Canned mandarins are the secret of this quick smoothie: they are always in the cupboard, soft enough to blend in seconds and sweet enough to hide a good handful of greens.
3.1Editors’ rating
Taste3.1
Balance2.9
Easy to make3.8
Popularity15
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¼ ozlemon juice to balance the sweetness (optional)
Garnish: None · Ice: Served up, no ice
Method
Wash the spinach and lettuce.
Drain the mandarins, keeping 2 to 3 tbsp of the juice.
Blend greens, mandarins, the reserved juice and water for about 40 seconds.
Taste, add a few drops of lemon juice if it is too sweet, and serve.
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Watch it made
Spinach and Tangerine Smoothie
Taste
Sweet and gently citrusy, light and fluid, with a mild green note.
About this smoothie
Canned mandarin segments are peeled, seedless and very soft, which makes them handy for smoothies. They bring a sweet, gentle citrus flavour that pairs well with mild baby spinach and lettuce. Use fruit canned in juice rather than heavy syrup to keep the sugar down.
Out of season this is a practical green smoothie that works with store cupboard fruit. In winter you can use fresh tangerines or clementines instead; peel them and remove the seeds. A good breakfast drink for busy mornings.
Bartender tips
Choose mandarins canned in juice, not in syrup.
Freeze the leftover segments in a small box for the next smoothie.
Variations
Fresh fruit version
Use 2 peeled fresh clementines instead of canned mandarins.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh tangerines?
Yes, peel 2 tangerines or clementines and remove any seeds.
Is it very sweet?
Fruit canned in syrup makes it very sweet, so use fruit in juice and add a little lemon if needed.