Cool as a Cucumber Jalapeño Paleta

It's barely 9am here in Toronto, and it's already HOT! Summer is here, and although we had a slow start this year (it felt like there was a thunderstorm everyday for weeks!) I welcome the lush
greenery everywhere.

I love looking at my weekly meal planning lists, and was especially stoked this week when I discovered how EASY Mexican paletas (popsicles) are to make. I've chosen 2 to share with you, and today is the light, refreshing and slightly spicy Cucumber + Jalapeño kind (Stay tuned for my dairy-free, spicy chocolate fudge paleta!).

The spice in this paleta not only gives me welcomed flashbacks of my recent trip to Sayulita, Mexico, but also helps to naturally cool down sans AC. Spice is used heavily in cooking in countries that have extreme heat; Think Mexico, India, South East Asia etc. It's very intelligent and very simple: Spice makes you sweat, and sweat cools you down. Bring on the chipotle!

Spicy Food & IBS

What if you suffer from GERD or IBS? Does that mean that spicy foods are completely off limits? Not necessarily...

Spicy foods are very nutrient dense and have even been shown to improve symptoms in those suffering from chronic gut disorders.

For example, a study of 16 people with irritable bowel syndrome, published in the July 2014 issue of Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility showed that a 6-week trial of chilli powder improved symptoms of abdominal and rectal burning. There are receptors in the gut that bind to capsaicin (the component that provides the heat) and when those receptors are stimulated the gut performs peristalsis to rid itself of the substance.

This can be helpful in those with chronic constipation. Though, like everything we teach at The Academy, people's response to food is on a case by case basis. It's important to get to know what foods cause offence and which ones aid in your digestive troubles and relief.

It has been shown that those who suffer from IBS have more
receptors in the gut that bind to capsaicin, therefore spicy foods could be part of the cause of chronic gut irritation.

My advice? Start small, and test spicy food out. See how you respond. If good, great! Keep eating quality, whole food based sources of spicy foods to liven up your cuisine and make your
taste buds dance. If no bueno, no problem! Now you know.

This recipe has 4 ingredients and is completely gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free as well as suitable for both our Detox + Low FODMAP parts of our 12-Week Gut Restore Program. 

Cool as a Cucumber Jalapeño Paleta

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of chopped cucumber
• 2 jalapeño peppers minced, remove seeds for less heat
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. In a high speed blender, blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Pour into moulds and freeze for overnight.
3. Run the mould under hot water for a few seconds to loosen it from the stick, and enjoy!

My recipe turned out quite smooth and I didn't need to push the mixture through a fine strainer to remove any pulp or seeds. Though, if you find yours is grainy and pulpy push through a sifter
before pouring into moulds.

I used stainless steel popsicle moulds that I found at a conscious baby store. You could also find them on Amazon, or specialty kitchen supply stores. Mine were about $45 (I know, not cheap) though, chemicals in my food and BPAs suck so I splurge to protect my gut, liver and endocrine system. Silicone moulds would be a great option as well.

From my chemical-free, whole-food kitchen to yours,
Cassandra Hope RHN