Vanilla Fig Smoothie

Name: Vanilla Fig Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup spinach; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup figs (fresh or frozen); 1/2 banana; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)

Published on 11.7.2020 by Jen Hansard

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Fresh figs are everywhere this season, so I created a fig smoothie recipe to share. This is the perfect way to wakeup for any holiday this season, especially if you're about to head into a day of eating heavy foods. This take on figgy pudding flavors will refresh your stomach and provide some natural energy to tackle the day.

Why I love figs in smoothies

Fresh figs are rich in natural sugars and minerals including potassium, calcium, iron, and copper. They are good sources of vitamins A, E, and K. Figs also contain a proteolytic enzyme that is considered to be a digestive aid—dessert with nutritional benefits! What could be better than a fig smoothie the gives your morning a jumpstart? Note that fresh figs are lower in sugar than dried. Since figs are in season such a short time, don't hesitate to use them to sweeten other smoothies. This recipe is from my book, Simple Green Smoothies, along with over 100 other fresh green smoothie recipes.

Where to find fresh figs

Figs originated in the Mediterranean. They gained popularity centuries ago, and were found in many ancient civilizations. They are grown on tall trees that can live up to 100 years... so this fig smoothie can become an annual tradition! Most figs bought in the US today come from California and Texas.

You can also use frozen figs in this recipe. I can find them at Trader Joe's in the frozen fruit section, which leads me to believe there's prob a few other stores that have them too.

Fig smoothie ingredients

I wanted to create a recipe that highlighted the natural sweetness, as well as the flavor of figs. Yet I also wanted a smoothie packed with nutrients. The fat from the unsweetened coconut milk (I preferred canned) helps the body process the sugar from the figs. If you're looking to cut down on the natural sugars in this fig smoothie recipe, then you can use just ¼ a banana. Or take the banana out completely, customize it your way.

A plant based holiday starts with a fig smoothie

I firmly believe a daily green smoothie sets the tone for how I eat all day long. This especially rings true over the holidays. If I start out a 'big food' kind of day with a green smoothie like this fig smoothie, I eat more mindfully. It's also not hard to incorporate plant based dishes throughout your next holiday meal. Check out my guide for a whole food, plant based Thanksgiving feast. I make these recipes for family and friends alike, and no one ever leaves my house hungry.

Fresh fig recipes

Before running to the store for another batch of fresh figs, let me give you some fresh fig recipes. Who knew these delicious, tiny fruits were so versatile!

Sweet and salty fig toast, by Bon Appetit
Fig and kale salad, by The Spruce Eats
Toasted coconut bake oatmeal, by Minimalist Baker
Fig flatbread, by Love and Lemons
Homemade fig bars, by Weelicious

Now I'm off to the store because these fig recipes are making me hungry!

a beautifully delicious, holiday green smoothie recipe.

How do you like to use figs throughout the season? Leave a comment and let me know!