Apple, Celery, and Goji Berry Smoothie with Fresh Herbs

This apple, celery, and goji berry smoothie stands out from classic smoothies thanks to the wild herbs it contains.

Celery root: Celery root is a cultivated form of wild celery. As with the other two varieties of cultivated celery, Pascal celery (also called ribbed celery) and leaf celery (also called Chinese celery), celery root has a number of culinary uses. Thanks to its essential oils, celery root has a fresh, clean flavor that stimulates both appetite and digestion. In natural medicine, celery root is used to help with rheumatism, stomach, and intestinal disorders as well as kidney and bladder problems.

Goji berries: Goji berries contain many healthy nutrients, as do the berries grown in our area (e.g., currants and strawberries). The author Christine Volm writes Goji berries are rich in amino acids, carotenoids, minerals, and antioxidants, which all slow down cell aging. The polysaccharides they contain can improve your gut bacteria and strengthen the immune system. However, goji berries can cause allergies, and there are a number of allergic reactions and cross-reactions. If you are taking vitamin K antagonists (e.g., Marcumar), which are used to reduce blood clotting, you should also be careful as goji berries can increase this anticoagulant effect.

Hedge bedstraw: Hedge bedstraw (Galium mollugo), also known as false baby’s breath, is an herb of the Rubiaceae family. It is common in Central Europe, where it can be found in meadows and gardens almost year-round. The whole plant is edible, and the shoot tips and flowers can be added to salads and drinks. Young hedge bedstraw leaves have a mild flavor similar to lettuce and arugula. The plant contains the enzyme rennet, which is used to make cheese.

Creeping cinquefoil: Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), also known as European cinquefoil or creeping tormentil, belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is primarily found in wet meadows, on embankments, and in fields. Creeping cinquefoil’s roots and older leaves can be used as a medicinal plant, while the young leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked in dishes such as soups and vegetable fillings. The older the plant, however, the more fibrous the leaves will be. The flowers are also edible and make a great garnish. They taste slightly tart.

Hedge bedstraw: In Central Europe, hedge bedstraw can be found in meadows and gardens almost year-round.

Creeping cinquefoil: You can gather young creeping cinquefoil leaves from March to May and the flowers in June and July.

Celery root: Peeled celery root discolors quickly. To prevent this, drizzle lemon juice on the celery root and add vinegar or lemon juice to the cooking water.

Suggestions for alternate preparation from the author Christine Volm:

– Cold soup: If you like slightly sweet soups, you can also enjoy this smoothie as a soup. Simply leave out the dates, add some ginger and bell peppers, and season to taste with a few fresh lovage leaves and a little sea salt.

– Dried goji berries: If you can’t find fresh goji berries, you can also use the same amount of dried goji berries. Soak the berries to soften them for at least two hours before making the smoothie.