Green Smoothie and a Blender Question

KeptByTheWord · #1 07-30-2014, 04:14 PM

I've been regularly visiting local farmer's markets and this time of year, here in our area, the greens are really producing. I bought some kale, spinach, and other greens this past weekend, and am trying to use them up.

So, I found a green smoothie recipe. I tried it in my blender, and ended up with pieces of green leaves. The green smoothie was... not so smooth

So... that prompted me to go on a search perhaps for a better blender, and led me all kinds of places. Seems there are two popular top rated blenders, which are rather high end in price $300-400, being the Blendtec and Vitamix.

Just thought I would throw the question out there... anyone have a preference one way or another on which blender may be better? I found a refurbished one for $100.00 cheaper.

So, I am wondering if the $300.00 is worth the investment, or if there is a cheaper brand of blender out there that can mix up fruit, and green leaves without leaving pieces of the leaf in the smoothie?

Pilgrum · #2 07-30-2014, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

I've been regularly visiting local farmer's markets and this time of year, here in our area, the greens are really producing. I bought some kale, spinach, and other greens this past weekend, and am trying to use them up.

So, I found a green smoothie recipe. I tried it in my blender, and ended up with pieces of green leaves. The green smoothie was... not so smooth

So... that prompted me to go on a search perhaps for a better blender, and led me all kinds of places. Seems there are two popular top rated blenders, which are rather high end in price $300-400, being the Blendtec and Vitamix.

Just thought I would throw the question out there... anyone have a preference one way or another on which blender may be better? I found a refurbished one for $100.00 cheaper.

So, I am wondering if the $300.00 is worth the investment, or if there is a cheaper brand of blender out there that can mix up fruit, and green leaves without leaving pieces of the leaf in the smoothie?

Yes, if you want to make this a regular part of your life style the cost definitely worth it. I prefer vitamix. Just like the simpler controls better. They both do a great job.

KeptByTheWord · #3 07-30-2014, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrum

Yes, if you want to make this a regular part of your life style the cost definitely worth it. I prefer vitamix. Just like the simpler controls better. They both do a great job.

I've seen the Vitamix demonstrated at Costco. The price kind of scared me away. However, I know I need we need to be eating more fruits and vegetables, and it is hard to get the amount you need by eating them one at a time. So, I will have to sell the need for this to my husband to make the $$ worthwhile.

How has having a Vitamix helped you?

Pressing-On · #4 07-30-2014, 06:20 PM

Vitamix! I use mine every day!

KeptByTheWord · #5 07-30-2014, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Vitamix! I use mine every day!

Do you use your Vitamix for anything other than smoothies? I've heard you can even make ice cream with a Vitamix.

Pressing-On · #6 07-30-2014, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Do you use your Vitamix for anything other than smoothies? I've heard you can even make ice cream with a Vitamix.

I've used it to make one of the soup recipes that comes with the machine. It was very good. Probably would never make ice cream. Although I blended a Banana and organic chocolate one time. It was really good.

There is a smoothie thread around here somewhere. I turn any juicer recipe into a smoothie. Although, I think a juicer is the better choice for carrot juice. It will be thicker, in a Vitamix, being that the fiber is included. That is a plus with a Vitamix.

For my Kale and Spinach, I blend them separately with a little distilled water and then put them in ice trays. After they are frozen, I put the cubes in a ziplock bag. That way the greens won't get bad on me. You know how Spinach does in the frig? So, then I put about 3 or 4 ice cubes in my smoothie and I have my greens. No waste.