Eat your greens for extra “Popeye” strength! Dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, chard, and beet greens are superhero greens filled with incredible nutrients.
Most people are familiar with the beetroot portion of the beet, the bulb (root) part that stains its way to the dinner table; however, beet greens deserve love too. Beet greens are quite versatile and a great source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K to boost your immune system, fight Alzheimer's disease, and strengthen bones.
Beet greens are also powerful detoxifiers. This Super Cleanser Beet Greens Smoothie is filled with amazing fiber and antioxidants that help cleanse your hard-working liver and kidneys. Adding citrus, such as oranges, adds extra Vitamin C, fiber, and sweet flavor to this delicious nutrient-dense smoothie. Enjoy!
Want to avoid the messy beetroot prep? Use gloves when peeling beets (to avoid pink fingers) and use a non-porous cutting board. You can also pick up ready-to-eat baby beets from markets or ready-to-eat frozen beet chunks from Trader Joe’s. Frozen beet chunks are perfect for adding to smoothies.
Did you know the beet stems are edible too? You can add beet stems to smoothies, but they are quite fibrous and sometimes require a high-speed blender. When blending beet greens, detach the leaves from the stems and save the stems for tasty side dish, such as Quick-Pickled Beet Stems. For more recipes featuring beet greens, try Superhero Sauteed Beet Greens and Minty Shamrock Smoothie with Beet Greens and Banana. What are your favorite ways to eat beet greens? Comment below!
Super Cleanser Beet Greens Smoothie Recipe
INGREDIENTS (serves 2)
1 1/2 - 2 cups raw beet greens
1 small raw red beet (peeled and cubed)
2 oranges (peeled and pith removed)*
1 cup coconut water
1-inch peeled ginger, grated
Juice of ½ lemon
* Replace oranges with 1 cup fresh orange juice if preferred. It may change the consistency of the smoothie.
DIRECTIONS
Gently wash beetroot, beet greens, and all citrus. Use organic beet greens when possible.
Separate beet leaves from stems. Save the stems for a delicious Quick-Pickled Beet Stems Recipes.
In a high-speed blender, blend beet greens, coconut water, oranges, ginger, and lemon juice until smooth. Add more water or ice cubes for a preferred thinner or thicker texture.
Add beetroot and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
STILL HUNGRY?
