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Recipes

Fruit Tea Stock (Zero‑Waste Smoothie Base)

Fruit Tea Stock

A gently spiced fruit stock made from surplus fruit skins and trimmings. Naturally sweet, aromatic and perfect as a zero-waste liquid base for smoothies.

Makes Approx. 1-1.5 litres, depending on fruit quantity

Ingredients

Method

  1. Collect clean fruit skins and trimmings, making sure they are fresh and free from stickers or spoiled fruit.

  2. Place the fruit skins in a large saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves.

  3. Pour in enough cold water to just cover the fruit, similar to making a vegetable stock.

  4. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes until the fruit skins soften and the liquid becomes fragrant.

  5. Remove from the heat and leave to sit uncovered for about 30 minutes to cool and fully infuse.

  6. For a clear fruit tea stock, strain through a sieve and discard the solids. To minimise waste further, blend the liquid together with the softened fruit skins until smooth.

To Use as a Smoothie Base

Add surplus fruit salad to a blender and pour in some of the fruit tea stock (strained or unstrained). Blend until smooth and serve immediately or chill before serving. Use around 150–200ml of fruit stock per smoothie, depending on your desired thickness.