Orange Tropical Turmeric Smoothie

I've been on a serious citrus kick lately. Maybe it's because citrus is in season or maybe it's because oranges, tangelos, and mandarins are abundant at my local natural foods co-op right now? I'm guessing they're overflowing in your markets too. 

Normally I crave warmer foods during the winter like honey sweetened hot chocolate, but lately smoothies have been on my mind. I know it's winter and it's cold out, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying a slushy, delicious strawberry citrus smoothie or a nostalgic orange creamsicle smoothie. I absolutely love smoothies and enjoy them year-round. During the summer months I like to have them in the morning and during the winter months, I prefer to have them during the late afternoon.  

Since oranges are in season, I decided to create a smoothie that features sweet + refreshing orange juice. Because it's winter and nasty colds seem to be going around everywhere, I wanted to make something that would help boost the immune system too.

So I decided to add turmeric. You might be thinking, why would she add turmeric to a smoothie? Isn't that used in savory curries? Why yes it is. Turmeric is commonly known for its culinary uses, especially in Indian and South Asian cuisine {as well as in America's popular yellow mustard}. But it has amazing medicinal properties as well.

If you have never seen turmeric before, it looks just like ginger, but with a deep orange flesh that somewhat shows through the brown outer skin. It is an acquired taste for some because of its earthy, bold, slightly bitter flavor.   

Don't be intimidated by it though. Turmeric is a pretty amazing spice. One of my favorite ways to use it is in creamy turmeric + ginger tea, it's absolutely delicious! I love to add turmeric to my bone broth and savory dishes like caveman chili and slow cooker tangy pineapple shredded beef. Believe it or not, I also add a small amount to my homemade hot chocolate too.    

What are some of the benefits of Turmeric? 

• It's been medicinally used in ancient holistic systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. 
• It's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, an antioxidant and it's even been said to be anti-cancer.
• It's known to help improve digestion.
• It's helpful to the stomach and liver.
• It's known to treat + heal wounds and infections.
• It helps support the body's immune system.  

Lots of good reasons to sip on and enjoy this smoothie, right? 

This healthy Orange Tropical Turmeric Smoothie is creamy, refreshing, nutrient-rich + seriously delicious. The turmeric adds a warm, spicy undertone that compliments the sweet pineapple and refreshing orange juice. The fresh orange juice adds a bunch of vitamin C too … not bad for helping boost your immune system and keep those cold germies away.  

I also add some flavorless grass-fed collagen hydrolysate for extra protein. This is totally optional, but I like it for the extra protein boost + it’s known for helping restore gut lining, as well as many other benefits like helping to build stronger bones, build stronger nails, reduce joint pain, etc.  

Enough said … so grab some oranges while they're in season and enjoy the smoothie!

And be sure to chime in below – what's your favorite way to use turmeric?

Print Recipe

Orange Tropical Turmeric Smoothie

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Author: Kresha Faber

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups frozen organic pineapple
• 1 frozen organic banana
• 1 cup fresh organic orange juice* - approx. 3 large oranges
• Zest from oranges
• ½ cup raw, organic or grass-fed whole milk or full-fat coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons light colored raw honey or sweetener of choice - optional
• 2 tablespoons cold water soluble grass-fed collagen hydrolysate - optional

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into the blender. Blend until smooth and combined.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

• Note: If you are new to turmeric, I would recommend using a smaller amount and see how you like it. You can always add more. Turmeric has a very bold flavor and too much can be very bitter.
• This would be delicious with blood oranges, tangelos, tangerines or mandarines too.
• Vegan Option: Replace honey with organic maple syrup. Use coconut milk or extra orange juice instead of milk. Omit the collagen hydrolysate.