Vitamix Blending: Cooking Beets For Smoothies And More

Blending cooked beets in a Vitamix is possible and can be a great way to create a nutritious and tasty drink. Beets are known for their vibrant colour and earthy flavour, and when combined with other ingredients in a smoothie, they can offer various health benefits. While some people enjoy raw beets in their smoothies, cooking the beets beforehand can help reduce their strong flavour and make them more palatable for those who are not fond of the taste.

Blending cooked beets in a Vitamix

When preparing cooked beets for blending, it is recommended to first peel and gently steam them. This will make the beets easier to blend and result in a smoother consistency. Additionally, chopping the beets into quarters or smaller pieces will make them easier to blend and help prevent any potential strain on the blender.

For a simple beet smoothie recipe, you can combine beets with other fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, spinach, and lime zest. You can also add liquid such as coconut water, apple juice, or water to achieve your desired consistency.

• Prepare your beets by peeling and cooking them. You can steam, bake, or boil them until tender. Allow them to cool before blending.
• Chop the beets into quarters or smaller pieces.
• Add the beets and any other desired ingredients to your Vitamix container. Some people recommend adding a little extra water or ice to help with blending and create a smoother consistency.
• Secure the lid on your Vitamix and select the appropriate settings. For thicker blends, start at a low speed and gradually increase to high. Use the tamper if needed to push the ingredients toward the blades.
• Blend until you achieve your desired consistency. For a juice-like texture, blend for around 60 seconds. For a thicker smoothie, you may need to blend for a little longer.

Remember to clean your Vitamix according to the instructions after each use, especially if you are blending colourful ingredients like beets, to prevent any potential staining. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and the health benefits of blending cooked beets!

Vitamix blender recipes

Vitamix blenders are powerful tools for creating delicious and healthy smoothies and juices. Here are some recipes to try with your Vitamix blender, focusing on the topic of blending cooked beets.

Beet and Berry Smoothie

This recipe combines beets with other fruits and vegetables to create a nutritious and colourful drink. The natural sweetness of beets pairs well with berries, and their deep red colour adds a vibrant touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium beet, cooked and quartered
• 1 cup mixed frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries)
• 1/2 cup liquid base (almond milk, coconut water, or apple juice)
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy alternative)
• Honey or agave nectar to taste (optional)

Preparation:

• Place all ingredients in the Vitamix blender.
• Blend until smooth, adding more liquid if needed.
• Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or agave nectar if desired.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a day.

Vitamix Beet Detox Juice

This green smoothie is a nutritious blend of beets, spinach, and coconut water. It's a great way to flush out your system and absorb essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups coconut water
• 2 medium beets, cooked and quartered
• 2 medium carrots, halved
• 1 medium apple, cored and halved
• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes

Preparation:

• Place all ingredients in the Vitamix blender in the order listed.
• Start the blender on a low setting and gradually increase to high speed.
• Blend for 50-60 seconds, using the tamper to push ingredients towards the blades.
• For a less sweet version, substitute coconut water or other liquid for apple juice.

Beet and Apple Juice

This recipe combines beets with apple, carrot, ginger, and lemon juice for a tasty and healthy beverage.

Ingredients:

• 3 pieces ginger root
• 2 medium beets, cooked and quartered
• 2 medium carrots, halved
• 1 medium apple, cored and halved
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• Coconut water (optional)

Preparation:

• Place all ingredients in the Vitamix blender.
• Blend until a juice-like texture is achieved.
• Add coconut water if a thinner consistency is desired.

Tips for Blending Cooked Beets

When blending cooked beets in your Vitamix, consider the following:

• Chop or quarter the beets before blending for easier processing.
• Add a little extra liquid (water, coconut water, or juice) to help create a smoother consistency.
• Beets have a strong earthy flavour, so consider combining them with ingredients that complement or mellow their taste, such as apple, carrot, or pineapple.
• For a milder flavour, peel and/or cook the beets before blending.

The health benefits of beets

Blending cooked beets in a Vitamix is possible and can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Here are some health benefits of consuming beets:

Nutritional Profile

Beets are low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They are also a good source of fiber and protein.

Lower Blood Pressure

The high concentration of nitrates in beets is converted into nitric oxide in the body, which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. This can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

Improve Athletic Performance

The nitrates in beets can enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen uptake, increasing endurance, and boosting cardiorespiratory performance. Consuming beets a few hours before training or competing is ideal to maximize their benefits.

Fight Inflammation

Beets contain pigments called betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with inflammation, such as obesity, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer.

Improve Digestive Health

Beets are a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health, prevents constipation, and reduces the risk of digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and diverticulitis.

Support Brain Health

The nitrates in beets may improve brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain, particularly the frontal lobe, which is associated with higher-level thinking and decision-making.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Beetroot contains compounds such as betaine, ferulic acid, rutin, kaempferol, and caffeic acid, which have been shown in studies to slow the growth of cancer cells.

In addition to these benefits, beets are also easy to incorporate into your diet. They can be consumed raw, juiced, roasted, steamed, or pickled, and they add a vibrant pop of color to your plate. However, it is important to note that beets are high in oxalates, so they should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals prone to kidney stones or gout.

Beets and liver function

Beetroot has been shown to have a positive effect on liver health in several animal-based studies. One study found that after consuming table beets for 10 days, the animals showed signs of improved liver health, including increased liver enzymes and oxidative processes. Another study, published in Biomolecules in 2019, found that red beetroot helped to prevent liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular death.

A case-control study on humans found that beetroot powder supplementation improved clinical symptoms and reduced liver enzymes and lipid profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study also showed a significant reduction in liver size.

Beetroot is said to have hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects, possibly due to the presence of the active compound betaine, which is a methyl group donor in the liver transmethylation process.

• Add them to your salad or sandwich.
• Pickle them as a tangy side dish.
• Sprinkle some salt on them and roast them in the oven.
• Combine them with tomatoes for a tasty soup.
• Shred them with potatoes to make hash browns or latkes.
• Put them in your coleslaw, hummus, or salsa.

Beets in smoothies

Beets are a great addition to smoothies, providing a natural sweetness and a vibrant colour. They are also low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including folate, potassium, vitamin C, and more. Blending beets can be done in a Vitamix or a similar high-powered blender.

Preparing the Beets

When preparing beets for a smoothie, you can use them raw or cooked. Cooking the beets will mellow their flavour, making it less earthy and more palatable for those who don't enjoy the strong taste of raw beets. To cook beets for a smoothie, you can steam, bake, or boil them until tender, and then chill them to keep your smoothie nice and frosty.

You can also use beets raw, but it is recommended to peel and gently steam them first to make them more bearable to drink. If using raw beets in a smoothie, it is important to chop them into small pieces first to ensure they blend smoothly.

Beet Smoothie Recipes

• Beet and Apple Juice: This recipe combines the taste of apple with beets, carrots, ginger, and lemon juice. It takes about 10 minutes to make and is healthy and delicious.
• Beet Detox Juice: A green smoothie packed with spinach and coconut water to flush out your system and provide a healthy dose of fibre and protein.
• Blueberry Beet Smoothie: A sweet and creamy smoothie with mixed frozen blueberries, beet, pineapple, and Greek yogurt. You can also add optional mix-ins like chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flaxseed.
• Ginger Beet Smoothie: A vibrant pink smoothie with a dominant beet colour and flavour, combining ginger, carrot, apple, and spinach.

Tips and Tricks

When blending beets, it is recommended to add a little extra water or ice as they are fibrous and can make the smoothie thick. You can also add other ingredients to mask the beet flavour if you find it too strong, such as pineapple, raspberries, or lemon.

Beets can also be added to smoothies with other vegetables and fruits. Some people enjoy blending beets with leafy greens, orange/apple, or tart cherry juice. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite beet smoothie!

Frequently asked questions