A nutrient-dense, vitamin rich smoothie can provide the ideal on-the-go breakfast for lighter, brighter spring mornings. Or alternatively, a punchy protein packed concoction makes for the perfect afternoon pick me up.
Before blending away, be sure to get your ratios right. Commence with 2 cups of liquid, popular bases include Natural Yoghurt, Almond Milk and Coconut Water. Followed by ¾ cup of fruit, ripe banana makes a brilliant addition to any smoothie due to its sweet flavour and creamy texture. If you plan on making a habit of blending, it may be wise to start freezing your fruit. By freezing fruit at its prime, you can be sure to retain its optimum flavour and nutritional value. Frozen fruit will also chill and thicken your smoothie, saving the need to add ice. Be creative with your blends, spice it up with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger or Cocoa to give your smoothie some pizzazz, or add a heaped tablespoon of your favourite Nut Butter for a protein punch. Smoothies combining fruit and vegetables are all the rage at the moment, as they are a reduced sugar, equally delicious alternative to entirely fruit based drinks. Many vegetables in fact compliment fruity flavours spectacularly; noteworthy combos include Beetroot & Apple and Carrot & Orange.
If you’re lacking inspiration, why not try some of these tempting recipes to give you a kick start?
Rhubarb, Raspberry & Spinach
Bold in both colour and flavour, this recipe is a prime example of how to harmoniously combine fruit and vegetables. Add sweet Agave Syrup and Vanilla Extract to compliment the tangy Rhubarb and Spinach for a vitamin kick.
View the full recipe here The Flexitarian
Apple, Kiwi & Watercress
Don’t be put off by the daunting green colour as this recipe is both delicious and incredibly simple to make. Spring is prime time for the natural antibiotic, Watercress and its peppery flavour is complimented beautifully by sweet apple in this thirst-quencher.
View the full recipe here Watercress
Pomegranate, Blueberry & Banana
The combination of Blueberry and Pomegranate is not only undeniably tasty but also high in antioxidants, making this smoothie the perfect, healthy sweet afternoon treat.
View the full recipe here Marcus Samuelsson
At The Cottonwood Boutique, our Chef’s pride themselves on their use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and luckily spring has more than just fruit and veg to offer! So after a healthy week of blending, treat the whole family to dinner at The Cottonwood and sample some of the delectable, locally sourced dishes our Bar & Restaurant Menu has to offer. With a variety of spectacular meat, fish and vegetarian options available, along with a selection of irresistible sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
