“What did the carrot say to the wheat? Lettuce rest, I’m feeling beet.”
– Shel Silverstein
Beets are a food you either love or hate. There is very little middle ground with beets. They stain your fingers during preparation, and your children turn up their noses in disgust when served for dinner.
Yet, Beta vulgaris rubra is so good for your health it is considered a super-food. Therefore, the only question left to consider is, “To beet or not to beet?”
This Wicked Red Smoothie may be your answer.
According to educational archives, beets have existed as a food source since dinosaurs walked the earth. They are an ancient, prehistoric food that grew naturally along North African, Asian, and European coastlines. Imagine a massive stegosaurus munching on a tiny beet green, because it was not until the rise of the Roman Empire that the bulb was cultivated as a root vegetable.
In the 19th century, the British restricted access to sugar cane, so Napoleon declared beets be used for their sugar. The desire for beets as a sweetener blossomed. However, our story does not end here.
I’m kinda in the middle. I think it definitely depends on how and maybe even who is preparing them! I love how you added some history of the beet, it was very interesting to me. I’ll definitely give the recipe a try. Thanks for sharing.
You are absolutely right Summer, it does depend on how and who is preparing the smoothies. To help you I have shared the VIDEO that goes with this article from BIZ360s sister magazine Women’s Voices Magazine where I am a HOME columnist. As you will see I am preparing the smoothie and drink it at the end, so you know it is good since I don’t spit it out and yell, “YUCK!” LOL! Enjoy and thanks for your comment. http://www.womensvoicesmagazine.com/2016/10/01/get-energy-health-benefits-diy-beet-smoothie-video-recipe/
I’ve had beet smoothies prepared by a local vegan foods truck. Absolutely delicious, and the energy you get the next day is amazing. Try a couple of different sources before you decide.
A local vegan food truck? I would love to have one of those available in my neighborhood! Yes, I notice the boost in energy the next day, too. So, I always drink a smoothie the DAY BEFORE I play tennis. Thanks so much for your comment Joyce Hansen.
I love beets, but Hubby only just tolerates them. I bake them, grate them into salads and use then in smoothies too. so good for you, thanks going to try your recipe xx
I know how you feel Suzie, I have the same challenge with my hubby but he does like the smoothie. I like the idea of grating them raw into salads, too. Thanks so much for your comment and let me know how you like the recipe.
I agree with you that beets are a ‘love ’em or hate ’em’ kind of vegetable. I’ve used beets (sparingly) for years in juices I make, although for some people, I know they can be a bit strong and using them in moderation is the way to introduce them. Over the years, I’ve come to actually enjoy beets, as they are popular in many healthy salad recipes now too. Thanks for sharing your DIY beet smoothie! Sounds like a great drink.
I agree with you Beverly that the trick to getting to the point of “loving beets” may be using them sparingly and then gradually adding more as we acquire a taste for them. They are so healthy! Thanks for your insights and comment on beets.
I will have to try this! How do yellow beets work? I’m a huge fan of yellow beets!
Kami yellow beets work just as well and make a drink that is also beautiful in color. If you make this recipe with yellow beets please drop me a line and let me know if you like it as well. Thanks for your comment.
I do like beets – a lot – but can’t imagine them in a smoothie. Still, I’ll try most anything once so I copied the recipe and we’ll see how it goes. Thanks!
Oh Marquita, if you like beets, you will LOVE this smoothie. Let me know what you think and thanks so much for your comment!
On behalf of the BC360° Team, we extend our thanks to you Kat for always being responsive to our Readers! Thank you for making an effort and indeed, making a difference!
Biz 360 Team, I’m honored to be a part of your family. Thanks for joining in the conversation!