Would you like some fermented kefir in your smoothie? Yes, please! Whether it’s drinks or food, fermented products are quickly becoming the new “health craze”. But they’re more than just a fad or trend; they’re legit. That’s right; they’re legitimately good for you for a myriad of reasons. They aid with digestion, they boost your immune system, and they’re packed with calcium.
For this particular smoothie, I used organic goat milk kefir. I find I can tolerate goat milk quite well. Kefir is a fermented milk drink that can be made from sheep, cow or goat’s milk. If you follow a vegan diet- there’s options: soy, rice or coconut kefir. “Kefir” refers to the grain that gets added to the milk (whether dairy or non-dairy) and ends up fermenting the beverage. So, expect kefir to taste a little tangy & acidic on it’s own. I won’t sugar coat anything; I’ve always aimed for honesty when navigating and describing the world of health food products. It actually reminds me of that tanginess present in buttermilk. But hey, don’t despair. If tangy is not your thing, there’s clever ways to disguise it and still end up with a delicious tasting smoothie! Also, depending on the brand; kefir my be very concentrated and slightly alcoholic. So yes, please beware of all this information before you decide to give it a try.
I always recommend you add a tablespoon of raw honey to a kefir smoothie. I also suggest you add a really ripe frozen banana, & your choice of berries. I won’t attempt a kefir orange smoothie; or anything that’s a citrus fruit pairing. I made my first one using really ripe raspberries and it was heavenly. And that too, is an honest description!
Makes 1- You Will Need:
- 1 cup of kefir (your choice of base beverage)
- 1 cup of ripe raspberries
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 1 ripe frozen banana sliced
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds *Optional (I like to soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes beforehand so they expand)
Blend on “high” until desired consistency is obtained. Expect the smoothie to be thicker than usual due to the density of kefir. Enjoy the benefits!!