How to Make a Blueberry Smoothie With Nettle

I love blueberries, especially when they're in season. In fact, of all "B" berries, blueberry ranks up there in my top choices. They're filled with antioxidants and I absolutely love the color when it's all blended together. Frozen blueberries work just fine (look for the wild varieties)--however, I really do prefer fresh blueberries. Here is how to whip up a fresh blueberry smoothie with nettle.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 banana
• 2 ice cubes (if not using frozen berries)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup kefir or yogurt
• 1 cup stinging nettle tea
• Serving glasses
• Mint Leaves (optional)
• Honey to sweeten (optional)

1. Select your ingredients. When looking for blueberries, make sure they're organic. If you don't have access to fresh organic blueberries, look for frozen wild berries or organic berries.

2. Prepare the tea. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 stinging nettle tea bag or 1 tsp. of the dried herb. Steep for at least 15 minutes, but you can do it for up to 2 hours. Make sure tea is completely cool before putting it in the smoothie. Strain out loose herb before putting it in the smoothie.

3. Add all ingredients to the blender at once in order listed. Blend until smooth. You can also use a hand blender right in the glass (the glass needs to be big though).

4. Pour into serving glasses and garnish each with a mint leaf.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use strawberries by either substituting for blueberries or using half and half.

• Check the frozen section at your grocer for other fruits you can try.