Blue popsicles made from fresh fruit juice and blue from protein-rich blue spirulina. A homemade protein popsicle that is blue and not full of artificial ingredients. Now you can eat a fresh fruit popsicle to meet your healthy protein needs for the day.
Blue Popsicles
Don't these lemon popsicles remind you of two towels on a sunny sandy beach, with the lemon being the sun, haha?
It's the aqua blue that really shouts beach, doesn't it? And so what better time to make these then the beachy months of summer. And reasons to make these include that they are full of protein from anti-oxidant rich spirulina.
This homemade lemon popsicle recipe is also refined-sugar-free and full of vitamin C and other immunity powers from both lemon juice and baobab powder.
How to Make Blue Popsicles
Remember those artificially-colored blue pops from the ice cream truck? Blue choices off the truck were my favorite. Especially the snow cones. Blue is supposed to be lemon-flavored, right? But I don't think these treats ever actually came in contact with a lemon. And they were blue from chemicals.
Well, not my lemon popsicle recipe! Mine are blue for healthy reasons. I used spirulina, a highly nutrition superfood and a great source of protein, energy and other nutrients.
How Healthy Is Spirulina?
Spirulina is algae, pond scum to be exact. Haha. That doesn't sound appetizing, does it. But it's nutrition panel is impressive and other ingredients can be used to overcome the taste.
For instance, spirulina provides a complete protein source and is one of the few plant-based foods to do so. In addition, spirulina has other qualities, including chlorophyll, that balance blood sugar, block disease-causing free radicals, and protect the gut. It also has a ton of B vitamins, which is great news for vegans and vegetarians. Read more about spirulina benefits here.
How is Blue Spirulina Different from Green Spirulina
And blue spirulina is said to be even healthier. It has higher levels of phycocyanin than does the green version. This component has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So I say let's go blue!
As I said, some people are hesitant to use spirulina in recipes because of the strong taste. I overcome it with maple syrup and lemon juice here. And a quality brand spirulina is important too. You want a quality brand both for flavor and to be sure it is harvest in non-hard-metal areas. I linked to a reputable brand below, but you can use your favorite.
How to Make This Lemon Popsicle Recipe
1. To start, dissolve your spirulina in warm water. I use very little but you can get a deeper blue if you use more.
2. Blend the spirulina water and all other ingredients until combined.
3. Pour into molds and freeze 30 minutes and insert sticks.
4. Then freeze for 4 hours or more.
5. To remove the popsicles, run the bottom of the mold under hot water and tug popsicle out and put it immediately into the freezer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Repeat until they are all out.
Store frozen, obviously!
These popsicles are very fruity and citrusy in flavor both from the lemon juice and citrus-y baobab powder. You can increase the sweetness by increasing the maple syrup, or reduce it, your choice. Just be sure to taste-test.
The spirulina needs a warmish water to help it dissolve, but not too warm or you'll damage it's protein framework.
I hope you love this recipe and that it helps you dream of the beach!
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📖 Recipe
Blue Popsicles
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice (Fresh squeezed, need 6 lemons, and one to slice)
- 1 tablespoon baobab powder (for citrus flavor and immunity support)
- 1 cup water, warm or room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon blue spirulina powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Equipment
- popsicle mold (I use this brand)
Instructions
Prep
- Warm the water slightly to allow the spirulina to dissolve. I have mine slightly warmer than room temperature. Stir ¼ teaspoon of blue spirulina powder into the water until fully dissolved. Add more or less spirulina to achieve the color you want.
- Juice 6 lemons to achieve 1 cup of lemon juice.Wash and slice the seventh lemon into thin slices. Insert a slice into each popsicle mold unit.
Make popsicles
- To a blender, add all ingredients. Taste-test for sweetness, add more syrup for a sweeter flavor.
- Pour in the liquid into the popsicle molds, filling each to the top. Tap the mold so any trapped liquid encases the lemon slice completely.
- Freeze for 30 minutes, then insert sticks.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove popsicles by submerging the bottom of the popsicle mold under hot water. Do not let any water splash onto the top. Pull out a popsicle, put it in the freezer immediately. I usually have a parchment-lined cookie sheet waiting in the freezer to receive the fresh popsicles. Repeat until all are out.
Storage
- Do not let these popsicles thaw and then re-freeze. That will destroy the nutritional power of the protein-based spirulina.I store ours in an airtight container in the freezer for one month.
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