In case you hadn't noticed the bags of fresh cranberries lining the grocery store shelves this month... it's cranberry season, y'all! Though sweet cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving may be what comes to mind, fresh cranberries are so nutritious we should be enjoying them any chance we can. Not only can cranberries protect against UTIs, their powerful phytonutrient structure also gives them anti-inflammatory benefits, immune system support, and anti-cancer properties (source). Though cranberry extracts are sold as supplements, recent studies have shown that eating whole cranberries provides the strongest benefit. Because fresh cranberries are so tart, one of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in a smoothie where they can get sweetened up by other fruits and berries.
Though I was initially making this fresh cranberry smoothie for myself and to share with you, it has become a family favorite. While taking the photos, my sweet 6 year old came over and said, "Mommy, can I have that?" I told her it was my work and she could have some in just a minute after I got a pretty picture. She then said, "Okay, I can't wait to eat your work." And she proceeded to do just that. I just love this job. Sometimes I add a small handful of baby spinach to the mix and no one ever knows. 
Smoothies are one of my favorite ways to get loads of nutrients into my kids. This antioxidant powerhouse smoothie is refreshing, just a little tart, and such a vibrant pink color. This cranberry smoothie packs quite the vitamin-C punch, which is great if your family has been exposed to as many fall/winter viruses as ours has. You can play around with adding a small handful of fresh or frozen cranberries to other fruit smoothies. Pineapple cranberry would be delicious too. I love to use a base of a whole orange for the liquid. I simply peel the orange, or tangerines, and drop it straight into the blender.Other ways to use fresh cranberries
- Sliced and added to mixed berries or fruit salad
- Sliced and added to green salads
- Cooked with oatmeal
- Added to baked goods (think banana or pumpkin bread)
- Blended into a salad dressing (use the tartness to replace vinegar)
If you don't see fresh cranberries around, you can also buy them frozen in some grocery stores.
Fresh Cranberry Smoothie
Published 11/23/2011
A refreshing, antioxidant rich fresh cranberry berry smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 large orange, peeled
- 1/3 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries)
- 1 peeled and sliced frozen banana
Instructions
- Place peeled orange, cranberries, strawberries/raspberries and banana in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Total time: 5 mins.
Tags: winter, fall, smoothies, cranberry, healthy