Spring is my favourite time of year.
Don't get me wrong, I love summer, and I probably have the most fun in the summer (I mean, who doesn't?), but spring holds so much promise and anticipation that's such a breath of fresh air after the winter.
Unless, of course, you live in Sweden, where spring can be a bit of a jerk. We had snow on Easter weekend, people. Snow!
Nevertheless, after what has felt like a particularly long winter, I find myself craving the bright fresh flavours of spring. We're not quite at the strawberries and pea shoots stage of the year yet (because: snow) so I've taken a bit of help here from some frozen berries, the ubiquitous year-round gala apple, and fennel that has been imported from Italy.
For many years I struggled to get my head around smoothies without bananas in them. If ever I had a nutrition client who didn't like bananas, I'd be scratching my head at coming up with smoothie recipes for them. These days my daily smoothie, the one that's in most common rotation, is 100% banana free. Not that I'm here to demonize bananas, or any other ingredient for that matter, but I'd say that of all the smoothie recipes out there probably 75% of them contain bananas, and perhaps you, too, are looking for other options.
If you're thinking that fennel sounds like a weird ingredient to throw in a smoothie, think again. The bright, slightly anise flavour pairs perfectly with the tartness of the berries and balances the sweetness of the apple. Yoghurt thickens the smoothie and adds a bit of protein, while oat milk rounds the whole thing out.
A few things to note:
*I use frozen spinach in my smoothies, which is why this looks more pink than green. Where I live frozen spinach comes in small cubes, so I just toss a handful in to the blender. If you're using fresh spinach, use 1-2 cups and anticipate a much greener colour.
*Do fennel and apple really blend up smooth? I have a powerful high-speed blender and so far there's nothing I've thrown at it that it couldn't handle, including carrots, apples, fennel, and celery. If your blender isn't so powerful you might want to err on the side of caution and chop or grate your apple and fennel before blending.
*Want extra protein? A tablespoon or two of hemp seeds is mighty nice here.
*Lastly a note on quantity. I like to drink a large smoothie, and right after I took these photos I drank both of those glasses. If you're not super hungry this will probably be enough smoothie for two people, but if you're hungry, fuelling or recovering from a workout, or just like a lot of smoothie, this serves one.
Fennel is an amazing source of vitamin C. It is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, molybdenum, manganese, copper, phosphorous, and folate. Furthermore, fennel is a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and niacin.
Does an Apple a day keep the doctor away? Well, they’re definitely good for your heart. Apples boast well-documented cardiovascular benefits. These benefits are associated with the water-soluble fiber (pectin) content, and the polyphenol mixture in most apples. Both total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol are decreased through regular intake of apples.
Two years ago: Healthier Applesauce Snacking Cake
Three years ago: Kale and Quinoa Salad with Smoked Feta
Four years ago: Game Changing Hummus
Five years ago: Roasted Chickpeas with Three Paprikas
Six years ago: Kale Chips
berry fennel smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 apple cored and sliced
- 1 cup fennel slices
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1-2 cups baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup plain yoghurt
- 1 cup oat milk or other non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Layer all ingredients into a blender, starting with the apple and fennel, ending with the yoghurt and oat milk.
- Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour into a glass, and serve immediately.
Notes
Cindy Allwell
This is good! I had been looking for a recipe where I could use my fennel greens instead of throwing them away after I cook with the bulb. Substituting the fennel greens for the bulb in this recipe works perfectly! I used coconut water instead of oat milk. And I added a few dates for a bit extra sweetness.
Gail Gasperini
I LOVE this smoothie!!! I have been making smoothies with vegetables mixed with fruit but it is very tricky to get them to taste so yummy... especially with spinach, which has a strong, mossy flavor and which I rarely use for that reason, finding dinosaur kale to be less imposing in a smoothie. ( I may try this with kale to see if it is just as good, for the nutrition benefits.) I would never think of trying fennel, which I love to cook with.
I am thrilled to have discovered your site, as I have allergies to gluten and egg whites. After trying this first recipe, I can't wait to try other recipes that I began reading and that look so promising. PLUS, you have a great style of writing that
puts across a fabulous sense of humor. Thank you for being so healthy AND fun!!!!
Linda @ Veganosity
Chicago weather is just like yours in the spring. It was 70 yesterday and in the 40s today. Go figure! This smoothie sounds lovely. I rarely put banana in my smoothie, but I almost always add spinach.
Katie Trant
And we had snow again yesterday! Get it together, spring!
kellie@foodtoglow
I'm not a banana person (I eat them reluctantly,) so almost never have them in smoothies. Their texture is useful but I find that, weirdly, peaches when in season are a great sub. I have never used fennel in a smoothie but I can see that it would be really nice with the sharp berries. I've had a chest infection, and have been off my food for about a week, so smoothies are pretty much my main sustenance. I hope it warms up soon for you. After a spell of upper teens off and on for a month the temperature has settled down to about 13 with winds from Siberia....oh joy.
Katie Trant
And I've never tried peaches in a smoothie. But what a great idea, going to bookmark that for when they're in season this summer!