Calling all green smoothie experts - can you advise?

[Bampot]

Hi all

I've bought some courgettes (not sure but I think you call them Zuchinni in the US?) and some brocolli and now... don't know what to mix them with in my green smoothies?

I have recently discovered the great joys of raw cacao and have been putting a great big spoonful in all my smoothies with great success - so will def add some of this I think. But what else do you think? - not sure if it's ok to mix fruits like bananas / pineapple with brocolli or zuchini?

I'd welcome your advice as I feel that while I'm getting plenty of fruits and leafy greens in my diet with green smoothies, I also want to make sure I don't miss out on other veggie goodies like the above.

Also does anyone else sprout their own seeds and add them to smoothies? I tried with a 'gourmet mix' seed pack and they were a bit too strong tasting - the resulting smoothie was a bit bleurgh tasting! Any recommendations for covering up the taste / less strong tasting sprouts?

Thanks guys! :)

[Ama]

The zucchini will be fine in the smoothie as it has a very blandish taste - it'll just fit right in but the broccoli... well, you'll have to experiment with that. I don't put veggies in my smoothies, just fruit and green leafies. If you want to try the broccoli I'd suggest just a little at a time and keep tasting it to see how you like it. Also, make sure to add enough water or it'll end up as sludge. I alway add 2 cups of liquid to my smoothies (I use water or coconut water - you can also use juice of apples, oranges or nut mylk).

[Ama]

Just thought of this... you could make a savory smoothie with no fruit. Add some tomato, pepper, garlic/onion, parsley etc... and of course a good amount of water. It's like a liquid salad! Oh... and of course add the greens LOL!

[Stina]

Just thought of this... you could make a savory smoothie with no fruit. Add some tomato, pepper, garlic/onion, parsley etc... and of course a good amount of water. It's like a liquid salad! Oh... and of course add the greens LOL!

Yeah, I second that idea along with avocado! And cilantro

[Veganforlife]

The zucchini will be fine in the smoothie as it has a very blandish taste - it'll just fit right in but the broccoli... well, you'll have to experiment with that. I don't put veggies in my smoothies, just fruit and green leafies. If you want to try the broccoli I'd suggest just a little at a time and keep tasting it to see how you like it. Also, make sure to add enough water or it'll end up as sludge. I alway add 2 cups of liquid to my smoothies (I use water or coconut water - you can also use juice of apples, oranges or nut mylk).

I agree. I have used broccoli and it's okay. Not one of my favs...
the courgettes could be used with Alissa's marinara for Angel hair pasta OR in your smoothie. Just be cautious if it's not organic - wash it well if you don't peel it.
I've also made courgette chips. Slice thin and dehydrate - you can add whatever seasoning before dehydrating. They are good!

[Bampot]

Thanks guys - off to try a smoothie with cherries, zuchinni, grapes, black berries, redcurrants (frozen berry mix) and spinach - oh and of course some cacao powder!

x

[Veganforlife]

Be sure to add enough water, at least 2 cups. The first smoothie I made I used MAYBE a quarter of a cup of water. BLECH! It was like green goo. Shrek would've been proud! But EWWWW!!!!!

[Sunshine9]

Veg, 2 cups of water for how much smoothie?

[Bampot]

Ooh my smoothie is scrumptious! Here's what I threw in (bear in mind I buy lots of different fresh fruit and freeze some of it, so I tend to throw a little of everything in!):

1 zucchini (or courgettes to my fellow Brits!)
1 pear
frozen pineapple - few chunks
fresh cherries
frozen berries
frozen grapes
1 small banana
chunk of my coconut oil fudge (made with coconut oil, honey and cocoa)
2 teaspoons green food powder (Living Earth)
2 large dessert spoons cacao powder
huge handful spinach
big bunch spring greens
mineral water

It's tasty, but it made so much that I think I'll be drinking it all day tomorrow too! ;)

[Rubyred]

Hi all


Also does anyone else sprout their own seeds and add them to smoothies? I tried with a 'gourmet mix' seed pack and they were a bit too strong tasting - the resulting smoothie was a bit bleurgh tasting! Any recommendations for covering up the taste / less strong tasting sprouts?

Thanks guys! :)

I don't "sprout" seeds but I do soak a seed mixture overnight, and then I rinse and add the seeds to my smoothie.

A nutritionist once told be soaked seeds were an excellent source of amino acids.

Basically, you can soak any seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, alfalfa, chia, flax, radish, etc. (radish gives it a spicyness) Keep it in the refrigerator. I only make enough for two days because I was told molds might begin to grow if left there any longer. Then I scoop out some seeds, rinse and add them to my smoothies.