Pomegranate smoothie

This pomegranate smoothie is super easy to make and has a tasty balance of bright and sweet berries, sweet-tart pomegranate and smooth yogurt. Perfect as a pick me up or easy breakfast. 

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I've been working on versions of this smoothie for a few years, and imagine will again for a few more. If I happen to have pomegranate in some form leftover, it's a great way to use some up. I try not to waste food at the best of times, but both fresh pomegranate and pomegranate juice are often on the more expensive side, so all the more so.

Plus, quite honestly, it's a lovely bright flavor that I want to enjoy more. I really like more tart flavors, and the sweet-tart and slightly aromatic profile of pomegranates is one I enjoy. And as a bonus, it's full of goodness, too.

Pomegranate origins and uses

While it's not completely clear, many food historians believe pomegranates originate in Iran. They are an unusual fruit in that they seem to have taken on quite a strong cultural significance in many places, Iran included. 

You'll find the fruit grown and enjoyed in various countries around the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. Many enjoy them as a snack, and the seeds are used to garnish dishes such as salads and kuku sabzi (herb frittata).

Other dishes use pomegranate molasses or syrup, like fesenjan (Persian pomegranate and walnut chicken stew), kisir (Turkish bulgar wheat salad) and muhamarra (a Syrian red pepper walnut dip/spread).

Using pomegranate in smoothies

Pomegranate is typically considered a superfood as it is full of lots of great nutritional value. So it's great in a smoothie where you are often looking to load up on nutrients. There are a couple things that make it a slightly tricky ingredient, however. 

First, there's the pips. Personally, I can only take so many of the seeds unless mixed through something and it's not really a texture I want in a drink. True, a high power blender can make them less noticeable, but I am still not completely convinced by the texture. So for me, I think pomegranate juice works best.

Then there's the tartness. Most people don't want an overly tart smoothie, so it needs to be paired with other things and used in moderation. The flavor is relatively easily overpowered, though, so not everything works.

Part of my previous experimenting was using it in with banana and other ingredients. Bananas are a very typical smoothie ingredient to add thickness, sweetness and nutrition, but I felt the banana took over flavor-wise. 

Pomegranate pairs well with tropical flavors like pineapple and mango, as well as berries, so that's where I have gone with this version. 

In all honesty, I think the strongest flavor is probably the raspberries. But this feels closer to pomegranate so for me, it works. Not to mention the fact they are tasty and add to the pretty pink color. 

Ways to adapt this smoothie

This is certainly a smoothie that you can easily adapt. Ideas include:

• Mix up the berries, such as switch out some or all for blackberries, strawberries and/or blueberries.
• Add some greens for extra nutrition - don't go too heavy on this, but try a small handful of kale or spinach.
• Change the yogurt - I used plain Greek-style yogurt but you could easily use a non-dairy yogurt or a flavored one.

This pomegranate smoothie is easy to make, bright and full of tasty ingredients. It's light, not too sweet and so easy to enjoy. So whip one up soon!

Try these other tasty smoothies:

• Apple banana smoothie (with a hint of cinnamon, it's almost like apple pie!)
• Mango dragon fruit smoothie (such an amazing color if you can find pink dragon fruit!)
• Cranberry smoothie (another semi-tart seasonal smoothie)
• Plus get more drinks recipes in the archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

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