green smoothie query...

[scottdc]

I have been tearing the stems off of my greens before blending them. I am wondering if it is pointless or wasteful since I am using a vitamix to blend. Should I use the whole product or cut off the stems. The same applies to cilantro or parsley use the stems or cut 'em off? Just wondering what everyone else does since chard seems to be pretty tough. Is the taste more bitter if I were to leave he stems? any input would be greatly appreciated.

-THANKS!

[Green_Woman]

I don't de-stem. It's more bitter occasionally but sometimes I don't even notice.

[Aleesha Sattva]

try it and make the choice for yourself. everyone is different.

personally i put all the goodness in the blender!

[rawmiss]

I use the stems on most things. I tend to cut the bottoms of the stems off though because they are dirtier, it just seems easier than washing them.

[scottdc]

cool, thanks for the input. I figured I was being to timid with this stuff. My blender kicks butt and I should put it to it's fullest potential.

[cara4art]

Before I got my Blend-tec high-speed blender, I'd have to cut the stems off my greens because my old blender simply wouldn't handle them well at all. Now, with my present set-up, even kale and chard stems go in and blend up with no problem at ALL! Plus I love being able to use the whole thing as far as those giant kale and chard leaves - LOL! I'm sure there's excellent nutrition locked away in those tough stems that we ordinarily don't care to eat(tasteless, plus one would be chewing away ALL day - LOL!)

[RawKnitster]

I don't de-stem, except for kale. I don't like that much fiber. :p

[blenditallguy]

I doubt you would notice the much at all. I've made countless juices, soups, smooties etc and have never noticed any flavor etc that was unpaletable.

Besides, there are tons of nutrients that you'd be throwing out if you didn't put them in.

www.blenditall.com

[T-Bird]

parsley and cilantro - definitely!

I am currently enjoying the classic pear parsley smoothie - all the stems went in!

when watching Daisy martinez on "daisy cooks" - she said her mother was appalled at her throwing away cilantro stems, claiming "that's where all the flavor is!" Don't know if that's true - but I believe that flavor is where the nutrients are!

Now when making quac - I just slice up the cilantro - stems and all - very finely, now one wants a big wad of stem in it, but it is very finely chopped and doesn't affect the texture.

[revdrcyn]

If the stems are tender, like Cilantro or Parsley, I leave them. If they're tough, like Kale stems can sometimes be, I tear them off.

I don't like the feeling of fibers on my tongue, and even with the VitaMix, I find this happens if I neglect to tear off tough stems.