Embrace autumn wellness with a revitalizing squash smoothie
Cool days and a dip in energy during the fall warrant some adjustments in the kitchen. Well-chosen recipes with immunity-boosting ingredients can help sustain your well-being throughout the winter. One excellent option is an autumn-inspired yellow smoothie made with plant-based milk.
In addition to kefir, a typical fall ingredient, pumpkin is exceptionally useful and doesn't require cooking. Butternut squash combined with sweet fruits is a vitamin-rich flavour sensation.
Why it’s worth eating pumpkin
Pumpkin is more than just a fall decoration – it’s a natural treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains vitamin A in beta-carotene, crucial for eye and skin health. Vitamins C and E in pumpkin act as powerful antioxidants, supporting the immune system and protecting cells from damage. Pumpkin also provides minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, vital for cardiovascular health and maintaining electrolyte balance. As a result, pumpkin is not only delicious but also an extremely beneficial ingredient in your daily diet.
Raw pumpkin – how to eat it
Pumpkin is often enjoyed cooked, baked, or pickled. However, few people know that it can also be eaten raw. Raw pumpkin offers many health benefits but requires proper preparation and knowledge of the best-suited varieties. It’s important to choose edible pumpkins, such as the Hokkaido variety, which has tender flesh and doesn’t require cooking. Butternut squash is also suitable but should be thoroughly peeled.
Recipe for butternut squash smoothie
A creamy, yellow, and tasty smoothie can be served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The proportions given make one serving; you can increase the ingredients to make 2-3 servings of the smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 100 grams of butternut squash,
- 150 grams of fresh pineapple,
- 1 large banana,
- 200 ml of milk,
- Optionally, to taste turmeric or cinnamon,
- Optionally, for sweetening: honey or maple syrup.
Preparation:
- Peel the squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into smaller pieces. Use the rest for a creamy soup with pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples.
- Peel the pineapple and cut it into pieces. The remaining fresh pineapple can be used in a recipe for ribs with pineapple in a sweet sauce.
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
