Last Updated on May 20, 2020 by Chef Mireille
Except for V-8, vegetable juices were not commonplace in the 80’s and 90’s until carrot juices came out on the market. As much as I love carrots, I was reluctant to try it in vegetable form. Many of my acquaintances would drink them and upon my questions, most of them liked the medley’s like Carrot-Orange, Carrot-Mango, etc. Finally, I was once at a company sales meeting back when I worked in the corporate world and there were some bottled carrot juice medley’s available and I decided to try one. I hated it. So when people began juicing vegetables, I stayed far away from that trend.
Although I love smoothies in almost any fruit variation, beets, celery, carrots and spinach never found their way into any one of my combinations. However, I never stay firm to a rule as I am always willing to try something new. It may take me a while, but eventually I usually relent. Spinach is one of my favorite vegetables. It has sweet undertones, instead of the bitterness I don’t like in things like collard greens and mustard greens. Again, I was hearing again and again that you don’t even taste the vegetable taste, especially when combined with banana. Finally, one day when I was getting ready to order my favorite smoothie combination – banana and mango – I decided to take the plunge and told him to add some spinach too. I loved it!
Now I never order a smoothie without having spinach in it, automatically adding extra iron, protein, fiber and Vitamin C to my drink. Whenever there is extra spinach at home and a banana too, a smoothie is on the agenda. Looking for an interesting combination different from my usual, I came across this recipe. I made a few changes based on what I had on hand. Who knew exchanging blackberries for blueberries would make such a huge difference. Hers was still green colored. Mine came out a dull green color, with some slight purple tones. Although not the most appetizing color in the world, I guarantee once you make this combination, it will be a repeat one on your weekly menu.
Blackberries provide one of the highest levels of antioxidants than any other fruit. They are also very low in sodium and only 62 calories to a cup. Not to mention potassium, calcium, iron, fiber and protein, this smoothie is sure to set you up for the day or use as a mid morning snack to hold you over if you have a late lunch.
Blackberry Power Smoothie
Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
Finishing Time: 2-5 minutes (depends on how powerful your blender is. I use my trusty Ninja which never fails me)
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
2 cups spinach leaves
12 blackberries
1 pitted nectarine
2 tablespoons peanut coconut spread (or peanut butter)
1 cup coconut water
1/4 cup sugar - 6 ice cubes
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
Pour in a glass and serve immediately.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#52Blackberry Power Smoothie
Ingredients
Instructions
Healthy smoothie and loved the idea of adding greens into smoothie
What a healthy & nutritious smoothie Mir. Looks and sounds amazing.
I drink smoothies every morning for breakfast. I’m always on the lookout for some variation. Should definitely give this recipe a try.
I have to yet take a leap with using greens in a smoothie. However the ingredients there are screaming that it is one power packed smoothie.
i m yet to take spinach in my smoothies,! Smoothie looks very interesting and must be really healthy and filling!
Wow that’s surely one healthy power packed smoothie!..
A delicious and nutritious power smoothie.
Wow! That is a delicious mix of ingredients.
Really a power packed smoothie.