Green Smoothie and a Blender Question

[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?

[Pilgrum]

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]

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]

Vitamix! I use mine every day!

[KeptByTheWord]

Wow.... the scales are tipped in favor of Vitamix.... !!!!

[KeptByTheWord]

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]

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.

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

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.

I really like your ice cube idea. I have some kale that is about to go bad in my fridge. I am really getting attached to the idea of getting a blender that will juice up veggies and fruit. Now, I just have to sell my husband on the idea! LOL...

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

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.

Excellent idea!

[Evang.Benincasa]

We own a Vitamix and Champion juicer I use the Vitamix every morning.


But allow me to say this, and I hope no one gets offended.

Using a Vitamix and drinking smoothies of fruit, greens, or bacon, cannot get you on the road to health unless you get up and exercise. Not just walking around your block, but cardio for at least an hour, and (if weights are too much for you) calisthenics using your own body weight will help tremendously. You would be surprised what a 20.00 chin up bar placed in the doorway of a room in your home could do for you. So combine your Vitamix smoothies with some good cardio and calisthenics.