Health & Wellness-Perfect Peach…

Jo Knows Nutrition by Joanne Nijhuis

THE PERFECT PEACH SMOOTHIE RECIPE – A SUMMERTIME TREAT!

Aug. 25, 2023 – What a wonderful time of year for Ontario grown fruits and veggies! A local favourite are peaches being sold in bulk at our farms, roadside stands and grocery stores. So juicy-ripe, delish and inexpensive, it’s virtually impossible not to buy a surplus, and then what? Eating them straight up is a must, but here is another way to use up all of those fuzzies before they spoil. This healthy peach smoothie recipe is perfect for summer breakfasts or snacks and can be whipped up in a blender lickety-split.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) fresh (preferably, unpeeled) or frozen peaches
• 1 medium or large sized banana
• 1/3 cup (83 ml) Greek plain, vanilla or coconut yogurt
• 1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened almond, oat or dairy milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup, optional
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla, optional
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground ginger, optional
• Ice cubes, optional

Instructions:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. If you do not have a high-powered blender, add the peaches, 1/2 cup (125 ml) at a time to all of the other ingredients and blend in between.
2. Add ice or extra Greek, vanilla or coconut yogurt for a thicker smoothie. Add extra almond, oat or dairy milk for a thinner smoothie.

Enjoy!

Joanne Nijhuis MSc, RD is a consulting, media and culinary dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne offers cooking demos/classes and individual counselling – in person and online via Zoom Health. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com

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Did You Know?

It is best to par freeze your fresh peaches before using them in a smoothie and don’t bother peeling them as there are extra nutrients and fibre in the skins. To par freeze, simple wash and slice your peaches and then, put them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before using. This extra step will make your smoothie extra creamy and thick.