Have you ever tried Jus de Fruit from Chad? From the French translation, it means 'fruit juice'. This is not your average fresh fruit juice though. It's a delicious tropical drink that falls somewhere between a smoothie, milkshake and regular juice.
Instead of simply blending fruit, Chadians add milk to create a refreshingly creamy drink. It's substantial, filling and full of the good stuff! Only the freshest, in-season fruits like mango, pineapple, guava, papaya and oranges, picked at the peak of ripeness, are used. And to top it off, a pinch of cardamom is added for an extra burst of flavour.
If you are looking to try Jus de fruit in Chad, you can typically find it at local markets and street vendors' stalls. It is often served in large pitchers or bottles. What a great way to cool down and quench your thirst on a hot day in the African sunshine!
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Chad - Fast facts
| Location | Central Africa, bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest and Niger to the west. |
| Language | French and Arabic, but over 120 different languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country. |
| Population | Circa 17 million people. |
| Trivia | Lake Chad is one of the world's largest lakes, supplying water to over 68 million people across four countries. Climate change and unsustainable water use have caused its significant shrinkage in recent decades, endangering food security and livelihoods. |
What's to love about this recipe
- 5 Minutes to make.
- Helps you towards your five a day. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 and magnesium.
- Perfect for summer.
- Popular with kids.
Key ingredient notes and substitutions
**Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients.
Fruit - We use mango and banana in this recipe, but use any of your favourites! In Chad, the common fruits used are pineapple, papaya, guavas and mango. You will need a total of 1.5 cups (375ml) of chopped fruit.
Milk - Whole milk, semi-skimmed, low fat, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk or oat milk can all be used.
Sugar - If the fruit you're using is very sweet, you can add less sugar. It can also be replaced with a sweeter of your choosing, like honey, maple syrup or an artificial sweetener.
Ground cardamom/cardamom powder - This is optional, but it really adds something special to this drink. If you're unsure whether you will like it, you can always pour out a small amount of blended Jus de Fruit before adding any cardamom. Add a small pinch to your sample and test it. We think you might like it! The Chadians are definitely onto something here.
How to make Jus de Fruit
- Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor that will be strong enough to handle chopping ice. Ensure the lid's on tightly and blend until you have a creamy consistency.
- Pour into glasses.
Decoration ideas
- Add colourful straws
- Add cocktail umbrellas
- Hook pieces of fruit onto the rim of the glass
- Sprinkle with cardamom or nutmeg
- Serve in mason jars, milkshake glasses, large parfait glasses or tumblers
Storage
Jus de Fruit is best enjoyed freshly made. You can store it in the fridge until the next day. Give it a good stir before serving in case some of the fruit pieces might have separated from the liquid overnight.
Other recipes from Africa you might enjoy
Tunisian cake with orange and almonds
Trinchado - Spicy Portuguese inspired South African beef stew
Recipe
Jus de Fruit - Fruit juice from Chad
Equipment you may need
- 1 Food processor/blender that can cope with chopping ice
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped mango - 250ml
- ½ cup chopped banana - 125ml
- ½ cup ice cubes - 125ml
- 2 cups milk - 500ml
- 3 tablespoons sugar - granulated, caster or a sweetener of your choice
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder - optional
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor that will be strong enough to handle chopping ice. Ensure the lid's on tightly and blend until you have a creamy consistency. Pour into glasses and decorate with straws, umbrellas or pieces of fruit.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies
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