There are mornings here on the homestead when time feels like a precious commodity, and yet, we never want to compromise on nourishing our bodies with wholesome goodness. That’s where this vibrant Berry and Spinach Smoothie comes into its own. It’s a quick and easy way to pack a powerful punch of antioxidants and nutrients, all from simple, unprocessed ingredients that often come straight from our land or local farms.
The heart of this smoothie lies in the berries. We’re fortunate to have a patch bursting with life during the summer months, yielding a colorful array of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. We freeze a good portion of our harvest, capturing that summer sweetness to enjoy throughout the year. Using frozen organic mixed berries in this smoothie not only provides a wonderful chill but also ensures we have a diverse range of those amazing antioxidants.
For the creamy base, we turn to our homemade raw milk kefir. It’s a staple in our kitchen, a fermented dairy drink teeming with probiotics that support gut health. Making our own kefir from the raw milk of our small herd of cows is a truly satisfying process, knowing we’re harnessing those natural enzymes and nutrients. On days when we’re out of kefir, a good quality, plain, whole-milk yogurt with live cultures works just as well, though we definitely prefer the tangy goodness of kefir.
The burst of sunshine in this smoothie comes from freshly squeezed orange juice. While we can’t grow oranges here in our climate, we make an effort to source them from local orchards when available or choose organic options from trusted sources. There’s a world of difference between freshly squeezed juice and the store-bought kind, with its potential additives and processing. The natural sweetness and Vitamin C are a welcome addition to our morning routine.
Don’t let the spinach fool you – it blends seamlessly into this smoothie, adding a wealth of vitamins and minerals without overpowering the delicious berry flavor. We often have a patch of organic spinach growing in our garden, even under the cover of a cold frame in the early spring or late fall. It’s a true workhorse in the kitchen, so versatile and nutrient-dense.
If we have them on hand, a few organic strawberries often find their way into the blender as well. We love the bright red color and the extra touch of sweetness they provide. Just like our other berries, we try to choose organic to minimize any exposure to pesticides.
Sometimes, depending on the sweetness of the berries and our personal preference, we might add a tiny drizzle of raw honey. Our own bees work tirelessly throughout the summer, providing us with this liquid gold. Raw honey is packed with enzymes and antioxidants, a natural sweetener that feels like a true gift from nature. We use it sparingly, though, as the natural sweetness of the fruits is usually just perfect.
Making this smoothie is a breeze. It’s a simple matter of tossing all the ingredients into our high-speed blender and letting it whir away until smooth and creamy. The vibrant colors swirling together are a feast for the eyes, a visual promise of the goodness within.
This Nourishing Berry and Spinach Smoothie has become a regular part of our homestead life. It’s a quick and convenient way to fuel our bodies with whole, unprocessed goodness, especially on busy mornings or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a celebration of the fruits of our labor and the bounty of the natural world, all blended into one delicious and revitalizing drink.
Nourishing Berry and Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen organic mixed berries Choose a variety for a wider range of antioxidants. Opt for organic to minimize pesticide exposure.
- 1 cup raw milk kefir Kefir provides probiotics and a creamy texture. Raw milk options offer natural enzymes and nutrients. If raw milk is unavailable, consider a high-quality, plain, whole-milk yogurt with live cultures.
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice Freshly squeezed orange juice provides natural sweetness and vitamin C. Avoid store-bought orange juice due to potential additives and processing.
- ¼ cup fresh organic spinach or to taste. Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Choose organic to avoid pesticides.
- 5 organic strawberries Opt for organic strawberries to minimize pesticide exposure.
- 1 tsp raw honey (optional) Add a touch of raw honey for extra sweetness if needed. Raw honey contains enzymes and antioxidants.
Instructions
- Blend berries, kefir, freshly squeezed orange juice, spinach, and strawberries together in a high-speed blender until smooth. Add raw honey to taste if desired.
Notes
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