Strawberry Glaze Smoothie

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The Strawberry Glaze Smoothie is a delicious and nutrient-dense drink that brings together the natural sweetness of strawberries, the skin-nourishing properties of collagen, and the wellness benefits of sea moss. The addition of Manuka honey not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the health benefits of this smoothie, making it a refreshing yet powerful drink for radiant skin and wellness.

This smoothie is perfect for those looking to start their day with a burst of antioxidants and hydration or for an afternoon pick-me-up that supports your beauty and well-being. The layers of strawberry glaze and creamy coconut create a visually appealing treat that’s sure to become a go-to in your smoothie recipe collection.

Full Recipe:

Strawberry Glaze

5 fresh strawberries
Juice of 1/2 small lemon
1 teaspoon Manuka honey

Coconut Creme

1/3 cup coconut cream, room temperature
Dash of Manuka honey

Smoothie

1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen strawberries

1/4 avocado
1/2 banana, frozen
2 pitted medjool dates

1-2 scoops collagen powder
1 tablespoon Kazi Yetu sea moss powder
1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: Blend the fresh strawberries with the lemon juice and Manuka honey until smooth. Set aside.
Make the Coconut Creme: Whisk the coconut cream with a dash of Manuka honey until creamy and smooth. Set aside.

Blend the Smoothie: In a blender, add the almond milk, frozen strawberries, avocado, frozen banana, dates, collagen powder, Kazi Yetu sea moss powder, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Smoothie: In a serving glass, first pour the strawberry glaze, followed by the coconut creme. Top it off with the blended smoothie mixture.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the naturally sweetened, nutrient-packed smoothie.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Blending Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 8 minutes

Kcal: Approximately 230 kcal | Servings: 1 large serving or 2 small servings

Benefits and Nutritional Highlights

Strawberry Glaze: The fresh strawberry glaze adds a burst of flavor and vibrant color. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production for skin health. This fruit also contains ellagic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and provide a youthful glow to the skin.

Coconut Cream: Coconut cream provides a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known for their quick energy release, supporting metabolism, brain health, and weight management. It also gives a rich and smooth texture to the smoothie, making it more satiating.
Sea Moss Powder: Kazi Yetu sea moss powder is a superfood packed with over 90 essential minerals, including iodine, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Sea moss is known to support gut health, improve digestion, and enhance skin health due to its ability to promote collagen production.
Collagen Powder: Collagen is an essential protein for healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints. Adding collagen powder to the smoothie not only supports skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles but also promotes overall joint health and muscle recovery.

Manuka Honey: Sourced from New Zealand, Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It supports immune health, aids digestion, and provides a natural energy boost. Its mild sweetness naturally balances the flavors in the smoothie without overpowering it.

Flavor Profile and Taste

The Strawberry Glaze Smoothie combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the creaminess of coconut cream and the subtle, rich flavors of Manuka honey. The smoothie has a refreshing taste, balanced by the mild earthiness of sea moss and the light, nutty flavor from almond milk. The avocado adds a smooth texture, and the frozen banana provides natural sweetness and a chilled sensation, making it perfect for a refreshing, nutrient-dense drink.

How to Customize the Smoothie

Make it Vegan: The original recipe is nearly vegan, but to fully adapt it, simply substitute the collagen powder with a plant-based alternative like pea protein or flaxseed meal. Make sure the Manuka honey is swapped for a vegan sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup.

Boost the Nutrition: To further enhance the nutrient profile, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. You can also add a handful of spinach or kale for more greens, which will give an added boost of vitamins without altering the flavor.
Adapt for Sweetness and Creaminess: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer dates. If you prefer an even creamier smoothie, add more coconut cream or replace the almond milk with coconut milk.

Ideal for Any Time of Day

This smoothie can be enjoyed as a refreshing breakfast, a post-workout recovery drink, or an afternoon pick-me-up. It is nutrient-dense yet light enough not to weigh you down, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or after a long day.

Serving Suggestions

For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the top of your smoothie with fresh strawberry slices, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of Manuka honey. If serving in a glass jar, layer the strawberry glaze, coconut creme, and the smoothie blend for an Instagram-worthy look that shows off the beautiful layers and colors of the drink.

Nutritional Information Breakdown (per serving)

Calories: Around 230 kcal (depending on ingredient quantities)
Protein: Rich in protein, thanks to the collagen powder

Carbohydrates: Primarily from strawberries, banana, and dates, providing a mix of natural sugars and fiber
Fats: Healthy fats from coconut cream, avocado, and almond milk, providing satiety and energy

The Story Behind the Ingredients

Strawberries: Strawberries have long been celebrated as a superfruit for their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Native to temperate regions, strawberries have been cultivated and cherished for centuries. Their natural sweetness and refreshing taste make them an excellent base for smoothies. In this recipe, they provide not only flavor but also boost skin health and immunity.

Kazi Yetu Sea Moss Powder: Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, originates from the rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It has been harvested for its rich mineral content for hundreds of years. Kazi Yetu’s sea moss powder is specially processed to retain its high nutrient content, providing a plant-based source of collagen, which supports skin, joint, and gut health. Sea moss is a functional addition to smoothies, offering health benefits without impacting the flavor profile.
Manuka Honey: This honey variety is unique to New Zealand, produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. It’s widely revered for its medicinal properties and is often used as a natural remedy for wounds and digestive issues. Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey has a distinct flavor—earthy, floral, and slightly bitter—which perfectly complements the fruity elements of the smoothie.
Collagen Powder: Collagen is a fundamental protein in the body, responsible for the health of skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. Collagen powder is derived from animal or marine sources and is easily digestible, making it a popular supplement. When added to smoothies, it helps to support glowing skin, healthy hair, and joint flexibility, while also adding a slight protein boost.

Additional Health Benefits

Supports Digestive Health: The combination of sea moss and Manuka honey is a powerful duo for gut health. Sea moss has a prebiotic effect, feeding healthy gut bacteria, while Manuka honey can help soothe and balance the digestive system.
Energy and Focus: The natural sugars in strawberries, bananas, and dates provide a quick energy boost, while the MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) in coconut cream offer sustained energy. This balance helps stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain focus throughout the day.
Immune Support: Thanks to vitamin C from strawberries and pineapple, plus the antioxidants in Manuka honey and sea moss, this smoothie provides excellent immune support. The collagen and sea moss also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall wellness.

Texture and Consistency Tips

If you prefer a thicker, ice-cream-like texture, reduce the almond milk and add more frozen fruit, such as an extra frozen banana or strawberries.
To make a smoother blend, soak the pitted dates in a small amount of hot water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the blender. This makes them easier to blend and evenly distribute sweetness throughout the smoothie.
Adding a spoonful of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds not only thickens the smoothie but also enhances its fiber content and adds omega-3 fatty acids.

Flavor Variations

Berry Twist: Swap out some of the strawberries for a mix of other berries like raspberries or blueberries. This will add complexity to the flavor and an even richer antioxidant profile.
Tropical Flair: If you love tropical flavors, add a small piece of mango or pineapple to the smoothie blend for an extra fruity and exotic taste.
Chocolate Strawberry Delight: For a fun twist, add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao nibs to the smoothie blend. This adds a chocolaty depth that pairs well with strawberries, and cocoa is a great source of antioxidants and magnesium.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a beautiful layered effect, carefully pour the different components of the smoothie (strawberry glaze, coconut creme, and smoothie blend) over the back of a spoon to keep each layer separate.
Garnish with a sprinkle of coconut flakes, edible flowers, or a light dusting of cacao powder on top for an added visual appeal.
If you’re looking to enhance the tropical feel, serve the smoothie in a coconut shell, mason jar, or clear glass to show off the layers.

Storage and Meal Prep

If you are prepping the smoothie in advance, blend all the components and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the layers for the freshest taste.
The smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though it is best enjoyed fresh. Stir well before drinking, as natural separation may occur.

Perfect Pairings

Breakfast Boost: Pair this smoothie with a bowl of overnight oats, chia pudding, or whole grain toast topped with nut butter and fruit for a complete and balanced breakfast.

Post-Workout Recovery: The protein content from the collagen powder, combined with the carbs from fruits, makes this smoothie a great post-workout recovery drink. Add a spoonful of nut butter for additional protein and healthy fats.

Quick Nutritional Notes

Low Glycemic Option: If you’re looking to lower the glycemic index of this smoothie, swap the banana for a low-glycemic fruit like pear or green apple. You can also use fewer dates or replace them with a sugar-free sweetener.
High Protein Version: Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based or whey protein powder to increase the protein content, making this smoothie a more balanced meal replacement.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Glaze Smoothie is a vibrant, nutrient-packed drink that not only delights your taste buds but also supports your health and wellness. With its blend of strawberries, sea moss, Manuka honey, and collagen, this smoothie provides skin-nourishing benefits, immune support, and a natural energy boost. Easy to customize and quick to make, it’s the perfect addition to any daily routine, offering a delicious way to enhance your beauty and vitality from the inside out.