Friday, June 21, 2019

Orange Rhubarb Anti-inflammatory Smoothie

Another rhubarb smoothie recipe? We are almost at the end of rhubarb season and I wanted to use up the rhubarb remaining in the garden. I loved my Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie recipe so much that I wanted to try something different. I searched for other fruits that might be good with rhubarb and found a lot of recipes using the natural sweetness of oranges to complement the tartness of the rhubarb.

And so my Orange Rhubarb Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie was born.



Even thought it is usually combined with fruits to make desserts, rhubarb is a vegetable. Rhubarb is very tart and not many people eat it alone. The leaves of the plant are poisonous but the stalks are edible. Nutritionally, rhubarb is high in fiber and is loaded with antiinflammatory powers. Be sure to search for the deep, ruby red colored stalks as they are sweeter than the pale, green stalks.

Oranges are considered one of the world's healthiest foods. Oranges are loaded with so many nutrients that we should be eating an orange a day instead of the standard apple a day! Oranges have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are considered one of the top cancer fighting foods.  Rich in fiber, oranges are readily available year round.

I included peaches in this recipe to add a little more sweetness to counter the rhubarb. Peaches are just coming into season and are often used in recipes with rhubarb. I don't know about you but I absolutely love peaches. If you can find Georgia peaches at your local grocery store, snatch them up because they have the best flavor (except for the ones I bring home from Alabama). Peaches also have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are loaded with benefits.

Maple Syrup adds a nice, nutty sweetness to this combo. Maple Syrup has a higher level of anti-oxidants and nutrients per tablespoon than sugar or honey. It's lower on the glycemic index and is thought to be a healthier alternative to other sweetners.



Orange Rhubarb Smoothie
Click to print recipe
anti-inflammatory, vegan, gluten-free
Ingredients:
2 ounces rhubarb, chopped
1 orange, peeled, sectioned, pith removed
1 peach chopped or 1/2 c frozen peaches
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Nuzest)
1 cup milk of your choice (I use Ripple)
1/2 c ice if you are using all fresh fruits

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Adjust liquids to desired consistency. Enjoy!


Rhubarb+Orange in a smoothie? It's another delicious way to combat inflammation! /via @oldrunningmom @Nuzest_USA @RippleFoods #runchat #inflammation #curearthritis

Did you try my Strawberry Rhubarb smoothie? How about this one? What are your favorite smoothie ingredients?

I'm linking up with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness and with Deborah and Sarah for Meatless Monday.





27 comments :

  1. Orange Rhubarb is an interesting flavor combination. I will have to try it. I have to leave out the maple syrup, though. I am avoiding added sugar to try to lower my cholesterol. I did try the strawberry rhubarb smoothie and loved it!

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    1. Maple syrup is low glycemic and it adds a really nice flavor to this smoothie! Let me know how you like the smoothie without it.

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  2. I'll admit I haven't tried either of your smoothies. Maybe I'm just stuck in a rut (probably). One of my favs is banana cherry chocolate.

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  3. I am kind of obsessed with peaches right now and this looks like a great way to use them. I do need to get some rhubarb! Love the creativity and I am glad you will be linking up w Meatless Monday as well. Have a great day!

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    1. I just made a peach cobbler smoothie yesterday! Oh, that was good!

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  4. Outstanding!! Summertime Smoothies Are Here. Love IT!!

    Cheers

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  5. I did not realize maple syrup was a healthier alternative to sweeteners. I suppose it has to be pure maple syrup and not the garbage I usually buy for waffles ( like Log Cabin or Aunt Jamima....lol)

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  6. This looks so good! I have a surplus of rhubarb in my garden (planted by the previous homeowners) and have been trying to figure out what to do with it all!

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    1. We've pretty much used ours up. I make smoothies...my hubs makes rhubarb/strawberry jelly!

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  7. Peaches are one of my favorite fruits, but I'd never thought of combining them with rhubarb. Interesting flavor combo!

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  8. Definitely would like to try it!
    Today I had cilantro/celery/plain yogurt/half frozen banana/almond milk/protein powder; one of my go-tos

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  9. I have to admit I still haven't tried rhubarb - my default smoothie always involves strawberries, banana, and some dark chocolate almond milk. I need to expand my horizons.

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    1. Clearly, I do too, judging by some of the combos people have been sharing with me!

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  10. Oh, peach sounds like a great complement to rhubarb! This sounds so refreshing and nourishing.

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  11. I grew up eating rhubarb out of my grandma's yard. She used to make pies and so I have fond memories of rhubarb. I think it's one of those foods you either love or hate. I love it and my husband hates it. :-)

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    1. I am not a lover of rhubarb, but I think I found a way to eat it!

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  12. Wait isn't Ripple cheap wine from back in the olden days? Start your day off with a kick! ;)

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  13. I’ve never even tried rhubarb! This sounds delicious though. I love that you used peaches!

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    1. Rhubarb is such a midwestern thing! Trying to use fresh things that we have on hand.

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  14. Huge rhubarb fan and this combo sounds so refreshing and delicious! Thank you for sharing and linking up with us for Meatless Monday.

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    1. I eat a lot of smoothies and have been looking for interesting combos!

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