Cherry Blueberry Smoothie

Two of my favorite fruits are in season here in Michigan and I can’t get enough of them :)

Trips to the farmer’s market are extra rewarding this time of year. While walking home with bags full of fresh, local food, feelings of gratitude abound. Remember, fresh tastes best!

Cherries and blueberries tickle your taste buds and are known to benefit your health in the following ways.

Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants and contain compounds (queritrin, ellagic acid, perillyl alcohol) that help fight cancer. Cherries help you get a good nights sleep, something we all need. Their anti-inflammatory properties relieve pain from arthritis and gout and help alleviate migraine headaches.

Blueberries, another antioxidant powerhouse that provides anti-cancerous benefits, are great for your brain, eyes, and cardiovascular system. Both fruits are low in sugar, but high in nutrients, a winning combo.

If I could only consume cherries and blueberries when they’re in season I would not be a happy camper. Therefore, I freeze a substantial amount so I can enjoy them year round.

Click here for video instructions on 4 ways to pit a cherry.

What are some of your favorite smoothie worthy local foods? If possible, I encourage you to either add or substitute a local fruit into this recipe.

The kefir I used in this recipe coupled with frozen blueberries provided enough thickness. Use frozen fruit and/or ice to achieve your desired consistency. Enjoy!

Cherry Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

• 1 cup kefir (substitute milk or water)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
• A dash of sea salt
• 2 – 4 ice cubes (optional)
• A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)

The Add-ons

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut flakes or shreds
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder and/or nibs

Show Time

Place all of the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth. If you don’t have a very powerful blender and your coconut oil is in liquid form, you might want to blend everything except the coconut oil first, then drizzle it on and blend for another 5-10 seconds to avoid clumping.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 27g
• Vitamin A: 10% RDA
• Vitamin C: 25% RDA
• Calcium: 31% RDA
• Iron: 8% RDA

I would love to know if you try this cherry blueberry smoothie – please leave a comment below. Happy Blending!