Celery and apple smoothie: a fresh green recipe for any day
Preparation time: 7–10 minutes
Makes: 1 large or 2 small glasses
You will need: a blender
Ingredients
- Celery — 2 stalks
- Green apple — 1
- Banana — 1
- Spinach — 1 handful
- Lemon juice — 1 tablespoon
- Cucumber — 1/2 a medium cucumber
- Fresh ginger — a small piece, optional
- Water or coconut water — 200 ml
How to make a celery and apple smoothie
- Prepare the ingredients. Wash the celery, apple, cucumber and spinach thoroughly. Core the apple; you can leave the skin on for a fuller flavour and a slightly thicker texture. Cut the celery, apple and cucumber into small pieces. Peel the banana and break it into 2–3 pieces.
- Add the liquid first. Pour the water or coconut water into the blender jug. Add the spinach, celery and cucumber. This order helps the blender process the greens more easily.
- Add the fruit and flavourings. Add the apple and banana, then pour in the lemon juice. If you like a little warmth, add a peeled piece of ginger about the size of your thumbnail.
- Blend until smooth. Blend on high speed for 45–60 seconds. If your blender is less powerful, stop it once, scrape the pieces down from the sides and blend again.
- Adjust the consistency. If the smoothie seems too thick, add 30–50 ml of water and blend briefly again. For a colder drink, use a chilled banana or add a few ice cubes.
- Serve straight away. Pour the smoothie into a glass or a bottle with a lid. Its flavour is at its best just after blending.
Adjust the flavour to suit you
- Sweeter: use a very ripe banana or add another 1/2 banana. Honey and syrup are usually unnecessary — the fruit provides enough sweetness.
- Fresher: add a little lemon zest or a couple of mint leaves.
- A milder celery flavour: start with 1 stalk and add the second after tasting.
- More filling: add 2–3 tablespoons of plain yoghurt, soft cottage cheese or a serving of protein powder without excessive added sugar.
- Thicker: use a frozen banana or add 1–2 tablespoons of rolled oats.
Useful tips
- If the celery stalks are very fibrous, slice them thinly across the stalk for a smoother drink.
- Coconut water gives a softer, slightly sweeter flavour; plain water makes the recipe more neutral and lower in calories.
- Add ginger a little at a time, as its flavour can quickly dominate.
- There is no need to strain the smoothie: leaving it unstrained retains more fibre from the fruit and vegetables.
- If you prepare it ahead of time, keep it in a tightly closed bottle in the fridge and drink it the same day. Avoid leaving a prepared smoothie at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink this smoothie on an empty stomach?
Yes, if it feels comfortable for you. Lemon juice and ginger have a strong flavour, so if your stomach is sensitive, start with a small serving, reduce the lemon juice or drink the smoothie after a light breakfast.
Can I replace the spinach?
Yes. Romaine lettuce, kale or rocket can work. Kale and rocket have a stronger flavour, so start with a small handful.
Can I freeze the smoothie?
It is better to freeze the chopped ingredients in advance and blend the drink just before serving. This gives a more pleasant flavour and consistency.
Is this recipe useful for increasing protein intake?
The basic recipe is a fruit and vegetable smoothie. To increase its protein content, add Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, pasteurised egg white suitable for use without cooking, or a serving of protein powder that suits your needs.
A smoothie is a convenient way to include fruit, vegetables and greens in your diet, but it does not replace varied meals. Experiment with the proportions to find your favourite balance of freshness, sweetness and thickness.
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