I love melons. Chilled chunks of cantaloupe and watermelon, combined in a big bowl, or served individually, makes a satisfying summer meal. I’ve already experienced adding watermelon to juices and smoothies. Watermelon/mint is a great combo for a refreshing smoothie.
I had not tried creating a smoothie from cantaloupe…until today.
Anthony William posted an easy smoothie recipe a few days ago, calling it Cinnamon & Vanilla Cantaloupe Smoothie. It looked wonderful and I was excited to try it.
Last night my daughter Adriel and son-in-law Nate gave Greg and me a HUGE cantaloupe, the biggest one I’ve ever seen. It was perfectly ripe and its sweet scent filled the house. I knew what I would be creating for Try This Tuesday!
Cantaloupe Smoothie by Anthony William
1 cantaloupe, roughly chopped (or half a HUGE cantaloupe)
1 cup of ice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon alcohol free vanilla
1 – 2 tablespoons of raw organic honey, if cantaloupe isn’t very sweet.
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
This yummy smoothie not only packs the flavor, it delivers health benefits as well.
Cinnamon has the highest antioxidant level among all foods. Cinnamon helps to ease nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion and arthritis. It lowers cholesterol and regulates blood sugar.
Vanilla has a calming effect on the nervous system and reduces anxiety and stress. The aroma of vanilla has been shown to induce feelings of happiness and relaxation. The active ingredient in vanilla…vanillin…soothes an upset stomach, aids digestion and eases headaches.
And cantaloupe is high in vitamin C, which is important for supporting the immune system and fighting bacterial and viral infections. This melon relieves nervousness and calms anxieties. It keeps the heartbeat normal and regulated when under stress, while keeping muscles relaxed and free from cramps and hypertension. Cantaloupe helps to remove excess sodium from the body, reducing water retention and bloating. (Info from Anthony William.)
I enjoyed sipping on this frosty, delicious smoothie this afternoon as the sky darkened and thunderstorms rolled through the area. The cinnamon and hint of vanilla turned the drink into a special treat that reminded me a bit of pumpkin pie…healthy pumpkin pie!
And…I have half of the cantaloupe left over, chilling in the fridge, to be enjoyed later.
