Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Ginger Smoothie
This smoothie is a delicious powerhouse of anti-inflammatory ingredients designed to support your well-being. The deep, rich flavor of tart cherries is beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness of a ripe banana. The warm, spicy notes of fresh ginger and turmeric add a pleasant kick, while a pinch of black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, turmeric's active compound. It's a functional, satisfying, and refreshing beverage perfect for any time of day.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This drink is classified as a smoothie, specifically falling into the Health & Wellness category. Its formulation is focused on providing nutritional benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties, making it more than just a simple fruit beverage.
Serving
Serve this non-alcoholic smoothie cold in a large pint glass or tumbler. It's a substantial, single-serving drink best enjoyed immediately after blending.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml (15 oz)
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
Inspired by both modern nutritional science and ancient holistic practices, this smoothie combines ingredients revered for their healing properties. Tart cherries are scientifically recognized for aiding muscle recovery, while ginger and turmeric have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to combat inflammation. This recipe brings these powerful elements together in a convenient and palatable modern form.
Origin
This is a contemporary recipe developed within the modern health and wellness movement of the 21st century. It doesn't have a single point of origin but rather evolved from the growing public interest in functional foods and natural remedies for inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Ginger Smoothie
This smoothie is primarily known by its descriptive name, the Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Ginger Smoothie. Alternative names like Cherry Ginger Turmeric Smoothie simply highlight the key functional ingredients, emphasizing its health benefits.
Original name
Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Ginger Smoothie
Alternative names
- Cherry Ginger Turmeric Smoothie
- Tart Cherry Ginger Smoothie
Characteristics overview
This smoothie has a creamy texture and a vibrant reddish-purple color, with a complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of banana, the tartness of cherry, and the warm spice of ginger and turmeric. Its aroma is fresh and zesty, making for a truly refreshing experience.
Flavor
Fruity, spicy, earthy, sweet, tart
Aroma
Ginger, cherry, turmeric, banana
Taste balance
Sweet, tart, spicy
Aftertaste
Warm, spicy, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep reddish-purple, opaque, vibrant
Texture
Thick, creamy, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, suitable year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is predominantly fruity and creamy, with a noticeable spicy kick from the ginger and a subtle earthiness from the turmeric. It is naturally sweet from the fruits and completely non-alcoholic and still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This smoothie combines frozen tart cherries and banana with fresh ginger and turmeric for flavor and health benefits. Unsweetened almond milk provides the liquid base, and a pinch of black pepper is essential to activate the turmeric.
- Frozen Tart Cherries1 cup (approx. 150g)Using frozen cherries helps make the smoothie thick and cold without ice. Tart or sour cherries like Montmorency are best for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ripe Banana1 medium, frozenA frozen ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creates a creamy texture.
- Fresh Ginger1-inch piece, peeledAdjust quantity to your preference for spiciness.
- Fresh Turmeric1/2-inch piece, peeledCan be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder. Be mindful as it can stain surfaces.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk1 cup / 240 ml / 8 ozAny plant-based or dairy milk will work. Use oat or rice milk for a nut-free version.
- Black Pepper1 pinchA small amount of black pepper significantly increases the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric. The taste is not noticeable.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
The only equipment required is a high-speed blender capable of breaking down the frozen fruit and fresh ginger into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- High-speed blender for blending all ingredients until smooth.
Instructions
Simply combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until perfectly smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy this nutrient-dense smoothie right away for the best taste and texture.
1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender: frozen tart cherries, frozen banana, peeled fresh ginger and turmeric, unsweetened almond milk, and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Pour the smoothie into a large glass. Garnish with a few extra cherries or a sprinkle of chia seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Garnishing
Garnishing is optional but can add a nice visual touch. Top the smoothie with a few whole cherries or sprinkle with chia seeds for added texture and nutrients.
- A few fresh or frozen cherries, or a sprinkle of chia seeds (optional).
Dietary Information
This smoothie is vegan, caffeine-free, and gluten-free. It can be made nut-free and soy-free by choosing an appropriate plant-based milk, such as oat or rice milk, instead of almond or soy milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This smoothie is relatively low in calories but provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates and natural sugars from the fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Calories
Averagely 280 kcal / 1172 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 55g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 30g
Sugar level
Occasions
This smoothie is ideal for post-workout recovery due to the properties of tart cherries and ginger. It also serves as a quick and nutritious breakfast, a revitalizing afternoon snack, or as part of a health-focused detox plan.
- Post-Workout Recovery
- Healthy Breakfast
- Afternoon Snack
- Detox or Cleanse
Pairing suggestions
This smoothie is substantial enough on its own but also pairs well with light breakfast items. Consider having it alongside oatmeal or a handful of nuts to add healthy fats and make it a more complete meal.
- A bowl of oatmeal
- A handful of almonds or walnuts
- A piece of whole-grain toast with avocado
The Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Ginger Smoothie: A Delicious Path to Wellness
The Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Ginger Smoothie is a perfect fusion of flavor and function. It offers the delightful tastes of sweet and tart fruits, complemented by a warming spice that invigorates the senses. Beyond its deliciousness, each ingredient is chosen for its health-promoting properties, making it an ideal choice for recovery, a healthy start to the day, or a nutritious boost. Easy to prepare and entirely plant-based, it's a simple way to incorporate powerful superfoods into your diet.
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