Wheatgrass Smoothie with Berries
Wondering what to do with the wheatgrass you bought? This wheatgrass smoothie with berries looks like the character 'The Hulk', is full of plant color (AKA phytonutrients) and it's a great way to use your wheatgrass powder, juice or grass.
How to make
This smoothie is like having two smoothies in one. A couple notes:
- This is a super unique recipe because of the two colors, so be sure to pour the greens slowly (try placing a spoon under the pour spout) to avoid the mixing colors.
- All you need is a blender! My all-time favorite high powdered, glass cooking blender is made by Pampered Chef.
Is Wheatgrass gluten free?
Testing confirms that wheatgrass is considered gluten free if the grass is free of seeds when clipped/harvested.
However, like many grains, there is a risk for cross contamination. Be sure to look for the federally regulated 'Gluten Free' label.
Additionally, supplements are highly concentrated so it's important to ensure quality to avoid toxins and adulteration. Check out this link to find a brand that fits you.
Statistics show that about 1% of the population has celiac disease. An additional 5% may have non celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). These people may have brain fog or achy joints, but not intestinal damage (like those with celiac disease).
Additionally, those with autoimmune conditions, such as with Hashimotos thyroiditis may avoid gluten due to its role in the autoimmune triad. Which is why is important to seek out gluten free foods.
How much wheatgrass should I use?
It depends, although many supplements come with a teaspoon (3-4 gram) serving scoop, there is not a consistent recommendation. The amount may vary depending on your goals, but you should be consistent to achieve the full benefits.
Wheatgrass is rich in minerals including: iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc. As well as Vitamins A, C, E and B complex.
There are many researched benefits of wheatgrass including; improved detoxification and elimination (good bowel movements), anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
How to use wheatgrass
If you've ever eaten wheatgrass you know it's not particularly tasty. Just like the name suggests, it tastes like very bitter grass. To mask the flavor a bit try adding it to smoothies or juices. Wheatgrass is also available in capsule form.
Can I blend it in my smoothie?
Yes, if you have a quality blender, like my favorite Deluxe glass, cooking blender. Add the wheatgrass with the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Can you freeze smoothies?
No, I never recommend freezing smoothies.
Generally smoothies contain both water based ingredients (like fruits) and fats (like nut butters). But they don't always contain emulsifiers or stabilizers. These are necessary to hold the mixture together.
So, for the best tasting smoothie, consume it right away and never freeze for later.
More wheatgrass smoothie recipes to try
Creamy Minty Wheatgrass Smoothie
Wheatgrass Smoothie with Berries
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
The "Purples"
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- 1 cup frozen, mixed berries If using fresh berries you may want additional ice for thickness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter natural or otherwise, your choice
The "Greens"
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- 1 cup packed, organic spinach
- 1 medium frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Wheatgrass (4 grams)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ice adjust according to your desired temperature and texture
- Protein powder optional
Instructions
- This process is like making two smoothies.
- Start with the Purples, this is a denser smoothie so you’ll want to pour this in the glass first.Add all the "Purple" ingredients (the first four) to the blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a glass.
- Rinse your blender and lid completely.
- Follow with the greens. Now add all of the "green ingredients" to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Slowly pour the greens on top. You can pour them onto a spoon that is hovering over the cup to help avoid the two colors running together.
- Enjoy with a straw, slowly mix together as you consume!
Notes
- Spinach and berries are foods I purchase organically; primarily because we have these foods most days. I do this to limit my pesticide residue exposure and optimize the nutrition.
- I don’t purchase everything organic. When considering if you need to purchase organic
- Consider first your wallet, any produce is better than none.
- Ask yourself if you consume these foods regularly enough to warrant the price tag. A food can either add to, or reduce your toxic load.
- Decide based on the EWG's dirty dozen list; this list is not without its faults, but it's a place to start.
Let me know what you think...