Green smoothies are a convenient and delicious way to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, and are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Be sure to include those chlorophyll-rich leafy greens and get that extra boost of vitamin K, known to help prevent inflammatory diseases.
One of our favorite things about smoothies is how customizable they are. You can create combinations to suit your own tastes, and vary your ingredients from day-to-day or from season-to-season. We recommend a ratio of one part liquid, one part (tightly-packed) greens, two parts fruit.
THE INGREDIENTS
Liquids
It's important to add liquid ingredients to your blender first to prevent the other ingredients from sticking to the blade, and ensure a smooth blend. Choose a low-sugar liquid base like Greek yogurt, nut milk, coconut water or oat milk.
Greens
Fresh, leafy greens like kale, spinach, chard or collard greens are a great choice, and don't really affect the flavor of a smoothie much when paired with fruit. If you prefer a more flavorful green, try arugula, celery, dandelion or mustard greens.
Fruit
Any seasonal fruit can be added to smoothies: kiwi, apples, pears, peaches, berries, mango, grapes, melon, and citrus to name a few. Frozen bananas are also a key ingredient in many smoothie recipes to make them rich and creamy. We recommend using frozen fruit instead of ice. Ice can make your smoothie more difficult to blend and water it down.
Boosts
Healthy Fats: Avocado, coconut, nut butter, flax seeds, chia seeds, nuts.
Fresh Herbs: Mint, parsley, basil, cilantro, lemongrass or lemon verbena.
Ground Spices: Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves.
Flavor Enhancers: Freshly grated ginger, citrus zest, cocoa or matcha powder.
Natural Sweeteners: Dates, dried figs, honey, vanilla extract, maple syrup.
Time Saver Tip: Pre-portion your blender-ready sized chunks of fruits and veggies and store in a seal-able container in the freezer.
SMOOTHIE BOWLS
Have time to sit down and indulge in your smoothie? Pour it in a bowl! The real fun with smoothie bowls are the toppings. Turn your breakfast into a work of art with the addition of sliced fruit, chopped nuts, toasted coconut, chia or granola.
SIMPLE GREEN SMOOTHIE
This simple recipe is great for green smoothie newbies and experts alike!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup tightly packed, fresh spinach leaves
1/2 medium banana, cut into chunks (preferably frozen)
1/2 cup frozen berries or diced California Keitt mango
Directions:
Place almond milk, Greek yogurt and spinach in the blender and mix thoroughly. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour in a glass and serve immediately.
Let us know what green smoothie ingredient combinations you try!
For more smoothie recipes, check out our recipe collection on our website!
CSA members - head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 6 pm on your cutoff date. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.
Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood. You can even get your whole office in on the fun with our office snack packs. Find more information about our office deliveries here.
