I wrote a The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Smoothies review on another website, if you want to check that out. Whether you’re new to green smoothies, an old pro, or have never touched a green smoothie to your lips – this book is a must read.
The recipe below is from page 145 of the book. It’s called Macho Mango Smoothie and if you love mangoes, this will become a green smoothie recipe you use over and over again.
The author says you can substitute 1/2 cup pistachios for hemp seeds for a totally different flavor.
If you’re concerned about finding hemp seeds, or other green smoothie seeds such as Chia Seeds (a personal favorite!), rest easy. Most grocery stores have Health Food sections which carry ingredients you’ll see in green smoothie recipes. When you read the health benefits of these seeds, you’ll kick yourself for not introducing yourself to them sooner.
I make my hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds pull double duty. I use them in my homemade granola bars for extra crunch, flavor, and nutritional benefit. I also find myself eating chia seeds right from the bag. They’re crunchy, delicious, fun to eat, and give a boost of energy.
If you’re concerned that your grocery store might not have the seeds you need, look for a Vitamin store or health food store. OR, you can take my approach and simply buy them online. Beneath the recipe are lists of common seeds and ingredients in green smoothies, along with links to the products.
A final word about ingredients for green smoothies: Don’t let unfamiliar ingredients scare you off. Some of my favorite green smoothie ingredients are spinach, sunflower seeds, bananas, cucumbers, apples, and pineapple. You don’t HAVE to have chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseed, etc. However, they are so incredibly healthy and delicious I know you’ll want to get to know them better.
Macho Mango Green Smoothie
- 3 dried apricots
- 1-1/2 cups chopped mango
- 1/3 cup hemp seeds
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 TBS fresh lemon juice
- 1-1/2 cups water (including soaking water)
- Soak apricots in water to cover for at least 1 hour. Drain, retaining soak water.
- In a high-speed blender, combine mango, hemp seeds, soaked apricots, spinach, lemon juice, and water.
- Blend until completely smooth.
What about blenders?
However, a well-made blender can most definitely make wonderful smoothies. Just be sure to really process thick greens like kale thoroughly – otherwise you’ll be chewing your smoothie, which is a major turnoff!
Seeds and Ingredients for Green Smoothies:
