Stay up-beet this summer, my sweet readers! Rehydrate with this coconut water-based smoothie. Ginger adds extra pizazz while boosting energy. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes but the star of the show is the beets...
Beets and their greens are a bounty of vitamins and minerals, including folate, Vitamin C, potassium and manganese. Beets are a wonderful tonic for the liver. They are also a great source of energy due to their higher natural sugar content (beet sugar is slowly released into your system so no sugar-highs here). There are so many benefits to eating beets! And don't throw out their greens! Beet greens are a great source of calcium and have more iron than spinach. Throw beet greens in soups or smoothies for extra nutrients.
Waste not and your waist will thank you!
Also, the kids seem to enjoy this one. Evidence of my toddler sipping on some below (while I was still photographing - love these eager kids!):
Beet & Ginger Slushie (makes 1-2 servings)
1 steamed beet, peeled & cooled
1 raw beet green
1 cup coconut water
Handful ice
1-2 small pieces of ginger, squeezed through garlic mincer or chunk of crystallized ginger *optional
Spoonful of honey or a couple drops stevia *optional
1 raw beet green
1 cup coconut water
Handful ice
1-2 small pieces of ginger, squeezed through garlic mincer or chunk of crystallized ginger *optional
Spoonful of honey or a couple drops stevia *optional
*My kids prefer either with crystallized ginger or completely without.
Blend in blender and enjoy!
Fun fact: Did you know the ox-eye daisies I used in my pictures are edible? Their leaves taste like arugula! I hope to do a post later this summer about a few edible weeds. For now, read about it in Wild Edibles and as always, be wise foragers.
