Lately I have been hearing a lot about “Buy One Get One Free” deals on cantaloupe and honeydew at our local grocery stores. Depending on where you live this will differ, but being in the South– we have melons growing everywhere! (I can’t help but giggle when I write that.) So for the sake of humor, anytime you see the word melon in this post, know that I mean cantaloupe or honeydew melon. 🙂 Read on for today’s YUM recipe: Melon-Kale Smoothie.

Something important to know about melons is that they are better digested when eaten alone or with a raw leafy green such as kale. I once read somewhere that melons don’t even need to be digested by the stomach. They go straight through to the small intestine and nutrients are assimilated there.

Melons have fabulous health benefits. They are loaded with Vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene. This combination packs melons with antioxidant potential which can rejuvenate skin, boost a weakened immune system, and strengthen eye site.

When picking out melons, I like to do the “Sniff and Squeeze” test. They may have a slightly sweet aroma to them and should not be hard or firm. They need to have a slight give when you squeeze them but definitely should NOT be squishy. Also, look for cantaloupe that have more peach colored spots than green. With honeydew, fragrance is the key. It needs to smell fruity. It also should have more of a yellow appearance rather than green.

Melon Kale Smoothie

2 cups or roughly half of a melon

2-3 ice cubes

1 1/2 cups or 2-3 leaves of kale

Add water 1/2 cup at a time if needed for desired consistency.