Blackberry Smoothie

Health in a cup - this simple blackberry smoothie was my way of celebrating the end of the short but very generous blackberry season in London this year. With only 3 ingredients creamed together into a most delicious, refreshing, intensely berry-flavoured drink, with its vibrant purple-burgundy colour, this smoothie turns the simple act of drinking into a gratifying experience. Blackberries, bananas and raw almond milk are top-ranked for their health benefits. Together, they become a concentrated source of nutrients in a highly absorbable form.

Blackberries are among the top 10 antioxidant-rich foods; they are a low-calorie fruit, an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and they also provide a good dose of calcium, iron, folate, copper, manganese and omega 3; as an immune system booster, blackberries help strengthen the body's natural protective barriers.

Bananas are a high energy fruit, one of the best sources of potassium and a great source of fiber, vitamins C and B6, folate, magnesium and manganese.

Raw almond milk is low-fat, cholesterol-free, contains no saturated fats and provides more nutrient density for less calories than most nut milks; it is very easy to make at home (click the link to see my post). With the leftover pulp from making the almond milk you can make some easy and delicious Chocolate Balls (in the same post you'll find details on the health benefits of raw almonds).

I was lucky enough to have access to fresh blackberries throughout the season and hand-picked them right before using them in a recipe. For this smoothie I had to pick them over a couple of days, as they were the last to ripen, so I froze them until I had enough to make it. Blackberries are best when they are fully ripe, sweet and juicy. They should be deep black and look plump, glossy and ready to burst. At that stage they pull free from the plant very easily. Berry picking is a rewarding, fun activity, but if you are not able to pick your own you can always buy them.

This smoothie is an excellent way to refuel after a hard workout or to recover after an illness; it's extremely healthful, naturally sweet, and creamy, and kids love it. I prefer to have it for breakfast, as it's quite filling and provides all the energy I need to kick-start my day.


Blackberry Smoothie
Makes about 600 ml (2 large cups)

• 1 1/4 cups frozen  blackberries
• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup raw almond milk (see link above for recipe)

1 cup = 250 ml

Remove the blackberries from the freezer 10-15 minutes in advance and let them thaw uncovered.
Put everything in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until everything is smooth.
Pour yourself a cup and drink slowly, savouring every sip.

How easy was that!:) Cheers to health!

Enjoy and spread the magic!:)


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