Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Not only do they taste delicious, but they are also easy to make, portable, and nutritious. They can be made with fresh or frozen fruit, as well as yogurt and other dairy products.
However, if you want more than just the standard smoothie recipes that everyone else is making, you may want to try incorporating flowers into your next smoothie recipe. Flowers are an excellent alternative to artificial sweeteners in smoothies since they have a deliciously sweet flavor and contain no calories or fat. Plus, they look pretty when added to your favorite drink!
There are many different ways to incorporate flowers into your smoothies and juices. One method is simply to place the petals on top of the smoothie or juice as it’s being prepared. If you want them to be more evenly distributed throughout the drink, you can blend them into your ingredients first. You can also use whole flowers; ensure they’re thoroughly washed before adding them to your blender or juicer.
Flowers may seem like an odd addition to smoothies, but they’re actually a great way to add a sweet flavor without adding lots of calories. Plus, they have health benefits that are often overlooked.
Here are some of the best types of flowers to use in smoothies:
Chamomile
This is one of the most popular flowers in the world. It is a calming herb and anti-inflammatory remedy due to its ability to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve stomach ulcers, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal problems. It can also be used for menstrual cramps by mixing a few chamomile flowers with water or smoothies.
Calendula
Calendula is an edible flower used for centuries for its healing properties. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron, which makes it a great addition to any green smoothie recipe. Calendula is often used as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, including upset stomachs, bloating, and diarrhea. It also helps improve blood circulation, which makes it beneficial for people who suffer from arthritis or other bone diseases.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus can be used in both hot and cold drinks, but they are especially popular during summer months when they are in season. Hibiscus has a sweet taste that enhances the flavor of any drink or dish it’s added to. In addition to its vibrant color, hibiscus contains antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its aromatic properties that can help relax tense muscles and calm anxiety or stress related conditions such as insomnia or anxiety attacks. Lavender is also fantastic for skin care treatments thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe swollen or irritated skin after sunburns or bug bites.
Rose Petals
Rose petals have a sweet floral flavor that makes them ideal for adding to fruit-based smoothies such as strawberry banana or blueberry peach. You can use fresh or dried rose petals in your smoothies; just ensure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides before using them!
Elderflower
Elderflower is a flower native to Europe but can grow in many parts of the world. It has an intoxicating scent reminiscent of honey and strawberries, and it’s often used for infusions and syrups. Elderflower also makes a great addition to smoothies because it contains vitamin C and antioxidants.
Kava-Kava
Kava-kava is a plant from the Pacific Islands that’s known for its calming effects. It’s often used as a stress reliever and sleep aid, but it can also help relieve anxiety and depression. The root of this plant can be made into tea or added to smoothies.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae native to Europe and Asia. It has been known as hypericum because of its use in treating wounds from iron weapons. The flowers are collected just before bloom or when fully opened, with no leaves present. They can be dried for later use, or fresh flowers can be used directly in smoothies. St. Johns wort contains tannins that can result in a bitter taste if too many fresh flowers are added. The recommended amount is 1 teaspoon per drink.
Takeaway
While flowers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of smoothies, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be. Given their exquisite beauty and vibrant colors, it’s surprising that flowers don’t play more often in culinary applications. Perhaps, one of the best things about using flowers in smoothies is that you can experiment with colorful and delicious combinations.
If you love the freshness of fragrant flowers and the wonderful benefits of blended smoothies, then you’ll be pleased to learn about the concept of “blooming blends”. Combining fragrant blooms with ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and plant-based milks, you can create a naturally sweet and nourishing drink.
While many people are wary of adding flowers to their smoothies, there’s no need to be concerned, as flowers are actually a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Blooming blends not only make for a delicious smoothie but also support a healthy diet.
So, which flowers should you use in your smoothies? Well, here are a few popular varieties to get you started:
• Hibiscus: A tart, sweet flower that adds tangy flavor to smoothies.
• Lavender: Not only lovely, lavender adds a gentle sweetness to smoothies.
• Chamomile: A gentle flower with a hint of sweetapple and mellow honey.
• Rose: Rich in Vitamin C, roses can be added to smoothies for subtle fruity flavor.
• Jasmine: Notes of apple, pear, and citrus make jasmine a great choice for a fruity flavored smoothie.
• Violet: These flowers have a unique taste with a hint of honey, vanilla, and coconut.
To make a blooming blend, all you need to do is add a few petals or small pieces of your chosen flower to your smoothie ingredients. Start with small amounts and experiment to find the perfect combination of flavors.
Blooming blends are the perfect way to add a touch of natural sweetness and nutrition to your smoothies, while enjoying the health benefits of flowers. So why not try a blooming blend today and enjoy the freshness of spring in a glass?
