Ingredients
- 1/4 of a cantaloupe, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup of strawberries, frozen or fresh
- 1-2 handfuls of fresh basil, or other leafy green
- 1/2 cup of cucumber, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 Tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon of nut or seed butter
- 3/4 cup of water, more to reach desired consistency
- Optional, for amazing flavor: a dash of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt
- Optional sweetener: 4 drops of liquid stevia extract OR a spoonful of raw honey
- Optional superfoods: 1 teaspoon camu camu powder and/or 1 teaspoon of locally-sourced bee pollen
Directions
- Blend all ingredients together on high power until smooth. Add more water if needed. Enjoy!
We LOVE using herbs in smoothies. They add amazing flavor and healthful phytonutrients. This smoothie has basil which tastes delicious and refreshing with summer melon.
Using a variety of herbs and greens supplies your body with a nice range of vitamins and minerals and gives it a break from consuming the same plant alkaloids repeatedly.
Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that have a toxic or pharmacological effect on other organisms. Most plant alkaloids are safe when consumed in moderation, but can have negative effects when consumed in large quantities or for long periods of time (ex: the kale craze).
The easiest way to be sure you are mixing up your herbs and greens is to buy what is fresh and in season. In additional to basil, you can try mint, parsley, lemon balm, or cilantro.
Try some new greens in your smoothies, like basil in this smoothie recipe, and leave a comment letting us know what your favorite smoothie combo is!
