Fresh Cherry-Apple Refresher.
Ingredients
-
2 cups fresh sweet cherries (pitted)
-
2 medium sweet apples (like Gala or Fuji), cored and sliced
-
1/2 cup cold filtered water (or coconut water for extra electrolytes)
-
1 tsp fresh lemon juice (to brighten the flavor)
-
Optional: A few ice cubes or a sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions
-
Prep the Fruit: Wash your cherries and apples thoroughly. Ensure all cherry pits are removed, as they contain amygdalin (which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities) and can damage your blender blades.
-
Blend: Place the pitted cherries, apple slices, water, and lemon juice into a high-speed blender.
-
Liquefy: Start on a low setting and quickly increase to high. Blend for about 45–60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth.
-
Strain (Optional): If you prefer a clear juice rather than a thicker smoothie-style drink, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a nut milk bag into a pitcher. Use a spoon to press down on the pulp to extract all the liquid.
-
Serve: Pour into a chilled tall glass over ice.
A Quick Note on Safety
While this drink is packed with antioxidants, it is important to always pit your cherries before blending. Cherry pits, along with apple seeds, contain small amounts of cyanide-producing compounds. While the occasional swallowed seed isn’t usually a crisis, blending them releases these compounds into your drink. Stick to the flesh of the fruit for a delicious, worry-free treat!