3 Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies With Frozen Lemons

Although having fun with a giant ol’ pitcher of lemonade is just about the epitome of summertime vibes, the reality is that citrus season is simply getting began. Surprising, I do know: It peaks smack dab in the midst of winter.

Certainly, most lemon varieties can be found year-round; nevertheless, in case you’re seeking to get your palms on these deliciously candy Meyer lemons at their peak freshness, December by way of Could will possible be your greatest guess. Nevertheless, in case you’re well-acquainted with the highest tricks for keeping lemon fresh, you already know that freezing them is by far one of the best ways to squeeze (pun meant) probably the most life out of them—and luxuriate in them nicely previous spring. What’s extra, frozen lemons (yep, we’re speaking the entire darn factor: pith, zest, and pulp) are additionally filled with anti-inflammatory advantages and make for the right mix-in to brighten up your on a regular basis smoothie-making routine.

Did we lose you at “whole lemon?” Do not go bitter on us simply but! Forward, we make a case for celebrating each inch of your citrus, and share among the greatest frozen lemon smoothie recipes that can add infinite zest to your life.

What are the advantages of consuming entire lemons?

Dietitians affirm that lemons are rich in nutritional perks. For starters, they are a potent supply of important nutritional vitamins and vitamins, containing about 50 p.c of the really helpful every day worth of vitamin C per lemon (or roughly 35 milligrams of the vitamin per fruit). As such, the highly effective antioxidants present in lemons assist increase immune perform and battle towards free radical harm. That stated, whereas lemon juice has a bevy of advantages, it could behoove us all to pay nearer consideration to the often-forgotten lemon peels. The truth is, you’re doing your self an enormous disservice by tossing them out.

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In keeping with dietitians, lemon peels include calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and a few fiber. What’s extra, analysis exhibits that lemon peels can have cardiovascular advantages, together with probably reducing blood pressure levels. “Some research point out that limonene and the other flavonoids in lemon rind are straight linked to stopping the formation and unfold of cancerous tumors, significantly, most cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and abdomen,” registered dietitian Katherine Brooking, RD says. Lemon peels—albeit potent—are positive sounding increasingly engaging now, proper?

How one can make frozen lemons

Though lemons don’t spoil as shortly as, say, berries, freezing them will help extend their shelf life. If pressed for time, freezing ‘em entire will do the trick. Nevertheless, we’ve discovered that slicing them into items earlier than tossing them within the freezer is far more sensible for on a regular basis use.

To take action, merely slice the fruit as you’d like—we suggest small wedges—and lay them flat with out touching each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet earlier than transferring them to the freezer. As soon as absolutely frozen, acquire the piece and retailer them in a freezer-safe container earlier than returning them to the freezer. Get this: You too can merely freeze the lemon peels on their very own, as demonstrated on this recent TikTok video by @sunkistcitrus.

@sunkistcitrus Citrus doesn’t simply go far in your plates; it could actually final for weeks with the suitable suggestions and tips. #sunkistcitrus ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

3 anti-inflammatory frozen lemon smoothie recipes 

1. Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberries, a banana, lemons (juice and zest), almond extract, and dairy-free milk are all you have to make this easy five-ingredient lemon blueberry smoothie recipe by Ambitious Kitchen. Better part? It’s filled with multiple supply of potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants (hello, rock star blueberries). Need to make issues even simpler, particularly when discovering the time to make a smoothie earlier than you run out the door is sort of not possible? Throw all of it within the BlendQuik Portable Blender, for a scrumptious smoothie on the go. (BTW, it’s spill-proof and drinkable straight from the cup, err, blender.) No mess and no stress.

Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

2. Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

This creamy vegan lemon smoothie by Eating by Elaine, calls for 2 massive juicy lemons (juiced and zested or frozen wedges, obvi), together with just a few different protein-and fiber-rich elements, like Medjool dates and blanched almonds. The drink additionally gives a medley of optionally available smoothie booster choices, together with anti-inflammatory turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids-rich chia and/or hemp seeds. Plus, in line with the recipe developer, “it is made to wake you up with a smile!”

Get the recipe: Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

3. Hidden-Veggie Lemon Smoothie

Trying to sneak in an additional serving of veggies? This straightforward lemon smoothie recipe by Eating Bird Food is made with a considerably shocking secret ingredient: cauliflower. Fortunately, as a result of mild-tasting nature of this veggie, it goes utterly unnoticed within the last product and is overpowered by different (tastier-for-a-smoothie) elements, corresponding to turmeric, contemporary ginger, and lemon.

Get the recipe: Lemon Smoothie

Uncover the best way to make a zero-waste lemon popsicle recipe: