Summer Fig Smoothie

 

I love celebrating our seasons with recipes using the freshest, seasonal, local ingredients. Fresh figs are the perfect end-of-summer fruit.

Some of you know that I just received a new Vitamix for my anniversary this week! I absolutely adore experimenting in the kitchen with new ways to enjoy fresh figs…my new gadget is simply encouraging this habit!

We’re thrilled to be participating in our first Whole Food Fridays recipe swap with our friend Megan of Allergy Free Alaska. This is a wonderful resource for whole, real food gluten-free recipes from many of your favorite bloggers – and many new ones as well. I hope you’ll stop by and comment on my recipe!

 

It’s that time of year again here in San Diego and our neighborhood fig trees are becoming heavy with these sweet fruits. This year I’m prepared and you will be too! We’ve assembled many Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ no-cook recipes to enjoy these sweet summer gems - Fresh Figs. Today, we’re sharing a delicious, thick, rich summer smoothie recipe using fresh figs.

Similar to peaches – fresh figs are delicate and best when picked ripe! We’ve even included all the useful details on what to look for in ripe figs, how to prepare fresh figs and the healthy, benefits of fresh figs.

Keep an eye out for our Eat Inspired Today™ Tips on each of our recipes for special recommendations to make each of your meals Hip, Simple, Fabulous™!

FRESH FIG BASICS

Fresh figs are a bountiful late summer wonder. This delicate, sweet fruit tastes profoundly different from its dried version.

Fresh figs will soften if left at room temperature, but will not sweeten, so it’s best to seek out ripe ones or pick them fresh from a tree. Here in Southern California our neighbors often have more than enough to share and willingly allow us to visit and pick them when ripe.

RIPE FRESH FIGS

Fresh ripe figs feel tender, like a peach and slightly heavy for their size. The aroma of a ripe fig is sweet like honey. If figs are sticky or “runny” they are over-ripe.

Fresh ripe figs are perishable and easily bruise, so it’s best to eat them immediately. Handle gently and use whole – skin and crunchy seeds or drupes included – removing only the tough stem. If necessary, cover them and refrigerate for only a few days.

FIG BENEFITS

After enrolling at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition™ I began to take a hard look at the ingredients I was using in each of my recipes. Part of my unique philosophy as a health coach and functional nutritionist is to empower you with the tools to not only choose WHAT foods to eat but to understand exactly WHY you are eating each of these foods.

Figs are an excellent example. Not only are figs a delicious, subtly sweet, often local fruit, they are also a wonderful source of fiber and minerals, including iron, potassium and calcium. Figs also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function, and the antioxidant lutein, which supports eye health and improves vision. Figs are often recommended for their powerful ability to lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure.

Summer Fig Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

4 Fresh Ripe Figs, washed, stem removed
1 Date, pit removed
1/2 Banana, peeled
Juice of 1 Orange
1-2 Tablespoons Cold Water for desired thickness

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in blender except water. Cover.
2. Blend until smooth. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of cold water until you reach desired thickness.
3. Serve immediately and Enjoy.
4. Eat Inspired Today™

Be well and ENJOY this summer’s bounty,

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