Blackberry and Hazelnut Smoothie

26 May 2018 in Recipes

This post is sponsored by Oregon Berries, a partner I’m so excited to be working with this summer – because, berries!!

There’s a magical thing that happens every year in Portland after a long, dreary winter and spring: berries begin to pop up slowly at the farmer’s market in every shape, size, and color.

Strawberries make their appearance first, quickly followed by raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, huckleberries, marionberries, mulberries, and so many more. The various farmer’s markets around town (and sidewalk streets, nature trails, and public parks) become filled with fresh, fragrant berries; and it’s magic.

Berry Love.

Oregon is basically berry mecca, and many of the frozen berries found in stores across the country are from right here in Oregon! FYI: Oregon ranks #1 in blackberry, marionberry, and black raspberry growing – and is a top 5 producer of frozen red raspberries and boysenberries!

Although fresh berries are downright delicious, when those aren’t available, I love using frozen Oregon berries. Picked at peak ripeness and perfectly preserved, frozen Oregon berries are a nutrient-rich superfood to keep in your freezer all year long. Vitamins, minerals, and even antioxidant-like phytonutrients and anthocyanins are still bioavailable in frozen berries, too. Studies have shown that there is no reduction in the levels of antioxidants of frozen berries, even three months after freezing! Stocking your freezer with a few varieties of frozen berries is an easy way to create wholesome, antioxidant-packed recipes (smoothies, fruit crisps, baked oatmeal, marinades!) all year long.

Speaking of antioxidants, berries are packed with the beneficial compounds. Berries are rich in anthocyanins, a compound associated with improved memory function and healthy aging; quercetin, an antioxidant that protects against heart disease and certain types of cancers; and catechins, compounds that support the antioxidant defense system. Berries are also packed with digestive-friendly fiber and vitamin C. You can learn more about the health benefits of berries by checking out my ingredient section, or Oregon Berries’ website.

This Blackberry and Hazelnut Smoothie combines two of my favorite Oregon pairs, plus a dose of extra nutrient-rich goodness. Hazelnuts, another Oregon-grown staple, are high in magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins. Look for raw hazelnuts at the market and roast them yourself for the nuttiest, most flavorful way to enjoy them.

Coconut milk (an organic canned version) is filled with healthy fats, manganese, copper, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals. It provides a creamy taste, and heavenly flavor to this smoothie. Chia seeds are packed with fiber – roughly 10 grams per ounce – and help provide healthy digestive function. A pinch of cinnamon sweetens the deal while adding a warming quality to this crazy smoothie.

All of those delicious ingredients blended create a heavenly smoothie to sip all summer long!

Psst: I’m hosting a giveaway with Oregon Berries over on my Instagram! You could win 10 pounds of frozen Oregon Berries delivered straight to your door plus a Ninja Blender!!! Head to my latest Instagram post to enter!