Grazing Off the Land

From the Garden to the Blender: Kale Smoothie

Life at Spring Meadows | Gardening Living Creating

I know it is November and fall decorations take priority over the gardens. I have been steadily working on tablescapes, porches, and baking pies for several weeks! But this morning while taking a walk, I cruised through the gardens to check for any late producing vegetables. If you came by for a visit and missed me, I was on all fours grazing on the beautiful bed of kale that had a growth spurt this week from all the rain!

I gathered onions, peppers, both sweet and cayenne, greens from the beets left in the ground from the summer harvest, and of course, the kale. I also picked a few ripe figs. They never made it inside the house. Yes, they were good!

I saved the peppers, onions, and beet greens for my lunch, but for my breakfast, I made a smoothie and included the fresh kale.

Kale: Health Benefits

According to WedMD, kale is considered a powerhouse food source. Loaded with fiber, protein, and a host of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, it has only 33 calories per cup.

Kale: One of Our Year-Round Garden Plants

We grow kale throughout all four seasons each year, some months producing more but regardless, even in times of leaner harvest, there is still enough for daily meals. During the summer months, we have a challenge with garden pests since we are organic gardeners, but by picking our kale each day early in the morning, we have enough for our meals plus the garden pests still enjoy nibbling! When the weather is cooler, the kale is abundant and by using Hoop Beds, we continue growing even into the colder months. (Another article coming soon on how to build simple hoop beds!)

By snipping the tender leaves of the kale with a pair of scissors, leaving a substantial portion of the stalk, it will continue to produce more leaves over several months. One year, to my surprise, some of the plants lasted through all four seasons!

Kale, easily grown in pots on a patio, can be moved inside as the weather demands.

Green Kale Smoothie Recipe

Grazing Off the Land | Life at Spring Meadows | Gardening Living Creating

We use kale in salads and as a side dish to many of our meals, but one of my favorite ways to incorporate kale in my daily diet is using it in my morning shake or smoothie.

To a blender full of fresh, washed tender kale, add the following:

1/2 cup low-fat milk

1 ripe banana

1 apple, cut in slices and seeds removed (Leave the peeling for additional health benefits)

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tbsp. local honey

2 scoops powdered vitamins (I use a vanilla flavored)

4 ice cubes (or more according to how thick you want your smoothie)

The fresh kale adds a sweetness to the smoothie and it is the perfect way to start the day, healthy and satisfying.

Do you make smoothies? What ingredients do you add to yours?