This sweet kiwi green smoothie is really delicious and loaded with nutrients.

I love kiwi fruit. Growing up in Australia, we had an abundance of it. My mum was always cutting one in half and handing my sister and I a spoon, and we’d scoop out the creamy (but slightly fuzzy) flesh for a quick healthy snack.

Originally from China, these fuzzy little balls of wonder were called “gooseberries”, then later “sunny peaches” after they were brought to New Zealand by Chinese missionaries in the early 20th century. They were then discovered by a savvy American, who renamed the Chinese Gooseberry Kiwifruit, in honor of the kiwi, a native bird of New Zealand, whose fuzzy brown coat resembled the skin of this exotic fruit. New Zealand, Italy, France, Chile, Japan and the United States are some of the leading commercial producers of kiwifruit. Today, there are over 400 varieties of this fuzzy little fruit, which grows off vines on a trellis, kind of like grapes.

Kiwis are loaded with nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With loads of Vitamin C (more than oranges) they help heal wounds, increase iron absorption, and boost the immune system. They also contain magnesium for energy; as much potassium as bananas; a decent amount of beta-carotene; and a lot of fiber! Kiwis also contain folic acid, which helps to produce red blood cells. Kiwis contain phytonutrients to combat oxidative damage to our cells and help keep our hair, skin, teeth, and nails healthy.

This simple green smoothie lets these fabulous kiwis have their moment! This smoothie is all about celebrating the delicious tropical flavor of kiwi! I’ve added in some coconut water and mango to heighten the sweetness, but kept things simple and let the kiwi sing.

Find more delicious smoothie recipes in The Blender Girl Smoothies book.

*Probiotic Powder – I add 1/2 teaspoon of probiotic powder to all smoothies to replenish stores of healthy bacteria for immunity, digestion, detox, and to balance the acidic effects of high-sugar fruits and other sweeteners. The really potent probiotics require refrigeration. If you have capsules, break the shell and release the powder. Unsweetened probiotic-rich liquids like kefirs (water, coconut water, milk varieties) or kombucha make wonderful health-promoting additions to shakes, too.

*Celtic Sea Salt – I add a pinch (or more) of this alkalizing, mineral-rich salt to all smoothies to boost the natural flavor of fruits and veggies; temper the acidity of sweet fruits and sweeteners; stimulate the lymphatic system; replenish electrolytes; aid digestion; and help the body access energy. I do not recommend adding common table salt which is generally heated to extreme temperatures, iodized, bleached, processed, and refined. This salt does not have the same benefits. If you have a health condition that requires you to limit your sodium intake consult your doctor before adding salt to your smoothies.