I have just guzzled down one of these Fennel Frond and Pineapple Smoothies whilst listening to Vance Joy in a nice quiet (and tidy) house, and I feel like I am in my own little personal version of paradise right now.
I know, fennel isn't the first green you think to add to your morning smoothie, but you should. Have you seen the amount of fronds coming off of those plants? They are just begging to be collected up and squeezed into a smoothie. They are basically free produce people, because let's face it - about 90% of us have just been throwing those fronds out along with carrot tops and beet leaves (don't throw those amazing greens in the bin!!).
If you think you can't handle that anise flavor in a sweet drink, don't worry, the pineapple in this smoothie balances it out perfectly. Of course you can still taste it, but it is more of a surprising little aftertaste that makes you go 'oooh', and just takes the smoothie to a whole other level.
I would say it tastes more like a fancy cocktail than a healthy smoothie, but it's been a while since I have had anything resembling a fancy cocktail...so there is a very real possibility that it tastes nothing like one, and I wouldn't want to get you all excited for nothing 😛
For this Fennel Frond and Pineapple Smoothie I used about a cup of loosely packed fennel fronds (be sure to use just the fronds and not the stalks as the flavor is a lot more mellow). You can use more or less depending on how much you fancy the anise flavor. I am partial to it but the hubby isn't, so I don't make mine too strong.
Need more summer drink inspiration? Check out these beauties:
Let me know what you think! I love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment if you give these delightfully refreshing smoothies a try. Happy drinking.
Fennel Frond and Pineapple Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut water
- 1 cup loosely packed fennel fronds
- 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 ripe bananas
Instructions
- Pop all of the ingredients into a high powered blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve and enjoy.
Anicca says
I cut water and banana quantity in half because I wanted it thick and didn't want the banana to overpower the fennel flavor, and I used regular water, but I am sure it's dynomite with coconut water or even coconut cream - next time! Many thanks for fab recipe
Donna says
Glad you liked it, one of my favs for something a little but different!
Pamela J McNab says
Delicious! I don't like the flavor of coconut, so I substituted almond milk. The second time I made it, I was running out of pineapple, so I used half strawberries. Still delicious. This was my first time using fennel for anything and I loved it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Donna says
Yay, glad you loved it!! A great way to use up those fronds and not send them to the bin.
Andrea says
Donna this sounds amazing. totally down to making this smoothie in the mornings such a perfect way to get a different type of greens into your system. so loving this! thanks for the awesome recipe.
Donna1 says
Oh you are so welcome!! I hope you love it as much as we do, the flavor is seriously awesome!!
Leah says
This idea is fascinating to me! I love the idea of using the fennel fronds in this, as I have never thought of using that part of the fennel, and not in a smoothie! It sounds like a tasty combo, and one I can't wait to try!
Donna1 says
It is so good!! I have been adding the fronds to everything since realizing how tasty they are! And my herb guy at the market this week told me to sprinkle the fennel flowers in my salads, so I am excited to try that too 🙂
michele says
Ive never thought to use just the fronds for a mellower flavor. Usually fennel is so in your face bold that I hesitate to use it in recipes. I happened to have everything to make this and wow.... it was really great. And the fact I got my uber unhealthy eating husband to drink one... well that was just icing on the cake! THANKS for that great tip.... and know we'll be living on these for breakfast the next few weeks we enjoyed it so!
Donna1 says
Oh yay, I am so glad you guys enjoyed it!! Your husband sounds like mine, he is always so hesitant to try something new (especially if it is green and healthy), and this smoothie was no different, but he really enjoyed it 🙂 I am the same when it comes to using fennel normally though, I can only use it in a very select few recipes because of the bold flavor.
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
Make this for me and I'll let you know if it tastes like a fancy cocktail- I may or may not have just polished one off 😉 This makes me wish really hard that I'd planted fennel in my garden!!! I'm going to look for it with the fronds in the store though- this sounds like a delicious breakfast!!