I have been trying to make it a point while traveling to learn as much about the local food as possible. Who doesn?t like food. Here in Monteverde, Costa Rica I have recently been introduced to many fruits and vegetables.

To name a few: Mangos, Lychees, Yucca, Chioti, and more. Recently discovered a new obsession that I think you will love as well. Mango shakes, or in Spanish, Batido de Mango.

It is so simple, a 10 year old can make this. First you will need to find yourself a mango. The riper the mango the better, it gives more sugar.

When you are at the store buying a mango or two, know that mango’s with more colors similar to red mean that it is ripe. Grab a few so you can practice and eat! Depending on where you live, they are probably seasonal, so treat yourself when they are around.

The way you cut the mango does not matter, because you will be throwing it into a blender. So, peel off the skin, shave the mango from the seed and place in the blender. Toss the seed and peels in your garden for great compost.

To complete the batido, you need milk, sugar and ice. It is simple and easy. Add one tray of ice cubes or two handfuls and three cups of milk.

I have a sweet tooth, so I add one fourth of a cup of sugar. Use your own discretion for the taste you desire. Blend ingredients for a minute or two.

Mango’s have a fine fiber texture so the more you blend, the better. If you like it thicker you can add more mango or a banana. Ice does the trick as well. Pour your new healthy drink into a glass and enjoy.

Currently I live in Monteverde, Costa Rica and enjoy drinking betides in the morning during my Spanish class or sometimes on the patio of Hidden Canopy Tree House Boutique Hotel. Eating and drinking is always more fun in tree houses, in the cloud forest, with monkeys!

Hailee L. Rustad is an adventure seeking traveler. She is presently exploring the bio-diverse cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica while studying Spanish. If you are seeking for a luxurious vacation, she highly recommends you seeing this Tree House Hotel. If you want more information on the Hidden Canopy Hotel or Monteverde, visit Hailee’s blog.