Rethinking The Smoothie

Dateline: 5 August 2007

Everyone loves smoothies. If you don’t know what a smoothie is, here is the current definition from Wikipedia:

A smoothie is a blended, chilled, sweet beverage made from fresh fruit and fruit juices which is blended with crushed ice, frozen fruit, or frozen yogurt. They have a milkshake-like consistency which is thicker than slush drinks, but unlike milkshakes, they do not usually contain cow's milk or ice cream.

Yesterday I tried a smoothie experiment. I took three fresh, juicy peaches (less the pits) and blended them with a small bunch of beet greens and just enough cold water to make it all mix (maybe ¼ cup). The resulting blend, pictured above, was an unappealing mud-like color. But it had a sweet earthy flavor that was downright good.

Later in the day I made a smoothie using three peaches and four large kale leaves. The drink was a bright green color. Not your typical smoothie. But, again, very tasty.

Today, I’m going to make a Swiss Chard and peach smoothie.

I’m excited about these new raw green smoothies. They are simple, easy and fast to make, and chock full of nutrition.

Try blending some fresh fruit with some fresh greens and you’ll see what I mean.