I’m not a huge fan of eating beets.
Drinking them is a totally different story though.
I’d cheers, toast and dance a jig to a Beety beverage, even if no alcohol is involved, although I certainly wouldn’t turn away a little somethin’, somethin’.
It must be noon somewhere.
When beets first showed up in my CSA share years ago, I tried cooking them every which way possible all to no avail. I mean sure the final product was edible, and the Hubby really liked the pasta sauce, but I didn’t dig ’em. They just didn’t do “it” for me.
One of the interesting twists of a CSA program is you usually don’t get to choose what kind of vegetables you want each week. Instead, whatever is in season is what shows up on your doorstep. Alright technically I drive and pick it up, but you get the idea.
As a result, I can’t simply decline beets. Sure, theoretically I could give them away, but where’s the fun there. Besides, that’d be letting the beets win, and I’m not down with that. I can’t be bested by my produce. Hell to the no.
So on a whim one day, I opted to blend my beets and drink them.
That’s when it happened.
I fell in love with this Beet Juice Smoothie.
After that, there was no looking back.
There’s something intoxicating about slurping up this beauteous root vegetable, to the point where I’ve even gone out and purchased beets for the sole purpose of drinking them. I can’t entirely describe why this Beet Juice Smoothie has such a hold on me; a pity considering I fancy myself a food blogger. I just know it does.
It’s light, it’s refreshing, it’s different and totally tantalizing. Some (cough, my girl Laura, cough) would say it’s strange, but good.
The first sip will cause you to raise a structured brow, the second will make your face turn quizzical, and by the third, well then you’re fully committed. Before you know it, your glass it empty and you’re going back for seconds.
It’s also worth mentioning beets are the cats pajamas when it comes to nutritional goodness. They’re high in vitamins and minerals (hello potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid), a natural cleanser, a cancer preventer, a blood pressure reducer and oh, did I mention they’re an aphrodisiac? Yeah, it doesn’t get much better or sexier, apparently, than that.
Bottoms up. To Beets.
- 2 raw Beets, peeled and cubed
- 2 Oranges, peeled
- 1/2 Lemon, the juice of
- 1 cup orange juice, pulp free
- 1 cup ice
- Add all ingredients to your blender and process until smooth.
Are you a fan of beets? What’s your favorite way to consume them?
Heather says
I just might give this a try. Whenever we’ve tried eating them, it’s a major blech from all of us, but perhaps blended with some other fruits is the way to go.
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Meghan says
Yes try it please. There’s something that happens when the beets combine with the citrus that make them better than bearable. Seriously, I love drinking them.
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Juli@1000lovelythings says
I really want this. Now. And if not now then in a couple of weeks when I visit you š Seriously I am counting the days by now and when the craze is over after next Wednesday and I can breath again I’ll touch base with you properly because a) it’s been way too long and b) my type A side screams at me to get my itinerary straight!
So far for my self-inflicted break from the blog world this week!
Btw I love ingredients shots and the color of this beauty is just stunning. And I am totally with you. Eating beets is not my thing but in a smoothie or juice I am totally into it. Indeed strange but good š
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Meghan says
We’re super stoked for your visit too, and I’ve got a couple ideas to run by you for the itinerary. I know we’ll have plenty of down time where we can cook, drink and be merry, but there’s some interesting things we could check out too. I read about them awhile back and earmarked them for your visit. It’ll be new stuff for all of us.
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Danielle says
I love beets as they are, but I think this will be my new fav way to consume these magenta beauties. Gorgeous!!! Just like you š
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Meghan says
Bottoms up!!
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I’m not crazy about eating beets either, to my mom’s huge chagrin. They’re kind of a huge deal in Polish cuisine, but up until a few years ago, I wouldn’t touch them. Then I tried my mom’s borscht and fell in love. I’m betting I’d like them even better in a smoothie, because you know how much I love my sweet stuff š
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Meghan says
I want to try your mom’s borscht. One day….
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
Oh my goodness Meg I love this! First off I adore the fact that you use raw beets so I don’t need to cook them and second of all because you use a crap tonne of citrus and we are heavily into citrus season here right now – they are the best!
I’m saving this and cannot wait to make. Major craving here!
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Meghan says
Ain’t nobody got time to cook beets here. Besides they lose some of their nutritional goodness when you cook them.
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Grandma Lala says
I love beets! But they are an old folks food and well… I fit that description. Darn! I have gray hair and not the lavender/pink gray stuff the young stars are all wearing. it’s so funny! As if they won’t get here soon enough then color a youthful vibrant blond or brunette or red! Or magenta or blue even
Anyway.. I like to eat them boiled or roasted plain, grated up raw on a salad, or cooked then brined and pickled. Then I like to pickle my hard boiled eggs in the leftover picking juice.
But I have never made a smoothie with beet juice, just had plain old Trader Joes Beet Juice with Lemon to take a swig of every day thinking it’s good for me. Smoothie ala Meghan sounds loads more fun and tasty.
I made your double chocolate coconut granola a few weeks ago, double batch, and my kids and grandkids hardly left any for me and Pops. I swear they have a radar that tells me when I switch the oven over to to ‘on’! It’s all I need to do if things get too quiet around here.
Meghan says
I’m so glad you tried and liked the granola. The Double Chocolate is probably my Hubby’s favorite or a close second to the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.
Bottoms up to beets. š
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
You’re so weird. Beets are the jam. My favorite thing is to make a chocolate-beet protein smoothie bowl post-workout. With spinach. It’s amazing.
The color in this doesn’t match my sludgy-looking smoothie. I’d still drink it though. š
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Meghan says
This Beet Juice Smoothie is even better when you mix it with champagne. š
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Kristy from Southern In Law says
This is SO bright and jam packed full of nutrients.
I loveeeeeeeeee beets but Jesse will not touch them with a ten foot pole š
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Meghan says
Sneak some into his next smoothie and tell him the color is strawberries. š
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Tara says
I’m not a huge beet fan but I’ll occasionally throw some roasted beets on my salad. What’s convincing me about this juice is the gorgeous color!
Meghan says
You should try it and mix it with some champagne.
Meghan recently posted…Beet Juice Smoothie Recipe
Chelsea A says
I love beets, but I’ve never made them in juice/smoothie form. I like buying the odd beet (& carrot & apple) juice from time to time, but the $8 price tag makes me cringe. I think I need to try this one – the colour is fantastic!
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Meghan says
You should absolutely try and make the Beet Juice. It’s so simple and super cost effective compared to the fancy juices. Too bad I didn’t buy us some beets up at the beach.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: Ave’s Edition (#40)
Joyce @ The Hungry Caterpillar says
Heck yeah! I guess great minds do think alike š
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Meghan says
Cheers to Beet Juice!!
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: Ave’s Edition (#40)
meredith @ cookie chrunicles says
I still can’t get over the color! so so pretty
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Meghan says
Yep, beets make the best colored drinks. I love the color too.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: Ave’s Edition (#40)
Brittany says
I love beets, and used to eat them almost daily!! My favorite way to consume them is roasted, but man oh my this looks delicious!
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Meghan says
Yes, try drinking your beets! So. Much. Goodness.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: Ave’s Edition (#40)
John Mares says
The recipe looks good, Meghan. I am quite a fan of beet root when it is canned (I like to have it as a side dish). But I did not use it for making smoothies before. Thank you for inspiration!
John Mares recently posted…Green smoothie with spinach recipe
Meghan says
I hope you try making a beet juice smoothie. They’re so simple and delicious.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: Ave’s Edition (#40)
Melissa @ Mango About Town says
I’ve never thought to blend them up into a smoothie. I have made a smoothie out of the greens it it turned out quite delicious!
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Meghan says
I’ve never used the beet greens in a smoothie. I’ll have to try that next time. Great idea, thanks.
King Bringgy says
I recently started juicing for a healthier life. At first, I found the taste of beets overwhelming, however, a mocktail is a pleasant way to enjoy the health benefits of beets minus the bitter taste. Thanks for sharing these great tips, I love your writing and ideas. Great recipe Meghan, the ice cubes sure do make a great summertime drink.