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"]
Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen wild blueberries plus additional for topping if desired
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk or milk of choice
- ½ cup frozen diced beets use diced fresh beets if you don't have frozen
- ¼ cup rolled oats use gluten-free if needed
- ¼ cup coconut cream or culinary coconut milk substitute with yogurt if desired
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- 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?
Tawnie Kroll says
These pictures are amazing !!!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks Tawnie! 🙂
Tawnie Kroll says
aaaand just realized we titled our smoothies the same thing lol
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
haha seriously, great minds think alike! 😉
Jenny Dunklee says
Wow, I'd never of thought of beets in a smoothie. That color is to die for and I bet it tastes awesome too.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks Jenny! Between the wild blueberries and beets there's so much color and flavor! 🙂
Grizzy says
Hi
Beautiful photos! I don't mean to sound corny (yeah I'm a Jersey girl) but man your photos look like you can reach out and grab a mug.
Heading out tomorrow in search of wild berries. Love beets.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
haha thanks so much, Grizzy! 🙂 Hope you enjoy the smoothie, let me know how it turned out! 🙂
Edwina Clark says
This looks phenomenal! Love the creative use of beets and the color!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks so much Edwina! Enjoy!
AW says
This looks great and I would not have thought of adding beets. So, I have to ask, how do you prepare the beets? Are they raw and peeled? Thank you for the idea.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi AW! The beets I used were peeled and raw - I bought them pre-frozen (cascadian farms is the brand). It should also work with cooked beets, I'd love to hear how it goes if you try it! 🙂
Sarah B. says
Interesting question for you: Should the beets be cooked before they are used in your smoothie?
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi Sarah! The beets I used were raw - I used frozen cascadian farms brand. It should also work with cooked beets, I'd love to hear how it goes if you try it! 🙂
Mike says
I really like the idea of beet smoothies, Would you recommend any other pairing besides the blue berries to accompany this colourful root?
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks Mike! All berries would be delicious and apples would be a great too. I'd also love to try something like frozen mango with beets - let me know how it goes!
Elisa says
Oh my goodness. I just made this. Didn’t have coconut milk just added more almond. The cinnamon and ginger are such wonderful notes with beetutiful smoothie!! My mind is blown. I feel like I can conquer the world! Thank you for sharing!!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Ha thanks, Elisa! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. I love those flavors together, too!