There’s a reason everyone always picks out the red candies and fruit snacks; cherry is one of the most classic and crowd-favorite flavors of all time.
Aside from being a favorite, real cherries are incredibly nutrient dense (sorry, fruit snacks).
In a hurry? Blend 2 large handfuls of baby spinach, 3/4 cup of frozen pitted cherries, half a frozen banana, 2 teaspoons of chia seeds, 8 ounces of unsweetened coconut water, 1/2 cup of water and a handful of ice until smooth. It takes 5 minutes and serves one.
Cherries contain:
- anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in grapes and red wine
- quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid
- soluble fiber to aid digestive health
- beta-carotene, the precursor to active vitamin A, which helps maintain eyesight and healthy skin
- melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle (cherries are one of nature’s few sources)
Cherries have an extra special place in my heart. I happen to be one of the lucky few in the world that has access to a cherry orchard each summer. A Flathead cherry orchard, to be exact, and some of the best cherries in the world. I’ll save you the long story: my grandfather bought the land in the 1930s (lucky me!).
The one downfall about fresh cherries is that they are in season for such a short period of time, making them hard to find and pricey.
Enter the frozen cherry.
Frozen fruit is incredibly nutritious and often a great value. Freezing fresh produce right when it’s harvested locks in nutrients; some nutritionists even think that it can be more nutritious than fresh produce that is consumed too long after it’s harvested. I think fresh is always best, but frozen is a (very) close second.
Organic frozen cherries are a staple in my freezer. I can even find them at Costco. Look for frozen cherries (and other fruits) so you can enjoy them year-round. Buy organic when you can.
A few recipe notes:
- I use coconut water here for the flavor and extra electrolytes, but you can substitute purified water if you don’t have any coconut water on hand. Your smoothie will still taste delicious. Coconut water is also the base of my Glowing Green Goddess Smoothie, with pears, banana and avocado.
- Load up on the spinach; you can’t even taste it! If you’re new to green smoothies, start by adding one handful and work your way up to more as you become accustomed to it.
- I sometimes add protein powder if I feel like I need it. The photo on this page is this smoothie recipe without protein powder, just FYI.
Cherry Chia Green Smoothie With Coconut Water
Time: 5 minutes
Serves 1
- 2 large handfuls washed baby spinach
- 3/4 cup frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 8 ounces pure, unsweetened coconut water
- 1/2 cup purified water (plus more if needed)
- handful of ice
- optional: 1 serving of your favorite protein powder, if desired
Method: Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender. Best served immediately, or store for later if desired.
Cherry Smoothie FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries work, as long as you pit them first. Frozen cherries are what make this smoothie thick and frosty, so add a little extra ice if you’re using fresh.
Can I make it without coconut water?
Swap in purified water and it will still taste delicious. I love coconut water here for its flavor and extra electrolytes, but it’s not a must.
Will I taste the spinach?
Not at all. The cherries and banana completely cover it. If you’re new to green smoothies, start with one handful and work your way up. My guide on how to build the perfect green smoothie has more tips.
Why add chia seeds to a smoothie?
They blend right in and add fiber, protein and healthy fats, plus they thicken the smoothie a little as it sits. I also use them in my easy chia pudding.
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Cherry Chia Green Smoothie With Coconut Water
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
This cherry chia green smoothie blends frozen cherries, baby spinach, banana and chia seeds with coconut water. You can’t even taste the spinach, and it comes together in 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 large handfuls washed baby spinach
- 3/4 cup frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 8 ounces pure, unsweetened coconut water
- 1/2 cup purified water (plus more if needed)
- handful of ice
- optional: 1 serving of your favorite protein powder, if desired
Instructions
Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender. Best served immediately, or store for later if desired.
Owww yum – sound faaabulous! Love cherries! Can’t wait to try it! Super jealous of your cherry orchard access, by the way.. lol
Hi, nice blog Really very interesting post shared above. Awaiting for more
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