Hello everyone! Remember my previous post about participating in The Recipe Redux? Well, this is my first participation and I could not be more happy especially because this month's theme is very near and dear to this island girl's heart: floral flavors. While flowers in salads and dips is not my thing, I do love a beautiful floral bouquet in a drink.
From previous posts you know I am missing island living and this smoothie I am sharing with you today is reminiscing of the island flavors I so love. It is one of the simplest yet most flavorful concoctions thrown together in my blender: the amapola sunset smoothie.
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| I love a frosty smoothie. Perfect for a hot summer day. |
The term amapola is Spanish for hibiscus and this is the main ingredient here: dried hibiscus flowers. This delicious libation combines everything I love about island flavors: bright and fresh flavors, a thirst quencher and easy to make. The main ingredient in this smoothie is hibiscus tea made from dried hibiscus petals collected before they bloom. Hibiscus are big in Puerto Rico and I remember growing up with them around the house. I used to even eat the stems because they are so sweet and full of nectar. I wish I knew then about the benefits of this tea, Hibiscus tea is used to treat loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; as a gentle laxative and as a diuretic. (reference). Yes, I went there. :)
But truly what I love is the peculiar flavor which makes this tea the perfect base to build from. It is tangy and has a floral flavor that complements many fruit. I used a fruit that would not compete with the hibiscus floral notes and blackberries did the trick. Adding too many things to my smoothies for sweetness is not my things, so instead I added some seedless watermelon which brought a touch of sweetness without making it too sweet. However, if you like it a bit more sweet, raw honey would be a perfect addition to this drink.
The final result is delicious and refreshing with that flavor of hibiscus and the subtle notes of blackberries, with a hint of pomegranate, plum and something tropical that you quite can't put your finger in it. I love the alchemy of combining flavors! It's pretty exciting! The fact that this smoothie is made out of nothing but fruits and tea makes it a delicious addition any healthy diet especially during the hot summer months when you may not feel like having a full meal. It is so yummy that it makes me think of a hot summer day sitting by the beach; it seriously does. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
***If you are into counting calories or macros, here is what you are looking at for 3 servings (which is what this recipe makes) sans the raw honey because I did not use it this time:
The flavors in this recipe sound amazing and I love the color! Pinning for menu planning :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing! I've been using watermelon in all my drinks lately, so hydrating! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
Welcome aboard with ReDux and loving your very first post. I've been curious on using dried hibiscus in recipes and your smoothie sure looks like a tasty way to start.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds absolutely incredible–cheers!
ReplyDeleteSounds so refreshing and the perfect way to kick off summer!
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE hibiscus tea! So delicious. What a wonderful summer treat for a hot and sunny day!
ReplyDeleteYum! I think for your first try you've done absolutely great! This looks so yummy and refreshing!
ReplyDelete