Vitamix newbie tips wtd: Need suggestions for beginner green smoothies :)

I just made my first smoothie the other day - a recipe from the vitamix cookbook: Raw Mineralizing Juice.

Unfortunately, it was an utter failure! Tasted very strongly bitter, and had way too much pulp.

Do most people leave the pulp in their green blended smoothies? Or filter it out (with the 'nut milk bag strainer') ?

Do most people peel the carrots before adding them in the blender? I ask because the carrots I have seem to be dirty even after washing them.

I prefer NOT to have to use a strainer if possible, so any TIPS for doing this successfully are appreciated.

I'd love some suggestions for green smoothies for a rank beginner like me :)

I like apples, carrots, romaine lettuce, pineapple. I'm determined to learn to make smoothies that don't turn ME green when I drink them ;)

ALL help is very much appreciated!! Thanks!

Mine is a simple one... bananas, spinach, and whatever berries I have.... a touch of agave nectar if needed... Blend with ice.

notice at top of page recipe tab : http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/r...n-almond-milk/

Do you add water to your smoothie? If so, how much? Sorry, I'm a complete beginner at this... sigh...

im not into smoothies so cant give exact recipes , but yes people add water . like say cup of water 4 bananas - handful of spinach . something near that . that site has exact recipes plus could go to youtube and search smoothies there and no doubt theres 100's of vids

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Originally Posted by Papa2X

Mine is a simple one... bananas, spinach, and whatever berries I have.... a touch of agave nectar if needed... Blend with ice.

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How much water do you include with this recipe?

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Originally Posted by michigan roman

notice at top of page recipe tab : http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/r...n-almond-milk/

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Thanks for the link...looks good.

Yes, you add fluid whether it be water, coconut water, nut mylks.... enough to make it drinkable.

With smoozies, you leave in the pulp. If you want juice, then you use a strainer. I don't bother with bags, I've got a good metal strainer. It's easier to clean.

I rarely put veggies other than greens and maybe tomatoes in my smoothies. To me, a smoozie should be fluid, fruit, greens. That's about it. I'm into simple.

Veggies are for juicing, imo.

I have a link to my book down below for smoothie/"pudding"/mylk recipes.

Most of all, have fun and always, play with your food.

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Originally Posted by BigJuiceLover

How much water do you include with this recipe?

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usually about a cup, but that's 100% a preference thing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Papa2X

usually about a cup, but that's 100% a preference thing.

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Actually, depends on how much other stuff and the density of what's going in. More juicy stuff, less fluid. Less juicy stuff, more fluid. Also, the amount ~ filling the blender? add more fluid. I usually use about 3 cups since I fill the VM.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigJuiceLover

I just made my first smoothie the other day - a recipe from the vitamix cookbook: Raw Mineralizing Juice.

Unfortunately, it was an utter failure! Tasted very strongly bitter, and had way too much pulp.

Do most people leave the pulp in their green blended smoothies? Or filter it out (with the 'nut milk bag strainer') ?

Do most people peel the carrots before adding them in the blender? I ask because the carrots I have seem to be dirty even after washing them.

I prefer NOT to have to use a strainer if possible, so any TIPS for doing this successfully are appreciated.

I'd love some suggestions for green smoothies for a rank beginner like me :)

I like apples, carrots, romaine lettuce, pineapple. I'm determined to learn to make smoothies that don't turn ME green when I drink them ;)

ALL help is very much appreciated!! Thanks!

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Here is my favorite green smoothie video. It's actually what started me on the path to raw. I saw Robyn a few months ago when she came to our town. She does a really FUN demo and lecture!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXr8-jru1KE

You can adjust this to suit you. I don't add the flax oil.

Here's a link to some smoothie recipes on this site. http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthrea...n-Smoothies...

Green smoothies are simple though. Just add 40% greens and 60% sweet fruit. Then add enough water to get the consistency you desire, you can make them thick or runny.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Revvell

Actually, depends on how much other stuff and the density of what's going in. More juicy stuff, less fluid. Less juicy stuff, more fluid. Also, the amount ~ filling the blender? add more fluid. I usually use about 3 cups since I fill the VM.

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Well, that is your way.... I almost always add a cup. :) she was asking about the recipe I provided.

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Originally Posted by Papa2X

Well, that is your way.... I almost always add a cup. :) she was asking about the recipe I provided.

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Looked as though the question was asked in general since your recipe wasn't in quotes ~ and yes, that's all I can provide is ~ my way.

Rule of thumb

If you use vegetables as carrot, you will have more cream of soup style. Blend the hard vegetable first with water and add the rest. If you want a soup don't had ice, if you want juice, then add ice to avoid heating up or pay attention to the speed (reduce high speed from time to time) then strain. I love nut bag to strain my nut milk, so i would use that for a vegetable juice too if i wouldn't have a juicer)

Smoothie.

Add green first with your water (don't over blend just yet, just enough to have the green into pure, then add the rest. Blend until smooth.

Here is a recipe.

1 bunch of greens (spinach, kale***remove the hard part****)
1-2 cup of filter water or spring water or coconut water
3-5 banana

Blend well and enjoy ( you can add a couple piece of frozen fruits or cube of ice to prevent over heating _ i don't need it because i am good with the speed, i can tell when this is time to turn down the speed)

If you use your vitamix to make a nut sauce base or cheese cake never go beyond 2 cups total of every thing (make two batch if you need to)