I generally prefer warm weather but I do love the seasons for the wonderful variety of produce. However, towards the end of every winter there comes a time when I am sick of soup and root vegetables and just want sunshine! Citrus always saves the day bringing loads of vitamin C and beautiful shades of yellows, reds, and orange to go with it! This smoothie is a dose of much needed “sunshine”. And it feels appropriate since temperatures on the east coast will reach the 70s this week!
If you’re not familiar with goji berries, they have been known throughout Asia as one of the most nutrient-rich foods for thousands of years. They are somewhat sweet and sour at the same time. I don’t prefer to eat them plain (although my 2 year old does) but I do love them in trail mix or in these little bites or a smoothie. Goji berries are comprised of 18 amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and more than 20 other trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus and riboflavin (B2). Ounce for ounce, they contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans and spinach! They are pricey but certainly pack in a lot of nutrition and I use them sparingly so they last awhile. I buy them at Thrive Market or allergy friendly ones from Gerbs.
Make sure you hashtag #hellowholefoods on social media when you make these recipes so I can see your creations! I love seeing them!
sunshine smoothie
recipe from green kitchen stories app
serves 1-2
ingredients
1 cup frozen mango
1 navel orange, quartered and peeled, pith is good
1/3 cup dried goji berries (allergy friendly here)
1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh turmeric or dried
pinch of fresh ground black pepper
1 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice
2 teaspoons chia seeds
directions
add all ingredients except chia seeds to blender and blend on high until smooth. pour into two glasses and add 1 teaspoon of chia seeds to each, stir and enjoy *right away!
* if you let this smoothie sit, the chia seeds will become gelatinous and the smoothie will be very thick. I prefer to drink it when the chia seeds are still crunchy, they’re like sprinkles!
