Did you know that pumpkin actually is a berry? Did you know that there are more than 800 different kinds of pumpkins?
Pumpkins belong to the oldest cultivated plants on earth. They are incredibly healthy and good for you. Both, the seeds and the flesh contain compounds that can prevent various types of cancer. Dark-orange colored winter pumpkins and squashes are loaded with carotenoids, especially beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicals from causing havoc in the body.
Take advantage of the fact that pumpkins and squashes are abundant right now. You can store uncut pumpkins for a few months. You can also freeze chopped pumpkin flesh for a later use.
This recipe is an experiment of sorts. Most recipes use pumpkin spice that is a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. I decided to try something different. I used fresh ginger and vanilla bean. No sweetener of any kind was added since I used very sweet persimmons and very ripe, very sweet banana. I added a little oil to the recipe since fat is needed for the absorption of vitamin A that is produced in the body from the beta-carotene in pumpkins and persimmons. Both ingredients are also rich in vitamin C badly needed for immune system support during the cold season. Since it is rather cold outside, I did not add any ice cubes.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup chopped, raw pumpkin flesh
- 2 persimmons, peeled, seeds removed and chopped
- 1 very ripe banana
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger root, grated
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1 1/2 cup freshly made almond milk
- 1 Tbsp cold pressed oil of your choice (I used evening primrose oil, you can use flax or hemp)
- pinch pink Himalayan salt to balance the flavors
Method:
- Cut vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds with an edge of a knife. Do not discard the bean. You can use it to scent freshly made nut milk.
- Place all the ingredients, including the vanilla bean seeds, in a blender and whiz until very smooth. Adjust the taste to your personal liking. Add sweetener of your choice if you think it is needed.
- Pour the smoothie into tall glasses and enjoy it in good company!
Tip: If you do not have a vanilla bean at hand, use organic vanilla extract.
In radiant health, passionately raw - Dominique
*Information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.