Carrot Orange Apple Smoothie

Carrot Orange Apple Smoothie

This vibrant and healthy smoothie is packed with vitamins and natural sweetness.

Yields: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large orange, peeled and segmented (or 2 small oranges)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/2 medium apple (any variety, e.g., Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup cold water (or orange juice for a stronger orange flavor, or coconut water for added electrolytes)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes (adjust to desired thickness)
• 1-2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (optional, adjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of your fruit)
• Pinch of ginger (freshly grated or powdered, optional, for a slight zing)
• 1 tablespoon goji berries (for topping, optional, as seen in the image)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paring knife
• Cutting board

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit:

   • Orange: Carefully peel the orange, removing as much of the white pith as possible, as it can be bitter. Segment the orange.
   • Carrot: Wash, peel, and roughly chop the carrot into smaller pieces. This helps the blender break it down more easily.
   • Apple: Wash, core, and chop the apple into smaller pieces. You can leave the skin on for extra fiber, or peel it if you prefer a smoother texture.

2. Combine Ingredients in Blender:

   • Add the chopped carrots, orange segments, and apple pieces to your blender.
   • Pour in the cold water (or your liquid of choice).
   • Add the ice cubes.
   • If using, add the optional sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave) and a pinch of ginger.

3. Blend Until Smooth:

   • Secure the lid on your blender.
   • Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high speed.
   • Blend until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of fruit or carrot. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated. If it’s too thick, add a little more water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Taste and Adjust:

   • Pour a small amount into a spoon and taste.
   • If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more sweetener.
   • If it’s too thick, add more water.
   • If you want more tang, you could add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Serve:

   • Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
   • If using, sprinkle the goji berries on top for garnish and an added nutritional boost.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• For a colder smoothie: Use frozen fruit (e.g., freeze orange segments or apple chunks) instead of fresh fruit and reduce the amount of ice.
• Boost the nutrition: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s. A scoop of protein powder can also be added for a more substantial meal replacement.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the ratios of fruits to suit your taste. If you love carrots, add more! If you prefer it sweeter, add more orange or apple.
• Blending Power: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, make sure to chop the carrots into very small pieces to ensure a smooth consistency.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious carrot orange apple smoothie!