Creamy Persimmon & Spinach Smoothie
This nutrient-dense smoothie is a perfect quick breakfast or snack, blending the natural sweetness and creamy texture of ripe persimmon with the freshness of spinach and a zesty hint of ginger.
For 1 serving
Wash the persimmon thoroughly. Remove the stem and scoop out the soft, jelly-like pulp into your high-speed blender. Discard any seeds if present.
Add the frozen banana half and the fresh spinach to the blender, ensuring the spinach is packed down if needed.
Pour in the unsweetened almond milk. If using, add the peeled fresh ginger and chia seeds to the blender.
Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible spinach flecks.
If the smoothie is too thick for your preference, add a splash more almond milk or water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until desired consistency is reached. For a colder or thicker smoothie, add the optional ice cubes and blend until smooth.
Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if desired (e.g., add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or a date).
Pour the creamy persimmon and spinach smoothie into a glass and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use a ripe Fuyu persimmon for this recipe; unripe persimmons are astringent and will leave an unpleasant taste.
- 2For the creamiest texture, ensure your banana is frozen. This also helps keep the smoothie cold without diluting the flavor with too much ice.
- 3Add liquids first to your blender, then soft ingredients, followed by frozen items and ice. This helps the blades catch and blend everything more efficiently.
- 4If you're not a fan of ginger, you can omit it or replace it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a different kind of zest.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Boost
Add 1/4 cup of frozen mango chunks or a few berries (like raspberries or blueberries) for an extra fruity twist and antioxidant boost.
Protein Power UpProtein Power-Up
Incorporate 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder, or 1 tablespoon of almond butter, for a more filling and protein-rich meal replacement.
Green VariationGreen Variation
Substitute half of the spinach with kale for a more robust green flavor and additional nutrients, though this may require a bit more blending to achieve smoothness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Persimmons, bananas, and spinach are all excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
This smoothie is packed with antioxidants from persimmons (Vitamin A, C), spinach (lutein, zeaxanthin), and ginger, which help combat free radicals and support overall cellular health.
Vitamin & Mineral Boost
Provides a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K from spinach, Potassium from bananas, and Vitamin C from persimmons, vital for immune function and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
No, it's crucial to use a very ripe Fuyu persimmon. Unripe persimmons contain high levels of tannins, which will leave a very unpleasant, astringent, and chalky taste in your mouth.
