Often getting enough of nutrient-dense green veggies into our diet becomes a difficult task. This is especially true with children…okay, and many adults. Many actually give up the effort because children and adults continually turn up their noses at the sight or taste of anything that resembles a green vegetable. Both kale and spinach are on my Ten Super Green Foods to Eat Every Day. Making frozen kale and spinach cubes makes getting these two super green foods easy and convenient.
Health Benefits of Kale
Kale’s nutrient richness stands out in three particular areas which are antioxidant nutrients, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates. Kale contains effective cholesterol-lowering ability and a definite role in supporting the body’s detoxification processes.
Health Benefits of Spinach
Spinach is among the world’s healthiest vegetables and comes out on top of in ranking for nutrient richness. Rich in vitamins and minerals, spinach is concentrated in phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids which provide the body with powerful antioxidant protection. Spinach also helps to protect protect the body against inflammatory concerns, oxidative stress-related concerns, cardiovascular concerns, bone concerns, and cancers at the same time.
The Solution
Thankfully, there is a quick and easy way to make sure that adults and children get sufficient amounts of green goodness. How, you ask? By hiding frozen green veggie cubes such as kale and spinach in smoothies, soups, stews, etc. Frozen kale and spinach cubes are easy to make and are easy to incorporate in many, many foods and best of all, not even the pickiest of eaters will notice. Making frozen kale and spinach cubes, not only extends the shelf life of these green powerhouses, but it helps make sure your homemade smoothies and soups are virtually chunk free.
Once you begin making frozen kale and spinach cubes, you will never waste any of these good greens by finding a half-bad batch of kale in the fridge. For me, this is a tremendous benefit!
Below are the directions to make frozen kale and spinach cubes. Make note, that herbs can be done in the same manner.
How to Make Frozen Kale & Spinach Cubes
1. Purchase organic or locally grown spinach and/or kale. Organic bags of pre-frozen spinach and kale from the grocery store can also be used.
2. Wash all produce thoroughly with purified water.
3. Pack the kale or spinach or half and half into a high speed blender with approximately 1½ – 2 cups of purified water or coconut water. Use more or less depending upon the consistency desired. Less water makes more nutrient-dense cubes.
4. Blend on high until a smooth consistency (like a puree) is achieved. Pulse the blender several times until it’s completely crushed up, then continue blending.
5. Pour the blended green veggie(s) into silicon muffin trays. You can also use other types of muffin tins or ice cube trays. However, sometimes the frozen product is more difficult to get out.
6. Place trays into the freezer for approximately 3 hours. You can also place the trays or tins on a baking sheet that will fit easily into the freezer.
7. When frozen, pop out the cubes and place inside a freezer container and store in freezer. Place a date on each container.
8. Use your green veggie cubes within 4-6 months. Keep in mind that kale tends to get bitter with time.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
