I’d like to say it’s a lazy, hot summer day in Golden, Colorado, perfect for ripe, juicy seasonal watermelon. But no, it’s cold, windy and the low last night was 28 degrees. Not exactly picnic weather. More like hot chocolate, flannel jammies and furry slippers weather.
But, when you eat local and seasonal food, you go with the plant flow and it’s watermelon time, so put on a down parka and dig in!
I have been eating watermelon daily for the past three weeks. I’m really not complaining as you all know how much I love my weekly CSA share from Grant Family Farms. Yes, I’ll admit it – I love my farmers up the road in Wellington. Head over heels, stalkingly in love. But in a good veggie-fruit kind of way. Yes, Andy Grant is my version of Sting, a total rock star. Or rather a dirt star.
This smoothie was created using fruits and veggies from my recent share box. Mix and match according to what you have on hand, but this made for a perfect breakfast shake. While sitting by the fire, wrapped in a wool blankie, wearing mittens. Hey, nobody promised that eating seasonal in Colorado would always make sense.
watermelon chia seed smoothie (this is a winner)
2 cups watermelon chunks, seeds removed
2 cups mixed lettuce greens (the good stuff, not iceberg lettuce)
1 small apple, unpeeled and chopped
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farms vanilla goat yogurt
1/2 to 1 scoop Chia Seeds (this is what I use)
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Place all ingredients in the blender and mix well. If your watermelon is juicy enough, you’ll have a perfect smoothie without adding any liquid. This was absolutely delicious and something even picky kids will love (or you green-food-avoiding grownups – you know who you are). The green, leafy stuff is practically unnoticeable.
Chia (chee-ah) is an edible seed from a desert plant that is a member of the mint family. Like quinoa was to the Inca Indians, chia was warrior food for the Aztecs and Mayans.
Total Zena, Warrior Princess food.
Chia is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, niacin, zinc and blah, blah, blah. These little nutty-tasting seeds truly are power-packed. The high fiber content makes them perfect for slowing down the process by which carbs are converted to sugar, so energy levels are more balanced. Chia is great mixed into trail bars, granola, muffins and hot cereal.
Go forth and thrive!
Zena, Warrior Princess
Tags: chia seed, cinnamon, community supported agriculture, fiber, gluten-free, seasonal produce, vegetarian
I can’t believe I’ve never used Chia seeds before! Thanks for introducing me to that product. While I do not have celiac, I do have a mild wheat allergy, IBS (thank you McLean guts & immune system), and I’m a vegetarian to boot, so getting all my nutrients can be a real trick sometimes. I’m excited to include Chia seeds into my recipes for added soluable fiber and omega-3! Thanks, Melissa!
Bri (or do you spell it Bree),
Yeah, so glad to have you here. Okay, sweet girl, you might have more than just a “mild wheat allergy.” If you have IBS, you have something else going on. And, that shallow end of the McLean gene pool can be totally manipulated in your favor. You just have to know how to do it. Email me if you want some help with that.
Next up, we’ll get you on Spirulina. Are you using hemp protein, too? I’ve got a post half-way written about hemp. That’s a great protein for vegetarians. Are you taking B-12?
Oops, sorry about butting in. You know where you can find me. Love to all!
Melissa
xo
Wow - this looks delicious! And so healthy, too:) I love chia seeds - use them all the time, from salads to oatmeal.
Thanks for your nice comment, Melissa. Your site is beautiful and I am happy for the internet connection!
Aha! So that’s what Zena drinks then? x x x
Melissa,
I have to come clean, I’d never even heard of chia seeds, let alone used them. But they sound fantastic! I am always looking for ways to maintain energy levels given the rather messed-up lifestyle I lead (nightshift working, and all). In terms of fibre, will they offer me more than my daily bowl of muesli does? Or should I, as I suspect, be slipping a few chia seeds in there anyway?
Either way, your smoothie looks so good! I’m just not sure if our Scottish watermelons are ripe enough to pick yet. 🙂
With regards to Xena, you realise she played a genocidal Cylon killer in another TV show? Maybe you should be putting a disclaimer on your recipes. 🙂
Thanks again for the advice, Melissa!
GDave
Karen,
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your kind sentiments. I appreciate it!
Yes, chia seeds can pair with almost anything. They’re great little, healthy add-ons.
Naomi,
Actually, I know nothing about Zena, Warrior Princess. I just like the name and have always wanted to be a super hero-ette.
🙂
GDave,
Chia seeds are awesome little power house treats. My next post will be on hemp seeds. You can slip these things into anything you’d like to add fiber, EFAs (essential fatty acids — good things) and other wonderful nutrients.
I had no idea Zena was a cylon killer (whatever that is). Yikes, and I thought she was just some sweet little super girl. I better do a little more research. You’re right! I probably need all kinds of disclaimers on this blog.
Melissa,
Chia seeds aren’t readily available here in the UK but I did see an online seller so I might well send off for some…. and some hemp seeds as well. You know how I’ve missed my juicer for smoothie making but shortly I will be back in business and feeling the benefit hopefully.
Mind you we do have cosmetics made from hemp seed oil and the image of the hemp leaf is frequently depicted on wonderful vintage Japanese fabric and in their quilting.
Cid
p.s. Granite worktop coming tomorrow…. be still my beating heart 🙂
I’ve been meaning to come over since I saw the Xena warrior princess reference. One friend used that as a web “handle” for years and Mr. GFE watched that show. LOL And, BTW, dear girl, it’s Xena with an X.
Mr. GFE owned a truck named Chia Pet once. No kidding. I love that you get watermelons in your CSA package. Divine. Great point about the zinc and osteoporosis. Sadly, the typical calcium supps recommended for bone issues fall way short of what we need. Calcium is best absorbed when several other minerals/vitamins come into play, right? D, zinc, magnesium, boron, etc. I always love your nutritional lessons that come for free with the fab recipes! Last, I totally agree that you don’t taste the greens in these smoothies-they only add to great flavor. 🙂
Shirley