Especially in the summer time, there is nothing quite so refreshing as a delicious raw smoothie. There is something wonderful about the fresh taste and the cold texture that are perfect foils to a hot summer afternoon.
But for many raw food aficionados, the smoothie starts and stops with the ubiquitous raw green smoothie. Raw food eaters are generally pretty adventurous, however, so here are five smoothies you should try as part of a raw foods diet this summer that will help you beat the summer heat, and give you all the benefits of raw food.
First off is the obvious but delicious Very Berry Smoothie. Since roadside berry stands are everywhere in the summer, you can simply go for a drive, and when you get back home, toss what you’ve found into the blender. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and any other berry, along with some ice and a bit of freshly squeezed orange juice. This is a great introductory smoothie for kids, or a great dessert on the hottest of summer nights.
The next smoothie to try might sound a little dubious, but it is wonderfully refreshing. The Spicy Tomato Smoothie is bound to raise some eyebrows and start some conversations. If you enjoy a Bloody Mary or Caesar, this smoothie is your alcohol-free solution for blistering hot days. Blending two tomatoes with jalapeno peppers to taste, along with a touch of sea salt, a cup of ice, a sprig of fresh parsley and a dash of chili powder, this smoothie is a great lunch replacement when it is simply too hot to eat.
The Watermelon Smoothie is perfect for those days when the sprinklers are on and the kids are in their bathing suits, jumping through the spray. Watermelon is great for keeping you hydrated when the temperatures climb, so the smoothie is a natural. Combining a cup of the deseeded flesh of the melon with a cup of ice and a whole sliced apple will provide you with something cool and refreshing to sip in the afternoons.
For something a little richer and creamier, you can try the Almond Smoothie. Made with almond milk, this smoothie will give you a texture similar to a milkshake, but without the pasteurized dairy products. This is also a great dessert smoothie for grown ups and kids with more sophisticated palates or a decided lack of a sweet tooth.
Finally, we have the ultimate dessert smoothie, be it summer or winter: the Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. Of course, you will have to source out some raw chocolate, as most chocolate is made from roasted cocoa beans. But the search will be well worth it. Mix in a handful of raw chocolate chips with half a cup of cherries, a cup of ice and a cup of almond milk. The texture you are going for here is smooth and creamy, reminiscent of a chocolate shake.
No matter which smoothie you choose, you will be find something delicious that will help to keep the summer heat away, and help to keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to your raw foods diet.
