makers are creating dairy-free versions of their traditional products, most are loaded with added fats and sugars, defeating the purpose of being super-healthy.
With the bounty of seasonal fresh fruits at the market, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy making frozen desserts for friends and family.
A Few Yonanas Tips:
- Because there are no other additives to the “nice cream,” it will melt quickly. It’s best to place a filled container of frozen dessert in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. This will make for easy scooping and longer-lasting desserts.
- Cooked, frozen sweet potatoes make a sweet and ultra-creamy dessert. Just make certain that the potatoes are quartered before freezing, as this will ensure that they fit through the top chute.
- Guacamole? At room temperature, ripe avocado passes perfectly through the Yonanas, and it makes a creamy guac for all to enjoy. Add other ingredients for the guacamole when the avocado comes out of the machine.
- Although the Yonanas is kid-friendly, adult supervision is suggested when operating the machine.
This durable and fun, small kitchen appliance is a great way to introduce sweet and low-calorie desserts while adding healthier food choices for all.
- Photos: Yonanas
