How to Make DIY Greens Powder With Your Leftover Greens

Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

Are you tired of watching your greens wilt away in the fridge? It’s time to turn those neglected leafy vegetables into a powerhouse of nutrition with a trending cooking from scratch recipe: DIY greens powder.

Not only does this ingenious solution save you money and reduce food waste, but it also provides a convenient way to incorporate essential vitamins and minerals into your diet.

Let’s explore what greens powder is, its benefits, and how you can easily make it at home using your leftover greens.

What is Greens Powder?

Greens powder is a concentrated blend of dried greens, herbs, and vegetables that offer a potent dose of essential nutrients. From vitamins and minerals to antioxidants and fiber, this powdered supplement provides a convenient way to boost your daily intake of greens.

The benefits of greens powder are numerous, including improved digestion, enhanced immune function, increased energy levels, and support for overall health and well-being.

Making your own greens powder also allows you to recycle your kitchen waste for a greener homestead!

Greens Powder: Possible Ingredients

When it comes to making your own greens powder, the possibilities are endless. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a custom blend that suits your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Here are some common ingredients to consider.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, arugula, and other leafy greens are excellent choices for making greens powder. These nutrient-packed greens provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your health.

Herbs

Adding herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint to your greens powder can enhance its flavor and nutritional profile. Herbs are rich in essential nutrients and many medicinal herbs offer additional health benefits, such as improved digestion and immune support.

Related Article: 5 Genius Hacks for Preserving Fresh Herbs

Weeds

Believe it or not, many common weeds are edible and highly nutritious. Dandelion greens, purslane, and nettles are just a few examples of weeds that can be used to make greens powder. These “weeds” are often rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them valuable additions to your homemade powder.

Whether you’re weeding your garden or foraging for food, don’t let those weeds go to waste!

Leaves From Vegetable Plants

Don’t overlook the leaves of your favorite vegetables—they’re packed with nutrition too! Broccoli and cauliflower leaves, carrot tops, beet leaves, celery leaves, and cabbage leaves are all excellent choices for greens powder.

These vegetable leaves are not only nutritious but also add depth of flavor to your homemade blend.

Dehydrating Greens: Oven vs. Dehydrator

Once you’ve gathered your greens ingredients, it’s time to start the dehydration process. While you can use either an oven or a dehydrator to dry out your greens, each method has its pros and cons.

Oven Dehydrating

1. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (this is 170°F on most ovens).
2. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Spread your washed, thoroughly dried, and trimmed greens in a single layer on the parchment paper.
4. Bake for several hours, checking regularly until the greens are completely dry and crispy.
5. Crack the oven during the drying process to lower the temperature to promote more gradual and even drying.

While the oven method is convenient, it may take longer and can sometimes result in uneven drying.

Dehydrator

If you have a dehydrator, this is the preferred method for drying greens.

1. Place your prepared greens on the dehydrator trays.
2. Set the temperature according to your dehydrator’s instructions.
3. Dehydrate for a few hours, checking regularly until the greens are completely dry and crispy.

The dehydrator provides consistent heat and airflow, resulting in evenly dried greens in a fraction of the time.

Related Article: How to Build a DIY Solar Dehydrator

How to Make DIY Greens Powder

Once your greens are thoroughly dried, it’s time to turn them into powder. You can use a blender, food processor, coffee grinder, or even a mortar and pestle to grind the dried greens into a fine powder.

Depending on the texture you prefer, you can sieve the powder to remove any larger particles or leave it as is for a more rustic blend.

How to Store Homemade Greens Powder

To ensure the longevity of your homemade greens powder, it’s essential to store it properly. Transfer the powder to airtight containers or resealable bags and store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing your greens powder near heat sources or in humid environments, as this can cause it to degrade more quickly.

When stored properly, homemade greens powder can last for several months, providing you with a convenient and nutritious supplement year-round.

How to Use Greens Powder

Now that you have your homemade greens powder, it’s time to put it to good use. There are countless ways to incorporate greens powder into your daily routine, from smoothies and juices to soups, stews, sauces, and baked goods.

Simply add a spoonful of greens powder to your favorite recipes for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. You can also mix it with water or juice for a quick and easy green drink on the go.

Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect way to enjoy your homemade greens powder.

Ready to Make Homemade Greens Powder?

Making your own DIY greens powder is a simple and cost-effective way to harness the nutritional power of leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables. By using leftover greens and a few simple kitchen tools, you can create a custom blend that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health, boost your energy levels, or simply reduce food waste, homemade greens powder is a versatile and convenient solution. So don’t let those leftover greens go to waste—turn them into a nutritious powder that you can enjoy every day.