It’s amazing what the right smoothie can do.
This one gives me energy and makes me feel refreshed and revitalized.
Partly because it’s not a super sweet smoothie. I used Montmorency tart cherries, which have a unique sour-sweet taste. The slight tartness wakes up my tastebuds and cuts through the cobwebs in my brain without needing to pour a cup of coffee.
It’s a great smoothie pre- or post-workout, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. It’s vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and packed with tons of bold flavor.
The tart cherries are rich in vitamin A and for fruits and vegetables, a sour taste is often a cue for more phytonutrient compounds inside. Montmorency tart cherries contain anthocyanins, a ๏ฌavonoid that contributes to the ruby-red color and distinguishing taste.
Tart cherries are available in dried, frozen and juice forms so you can enjoy these superfruits year-round.
The banana is packed with potassium, and coconut water is like nature’s sports drink and naturally balances and replenishes electrolytes.
The cherry flavor is bold yet tempered by the smooth, creamy banana. Bananas are such workhorses in smoothies. I always keep a stash of banana chunks in the freezer so I can toss a few into the blender for smoothies. No need for ice that way, either.
I sweetened it to taste so that it’s sweet-yet-tart like a glass of lemonade should be. It’s refreshing and zingy without having to pucker up.
It’s interesting that expert trend trackers say sour is the new spicy, which will no doubt change the food industry. To learn more about going tart instead, and to ๏ฌnd recipes and serving ideas for tart cherries, visit choosecherries.com
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Cherry Revitalizer Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups Montmorency tart cherries, frozen
- 2 medium/large ripe bananas, previously frozen in chunks is ideal
- 1 cup coconut water, water may be substituted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- sweetener, to taste (granulated sugar, agave, stevia, zero-calorie sweetener, etc.)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the canister of a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately. Extra portions may be frozen in freezer-safe (plastic) glasses for up to 3 months. Allow to soften at room temp before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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A Year’s Supply of Dried Tart Cherries and Tart Cherry Juice
A KitchenAid 7-Quart Mixer
Le Creuset 4.5- Quart Dutch Oven
Anthropolgie Apron
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I was asked to participate in the National Cherry Month #GoTart Campaign as a member of the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network. I received free samples of tart cherries mentioned in this post from the Cherry Marketing Institute. I was compensated for my time. Opinions expressed are my own. #GoTart Giveaway
They’re awesome in chocolate chip cookies or coffee cake.
I love them in my cereal. My wife keeps me well supplied. Plus, it is my evening snack. (helps me sleep)
Cherry is my fav flavor!
Cherry smoothies!
I’ve never really baked or cooked with cherries, and now I feel like I’m missing out!
I love to use tart cherries in my cherry orange muffins!
I love using tart cherries when I make pineapple upside down cake!
I just found a recipe for cherry ginger ale. Can’t wait to try it. Also my new kitchen is in need of a stand mixer and Dutch oven!!
Juice or Pie!
I love cherries in granola, and of course cookies and bars :)
I love Cherry anything. Fresh is best……
My favorite way to enjoy tart cherries is in cherry pie. I love tart foods, so this smoothie is right up my alley.
Quick breads
I could make so many little cherry pies with these, or black forest cakes!
This looks absolutely fabulous and the photographs are like Summer which considering the current weather make them a pleasure to look at.
In cookies! With wite chocolate chips :)