Smooth as Rhubarb in Spring

Spring time! I adore spring! Especially by this point, things are green, there’s daffodils, tulips, lilacs and apple blossoms… So much life and new beginnings happening.

You know what else spring brings??? The start of CSA season! Although it is not quite time for full boxes of vegetables, the market at my CSA farm is open and it makes me happy. I’ve already indulged in spinach, spring salad mix, asparagus (oh my goodness!) and now rhubarb.

The only thing I have ever thought to use rhubarb in is Rhubarb Crisp, which is delicious, by the way. But with this fresh stuff so readily available, time to expand my horizons. I have also heard great tales of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. And since I just started experimenting with homemade poptarts (basically a flat, hearty pie dough stuffed with jam), I anticipate some Strawberry Rhubarb Poptarts will be popping up soon.

In the meantime, I thought I would try out Rhubarb Smoothie. As it turns out, rhubarb is full of good stuff for your health like dietary fiber, protein and a list of vitamins and minerals. I always feel good about adding such things to breakfast and since rhubarb and berries seem to be such great friends… smoothie just seems to fit.

When I made this smoothie, I used plain Greek yogurt (because that’s what I had) but I wrote the recipe using vanilla Greek yogurt… The rhubarb brings enough tartness – the extra “tang” that comes from plain yogurt is just a little much. To overcome that extra “tang” this morning, I simply added more honey and it was great! But I also think the vanilla yogurt will add just the right about of sweetness to make this smoothie almost dessert-like.

This smoothie just sums up spring! It has great color, a touch of sweetness like the smell of apple blossoms, and just enough tartness to make your tongue feel alive. Not to mention how it takes advantage of the fresh spring spinach and rhubarb!

Mixed Berry & Rhubarb Smoothie

(serves 4)

1 1/2 cup milk of choice (I used regular)

1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

2-3 handfuls fresh spinach

1 cup rhubarb, roughly chopped

1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries

3 Tbs chia seeds

1 Tbs honey

Add ingredients to blender in order listed above. Process until completely smooth. Enjoy!