I'm so lucky that I live very close to a number of amazing BC berry farms. Every summer, when raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are at their peak, I go picking. Not only to I use the fresh berries in cooking and baking then, but I freeze them to use over the rest of the year.
This Berry Good Smoothie is one of my favourite ways to eat quality berries when they are out of season. You can't compare the colour and flavour of in-season fruit, even after it's been frozen. Now, if you don't live near berry farms or you don't have freezer space, frozen berries from the grocery store are also excellent quality. Most of the berries you find in the freezer section were picked at peak season as well.
As I tweak away at this recipe, I've tried to pack as many immune boosting health benefits and vitamins in as possible. Potassium, Vitamin C, fibre, manganese, antioxidants and even some subtle anti-inflammatory properties.
These days, priorities are all about washing our hands and keeping our bodies healthy. Hopefully this smoothie can help you with the latter.
Enjoy,
Krista
Berry Good Smoothie
Makes 3-4 cups
Ingredients
2 cups frozen berries, thawed + any juices once thawed (I used 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup raspberries, but you could also add blackberries or blueberries as well)
1/4 cup coconut water
1/2 mango, cut into chunks (frozen works here)
1/2 cup pineapple, cut into chunks (I used fresh, frozen chunks works too)
2 frozen bananas
1 tablespoon hemp hearts
1 tablespoon ground flax meal
1 teaspoon agave nectar (optional depending on how sweet you prefer your smoothie and which berries you use)
Method
Place ingredients, in order listed, into a high speed blender, like a Vitamix. Blend for 60-90 seconds or until there are no lumps remaining and all ingredients are incorporated. Pour into glasses and serve.
Smoothie will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Shake before serving.
Recipe Notes:
If you prefer to serve this smoothie bowl style. I would reserve the hemp hearts for garnish (don't mix them into the smoothie - instead use them to top the smoothie bowl). Add a tablespoon of your favourite nut butter and over top, 1 tablespoon of toasted nuts, seeds or granola for crunch then top with fresh fruit.
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