This Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie blends tart sea buckthorns, fresh oranges, sweet bananas, and protein-rich Greek yogurt for a perfect breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert.
Hey folks! I hope you are all having a wonderful day and enjoying the last days of summer.
Today, I’m excited to share a vibrant sea buckthorn recipe: Sea Buckthorn Smoothie with Greek yogurt, banana, and orange!
But First, What Are Sea Buckthorns?
Many may not be familiar with sea buckthorn, especially readers from the USA and Canada.
Sea buckthorn is widely cultivated in many European countries—especially along the Atlantic coasts of the UK, France, and Scandinavia—and in Asia. In recent decades, some US states (e.g., Nevada, Arizona) and Canadian provinces (e.g., Manitoba, Newfoundland) have also cultivated it.
Hippophae is the genus of sea buckthorns, which are deciduous shrubs in the family Elaeagnaceae. Other names include sea berry (often used in North America), sandthorn, sallowthorn, and Siberian pineapple. As the name suggests, these shrubs feature thorns.
Sea Buckthorns: Health Benefits and Side Effects
Sea buckthorn berries are nutritional superfruits, rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins C, E, and A. They support immunity, heart health, and skin health, and are commonly found in skincare products. There could be some side effects:
- Sea buckthorn can cause digestive issues, like heartburn or diarrhea.
- It can also cause allergic reactions, such as rashes.
- Sea buckthorn berries may increase the risk of bleeding due to their blood-thinning properties.
- Sea buckthorn may interact with blood pressure medications and those that thin the blood.
Always research and consult your physician before using sea buckthorns.
Flavour Profile and Culinary Uses
Raw sea buckthorn berries have a strong, acidic, and astringent taste due to their high levels of malic and quinic acid. Some compare them to passionfruit, mango, pineapple, or citrus. They pair well with honey and orange. Use sea buckthorns to make:
- Sea Buckthorn Tea Recipe (Seaberry Tea)
- To enjoy luscious Sea Buckthorn Jam on a toast.
- To make a luscious, tangy Sea Buckthorn Curd
- To use for a beautiful autumn cocktail Orange Sea Buckthorn Cocktail
- Or make a dessert for adults, Orange Sea Buckthorn Milkshake with Triple Sec
What’s the Taste of Banana Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie?
The citrus notes of sea buckthorn pair well with orange in this smoothie. Greek yogurt adds richness, thickness, and tang. Banana brings creaminess and sweetness to balance the tartness. A little honey, if needed, smooths the flavors for a dessert-like drink.
Ingredients You Will Need for Banana Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie
- Sea Buckthorns – Use frozen sea buckthorns straight from the freezer. No need to thaw them.
- Water – Combined with the frozen sea buckthorns to make a concentrated blend.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds thickness, creaminess, and tang. You can use Skyr, Balkan, or plain yogurt; Greek yogurt and Skyr have the highest protein content.
- Orange juice – Use fresh juice for optimal flavour.
- Banana – Choose ripe for the best flavour.
- Honey (optional) – Adds sweetness and balances acidity. Use as needed, based on your taste and the tartness of your smoothie.
I hope you enjoy this Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie recipe and give it a try. Please share your experience in the comments, send an Instagram message, or post your photos using the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!
Banana Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie
This Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie blends tart sea buckthorns, fresh oranges, sweet bananas, and protein-rich Greek yogurt for a perfect breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert.
1-2
servings30
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Sea Buckthorn Concentrate:
1 cup (about 150 g) sea buckthorns – frozen or fresh
1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- Banana Orange Sea Buckthorn Smoothie:
1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt
2-4 tbsp. (30-60 ml) Sea Buckthorn concentrate
1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice – about 1 to 1.5 medium oranges
1 large banana, roughly sliced
honey, optional, to taste
Directions
- Combine water with the sea buckthorns (don’t need to thaw if frozen) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 7-10 minutes, mashing the berries to help them release juices. Off heat and let it cool completely. Pass the berries through a fine mesh sieve, using a spoon to release as much juices as possible then discard the solids. You will have about 1/2 cup of the concentrate. You will not need all of it; keep it in an air-tight container or jar and keep refrigerated for up to a few days and use for other recipes, like Orange Sea Buckthorn Cocktail or Orange Sea Buckthorn Milkshake with Triple Sec
- In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, banana, orange juice, and sea buckthorn concentrate, starting with 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
- Turn the blender on and blend until creamy and smooth. Taste and then adjust the flavour by adding more sea buckthorn concentrate and, if desired, honey. Turn the blender again for a few seconds to combine. Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
Looks like such a revitalizing smoothie, filled with immune strengthening Vit C!