Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

By posting this Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie recipe I am entering the #WildYourSmoothie recipe contest sponsored by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America and I am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Did you know that even though it may be freezing outside, smoothies are actually most popular during the winter months?  Could be related to New Year’s resolutions for some but as I sit here in snowy Colorado, sipping on my smoothie in my extra warm onesie pajamas – don’t judge, I’m writing this on a Friday – I get it.

Smoothies are just delicious anytime of the year.

My favorite smoothies are packed with flavor, so frozen wild blueberries are and obvious choice and something I toss into my blender constantly.  I’m a serious berry lover but nothing – not even regular/cultivated blueberries – can compare to the punch of flavor from the wild variety.

Wild blueberries grow naturally right in the barrens and fields of Maine and Eastern Canada, just like they have for the past 10,000 years(!) and because they’re truly wild, they’re also more genetically diverse than cultivated blueberries.  This diversity is directly linked to the wild blueberry’s intense mix of sweet and tart flavors that couldn’t be more perfect for smoothies.

Along with added flavor, smoothies made with wild blueberries tend to be packed with more nutrition too.  (Bonus points if you toss in a handful of sweet and earthy beets like I did!)  Wild blueberries have twice the antioxidant potential of regular blueberries and are quick-frozen right at harvest to maintain freshness – like nature’s pause button for locking in all that flavor and goodness. 🙂

99% of the wild blueberry crop is frozen in this way, so there’s no excuse not to try them – even if you can’t make a trip out to Maine or Eastern Canada this year.  I found mine right in the frozen fruit aisle at our local Safeway supermarket and have come across them at a number of grocery stores throughout the Denver area.  (Just double check that the package says wild!)

You know, I’m so down for a trip to Maine or Eastern Canada, but for now, I’ll just sip on my wild blueberry smoothie and spend a few moments looking out our snowy Colorado mountain window.  Some days are just better spent in onesie pajamas anyway. 😉

[clickToTweet tweet=”Add an extra serving of veggies with this @WildBBerries Beet Smoothie! #WildYourSmoothie” quote=”Add an extra serving of veggies with this @WildBBerries Beet Smoothie! #WildYourSmoothie”]

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Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

This healthy Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie is a colorful and nutritious way to start your day with an extra serving of vegetables at breakfast!

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Smoothie, Snack

Cuisine: dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan

Servings: 1 -2

Author: Stephanie McKercher, RDN

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen wild blueberries plus additional for topping if desired
• 1 cup unsweetened soy milk or milk of choice
• 1/2 cup frozen diced beets use diced fresh beets if you don't have frozen
• 1/4 cup rolled oats use gluten-free if needed
• 1/4 cup coconut cream or culinary coconut milk substitute with yogurt if desired
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

1. Add ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy, gradually adding additional milk if you prefer a thinner, more drinkable consistency. Transfer to a glass and top with additional wild blueberries if desired. Enjoy!

Do you drink more smoothies during the winter or the summer?