Berry Blueberry Smoothie Recipe
Smoothie Recipe Ingredients:
½ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
¼ cup cashews
3 dates, pitted
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1 cup water
Directions:
All ingredients should be placed in blender and blended until smooth.
Contributed by:
Ani Phyo (AniPhyo.com)
USING VANILLA BEANS INSTEAD OF VANILLA EXTRACT
For smoothies calling for vanilla extract, you might also consider using fresh vanilla beans, readily available through many online shops (usually for around $1 to $2 per bean, depending on quality and quantity). For a smoothie as
described here, try using one whole vanilla bean (a method that works best if you’re using a powerful blender such as a Vita-Mix® or Blendtec®).
ARE FROZEN FOODS LESS NUTRITIOUS THAN FRESH FOODS?
Most of the available scientific research suggests similar nutritional values between fresh produce and their frozen counterparts. However, others believe that only those things that naturally survive freezing temperatures (i.e., low water) content items such as nuts and seeds) are appropriate for freezing. Some raw foodists point to the fact that most frozen foods are blanched (briefly boiled) prior to the flash freezing process, thus destroying some of the nutritional content.
While there is some truth to this, and to the argument that freezing high water content items causes some damage to produce, I believe frozen fruits are generally safe and nutritious, especially when there is no fresh alternative. It’s always best, of course, to use fresh when available and in season. But, don’t keep yourself from enjoying a great life-giving smoothie just because, for example, strawberries aren’t in season right now.
Categories: 
Tags: 