Greens 101

[lizzyrose]

I'm trying to branch out in my use of greens... but not really sure what to expect from the flavors of different ones? Are there any that are maybe more mild (except spinach which is basically all I use) or sweet? I've heard arugula is a little spicy??

[ShelShel]

I really enjoy endive. It comes as a tiny tightly wrapped lettuce. I could probably fit in your hand. It's white at the base and light green at the tips. Peel or cut each leaf off and clean. Mix up some of Alissa's Avo/Spinach dip and yum! Endive is the perfect raw chip.

I know others will have a lot more to share, but that is one of my favs.:D

[tanishamarshall]

Spinach and Swiss Chard seem to be mild in taste, easy to cover up

Kale, Collard, and Turnip - Stronger in taste I suggest Lemon when using these

Dandelion is strong as well.

Romaine might be a bit on the lighter side but I could taste it more in my drink then I taste Spinach and Swiss Chard.

Yes Argula is spicy and I didn't care for it much in my drinks.

[Thick]

Romaine is sweeter than most. I really like using herbs as salad, and sprouts, too. Not just for smoothies, but in salads.

Tarragon is sweet and licorice-y.
Most sprouts are sweetish--especially sunflower and alfalfa imo.

I'm short of ideas right now, but im looking forward to hearing more from eeryone else=)

[gingincal]

Try juicing parsley and green apples - recipe's in Alissa's book. So refreshing and dang good. Seriously.

[jenjen]

baby bok choy
super yummy to dip in dips.
it's mild, but has a very slight heat to it. very mild though.

[MarciRoundtheWorld]

Anybody tried ginseng leaves? Oh, we have lots of leaves here that I don't know what they are. I haven't been brave enough to try them.

[Veganforlife]

Check this thread out:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=40280

[Apasaraw]

I enjoy Lamb's Lettuce....also called Mache. It's like large clovery greens and has a mild taste. Very good in smoothies or as a salad. Delicate texture so it blends well. I adore it. It is the favourite green in France and after tasting it, now I know why...most farmers grow it for themselves I find. Also can get it at TraderJoe's if you are near one and any grocer will order it for you. Grows everywhere. It isn't expensive but people say it is...it also lasts in the fridge a good week if kept with a paper towel. here's info.

http://www.foodreference.com/html/flambslettuce.html

[Patsy]

http://www.energiseforlife.com/green_drink_benefits.php

Someone above gave this link (or maybe it was a link from a link as I surf away here :rolleyes: ) which is a great resource about greens, but I have a question about one listed - it says tomatoes - is it talking about tomato *greens*??? Like the plant itself? That would be so cool, because I have lots of those in my garden - but I have a vague memory that they are actually poisonous?

Any body ever eat tomato greens?

[michiganrawfood]

Thanks so much for all of this information! I have a hard time finding ideas for greens, so thanks!

I agree with what everyone has said so far.

Most greens can be covered up with fruit, but arugula is very spicy. I don't care for it with anything, but that's just me! It's supposed to be really good for you, so don't listen to me! lol

[Vaclare79]

Hey Patsy,
I googled it and found one website that suggested eating other parts of the tomato plant poisonous..


http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/aitc/lessons/primary/parts.pdf


Another article suggested that the leaves cause vomitting and cramping.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Growing-Vegetables-740/Edible-Tomato-leaves.htm

I wouldn't eat it if I knew this.. Just be careful though if you do eat it.