Blend edible wild weeds into green smoothies

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 by: DaNae Johnson, M.H.
Tags: wild foods, green smoothies, health news

(NewsTarget) Over the past few years, many people have started drinking daily green smoothies and want to continue. But those same people are noticing that the greens can be the most expensive ingredient in the green smoothie. Plus, the prices of fresh produce are rising at tremendous speeds. Here are some ways to save money while using wild weeds right in the backyard.

Wild Edible Greens for Smoothies

To create an inexpensive green smoothie, try harvesting edible wild greens. Many gardeners despise these wild greens. But they can offer a green smoothie a whole rainbow of nutrients, if used correctly. For instance, purslane is packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

Words of Wisdom Prior to Blending Weeds

When harvesting wild plants, avoid any places that may have been sprayed with any weed or pest killers. The best way to ensure healthy edible weeds is to use no chemicals at all in the yard. Find healthier alternatives. There are many different options available.

Also, avoid harvesting wild plants near busy roads. Exhaust fumes and other chemicals from the vehicles can settle on the plants. Another concern is the chemicals used to melt ice and snow during the winter months.

If you do not have a yard available without chemicals, try asking family and friends. For the most part, people do not mind having their weeds removed from their yard and garden.

Variety of Wild Edible Greens

The greens in the following list are just to name a few that can be blended in a green smoothie.

Cattail stalk (peeled)
Chicory (leaves and flowers)
Chickweed
Clover
Dandelion (leaves and flowers)
Ostrich fiddlehead ferns (Boiled for 10 minutes)
Lambsquarters
Miner's lettuce
Plantain
Purslane
Strawberry leaves

What to Consider While Harvesting

Quite a few people do not like greens that have a strong bitter flavor. To avoid this with wild plant greens, harvest the greens before they get too large. In general, young and tender leaves have a mild flavor.

Always make sure to completely wash the greens after harvesting. Wild greens are always best immediately after harvesting. But they can be stored in a jar of cool water to avoid wilting.

Supplies Needed to Harvest:

- Scissors
- A container to collect the greens
- A book of wild edible plants in your area

Wild Greens Transformed into Smoothie Recipes

Cloverleaf Blueapple Green Smoothie
cloverleaves (large handful)
3-5oz fresh spinach (optional)
1 cup frozen blueberries
3/4 cup fresh pineapple
1 peeled banana or mango
1 cup water
Sweetener (Optional)

Add all of the ingredients into the blender. Blend until everything is completely smooth.

Tropical Dandelion Smoothie
Baby dandelion leaves (small handful)
3-5 oz fresh spinach (optional)
1 banana
1 cup frozen mango cubes
3/4 cup fresh pineapple
1 cup water

Blend all of the above ingredients until completely smooth.

Raspberry Plantain Smoothie
Young plantain leaves (large handful)
1 cup fresh strawberries
3/4 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup water
Sweetener (Optional)

Blend everything listed above until completely smooth.

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/pl...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_olera...
http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Edible_...

About the author

DaNae desires for you to absorb accurate information on how to easily take care of your family's nutritional needs. As a mother of two young boys, she knows how important it is to incorporate nutrition into a busy schedule.

Visit www.smoothie-handbook.com/free-smoothie-reci... to receive her free Smoothie Handbook Ebook that is packed with fruit smoothie recipes, green smoothie recipes, and even chocolate smoothie recipes! You can also stay up-to-date on top secret tips on smoothie recipes.
Her website contains many different ways for your family to blend in a well-balanced diet in this non-stop world.