Pin it
This bright pear and ginger blend has become my daily fix whenever my body feels inflamed. It's bursting with good-for-you stuff and hits that sweet spot between the natural fruitiness and the zingy ginger kick that lights up your mouth while soothing your system.
I stumbled upon this creation in Maryea Flaherty's book "Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health" and can't stop making it. My mornings just don't feel right anymore without this reviving mix that keeps me going without that mid-morning slump.
Ingredients
- Juicy pear: Take one big fruit, remove the middle and cut into chunks for sweetness and roughage
- Fresh spinach: Grab two cups for vitamins and fighters against cell damage without changing the taste
- Raw ginger: Peel and chop one tablespoon for that warming quality that battles swelling
- Fresh lemon: One tablespoon of juice makes everything pop and gives you vitamin C
- Raw almonds: A quarter cup gives good fats and filling protein
- Water: Three quarters cup helps everything mix properly
- Ice cubes: One cup makes everything cold and velvety
Making Your Smoothie
- Get everything ready:
- Check that your pear gives slightly when you push it for best flavor. Clean your spinach well and dry it off. For the ginger, use a spoon to scrape off the skin as it works better than normal peelers. Get all other items measured out just right.
- Mix it up:
- Put everything in your blender with wet stuff first, then soft items, and ice on top. This order helps everything swirl better for smooth blending.
- Whip until silky:
- Start your blender slow and work up to full power. Keep it going for about a minute until you can't see any bits of nuts or ginger anymore. When done right, it should pour easily but still coat a spoon when dipped.
- Drink right away:
- Get it into your glass and enjoy immediately while all the good stuff is fresh and it's still nice and cold. If you wait too long, it'll start to separate.
Pin it
Important Facts
Ginger really makes this drink special. I always keep mine frozen, which makes it way easier to grate and it lasts much longer. The special compounds in ginger called gingerols do wonders for my sore joints after I've been working in the garden.
Make It Your Own
You can easily change this drink based on what you've got at home. Try apples instead of pears in the fall or throw in half a frozen banana if you want it creamier. These small changes won't mess up the overall taste but let you use what's in season.
Pin it
Nutritional Goldmine
When you put spinach and pear together, you get tons of cell-protecting compounds that fight damage in your body. The almonds have good fats that actually help your body use the vitamins from the greens better. Think of this drink as a complete food package, not just something to sip on.
Keeping It Fresh
This smoothie tastes best right after you make it, but you can get a head start. Wash and cut everything the evening before and keep it all separate in your fridge. You can also blend it and keep it in a sealed container for a day, but you might need to stir it before drinking as it tends to separate.
Year-Round Options
When pears aren't great in the cold months, try using canned ones in their own juice not syrup. Make sure to drain them well so your drink isn't too runny. This way you can still get your inflammation-fighting drink no matter what time of year it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap almonds with something else?
Of course! You can use cashews, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer a nut-free option.
- → What can I do to sweeten it more?
Add a banana, medjool date, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container works too. Just give it a good shake before drinking!
- → What are the benefits of ginger and pear?
Ginger helps with digestion and fights inflammation, while pear brings in natural sweetness and fiber.
- → Is ice necessary for this drink?
Nope! Use cold water instead or frozen pear slices if you want it thick without the ice.