Watermelon Cherry Blast

This is a riff off the Watermelon Lime Cooler recipe that ratchets up the healthy quotient (with help from a secret ingredient) on this refreshing summer treat.

Everyone already knows that watermelon is good for you.

But did you know that dark cherries aka ‘America’s Superfruit’ and celery (a bonafide nutritional powerhouse) are great for you, too?

The Darker the Berry…

Like most jewel-toned berries (blueberries, anyone?) dark cherries are brimming with antioxidants. One cup of cherries contains 90 calories and contains significant amounts of fiber, protein, and vitamin A and C, according to the United States Department of Agriculture . Cherries also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for arthritis sufferings, melatonin, which helps with regulating sleep cycles, and can even lower blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

The Lean Green Machine

Not gonna lie. I always kind of regarded celery as a garbage vegetable. Good for specific things, like stew or potato salad, but problematic and sad solo. During my Raw Smoothie journey, I’ve found a new appreciation for this under-utilized garnish.

Celery detoxifies the body, helps with weight-loss, lowers cholesterol, reduces and high blood pressure. Celery boasts a bevy of minerals like calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. It also contains fiber, fatty acids, and vitamins A, K, C, E, D, PLUS the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12).

Honestly, I now stan for celery. Now, to the drink recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Cups Watermelon (cut into chunks)
• 2 TBSP Lime Juice
• 2-3 Stalks of Celery
• 1 Cup Frozen Dark Cherries (You can use fresh, but you’ll have to blend in ice to cool the smoothie)

Directions:

1. Clean your celery and chop into inch long segments.
2. Combine watermelon, lime juice, and celery then blend until it reaches a juice-like consistency.
3. Add your frozen dark cherries and blend again until smooth
4. Sip to your heart’s content.