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It is just the beginning of apple season here in Upstate NY. I know that a lot of people think only of the city when they hear the words “New York”, but here where we live, there are way more cows than there are people, and LOTS of apples.
NY is the second largest producer of apples in the United States, and we live just on the edge of the Finger Lakes, which is the most prolific apple growing part of the state.
So – we got apples! There will no doubt be plenty of apple recipes appearing here over the next couple of months but when I got my hands on the first fresh apples from this year, I could only think of making this smoothie. It makes sense to start out with breakfast, right?
I nearly always put ginger in whatever smoothies I am making. I love the flavor, and ginger is one of the best things you can have in your diet to reduce inflammation. I know I notice a big difference in how I feel if I run out of ginger for more than a couple days.
Try to find organic if you can, and look for plump, good sized pieces when you are choosing the ones to buy. Obviously, there should not be any damp spots or mold. Fortunately, the quality of the fresh ginger in the produce section has improved greatly from what it was just a few years ago. I store mine in a small paper bag in the veggie bin of the fridge.
It is important to know that if your body isn’t used to it, too much ginger can upset your stomach, so you might want to use a little less if you have a sensitive stomach. Also, it can interact with medications that regulate blood thinning, blood pressure, and blood sugar, so if you take those, you should check with your doctor. On the other hand, if you are into natural medicines, ginger can eliminate the need for those kinds of drugs, so you may want to explore the possibility of substituting ginger in your diet for them, at least in part. I think it would take a lot more than you find in this recipe to make any difference, but you should be aware of the possibility of interactions.
The flavors of apple and ginger go together very well, and though this green smoothie has quite a lot of spinach in it, you can’t really taste it at all. The flax seeds are really good for you too, and I love the almost nutty flavor they impart. The only other two ingredients are Greek yogurt, and raw milk, if you can find it, other full fat organic milk if you can’t. Vegans, I am sure, can figure out their own preferred substitutions for the dairy.
Apple Ginger Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple washed, cored and cut into quarters
- a big handful of fresh spinach leaves about 1/2 cup
- a 1 inch long piece of ginger [1/2 to 1 ounce] peeled
- 1 tablespoon golden flax seeds
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt [any kind that you like]
- 1 cup milk preferably raw, full fat [you can sub in other milk if you prefer]
- Ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high speed blender or *smoothie maker, and process until very smooth. I prefer to just add a couple ice cubes to the glass before drinking, but you can add a few cubes along with the other ingredients if you like.
- Serve immediately. Leftovers should be refrigerated, but it is best to drink a smoothie right away to get the best use of the nutrients.
Ah – my favorite way to begin any day!
*My favorite smoothie maker is my Nutribullet.
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The apple and ginger sound like they would make a great combo for a green smoothie, will try and report back ;D
I have tried that before Kee, and it is really good!
Hi! This looks like a very yummy smoothie, and now I can’t wait to make one. Picking up the ingred. on my way home tonight. Thank you for a wonderful idea, and glad to know about how good ginger is!!!
Hi Alynne – glad that you like the idea & hope you enjoy it 🙂
I know I may be a bit prejudice but, I think New York has the bestest apples ever! As a matter of fact, quite a few apples were first grown in New York and “brought to life” at Cornell.
I’m so excited to think that apple season is right around the corner. Right now we are still enjoying peaches but they are coming to an end and apples it will be!!!
Ginger and Apples oh so good, I will definitely be looking forward to lots of apple recipes and saving this one!
Thanks for sharing, Donalyn…
I have to agree Louise – we live only a few minutes away from Cornell and often go to their orchard store for their apples, but so many orchards grow apples that were developed here. Hope that you get a chance to try the smoothie and that you enjoy it!
Did not know that about New York and apples thought it would have been Washington, love upstate it is so beautiful. Great smoothie!!
Hi Cheri – I think Washington is #1 – we come in second. Thanks for stopping by!
I love the add of ginger in this green smoothie. It must be very tasty.
Thanks Angie it is!
Delicious and refreshing smoothies, i’m feeling healthier already….
LOL – you will Dedy 🙂
This sounds lovely and fresh.
Thanks – I’m having another one right now!
Great looking smoothie…I too like to add ginger in my smoothies…looks delicious!
Have a wonderful week Donalyn 😀
Thanks Juliana – and you and well 🙂
I don’t grow apples but I’ve been buying some great local apples this year and love having another recipe to enjoy with.
We’re trying to grow some MJ, but still buying them for now 🙂
A lovely smoothie recipe, it looks delicious 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks CCU – hope you get a chance to try it.
Hi Donalyn,
Your delicious recipe has been nominated as one of the “Top 100 Best Apple Recipes of 2014 for National Apple Month”. You and your readers can vote for it here: http://thefoodexplorer.com/fruit-2/100-delicious-apple-recipes-for-national-apple-month/ (position #55 – random order).
Happy National Apple Month! 🙂
Hey there .. Looks like a great smoothie to begin my clean eating journey , can I use black chai seeds in place of flax seeds ??
Yes, certainly, Kalyani!
What can I use if I don’t have flax seeds?
It’s a wonderful breakfast smoothie and so simple, start your day right with this green kickstarter beauty
I’m from Connecticut. So I think lyman Orchards has the best apples.
This smoothi is very good though, I used a green apple and a kiwi instead of flax seed. Also a tiny bit of unfiltered wildflower honey for a bit more sweetness. It was perfect.