What a great idea! Save money and avoid waste of your veggies! Especially if you have a vegetable or herb garden! Get some important antioxidants and nutrients into your dog’s – add to their food, your homemade bone broth, treats, etc.
Creating your own super greens powder by dehydrating leafy green vegetables is a fantastic way to ensure you’re getting a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make a nutritious super greens powder for your dogs at home:
Ingredients:
- A variety of leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach, Dandelion Greens, Swiss chard, Collard Greens, Arugula, and Parsley – any leafy greens will do)
Equipment:
- Dehydrator or an oven
- Blender or food processor
- Airtight storage container
Instructions:
- Clean and Prepare:
- Thoroughly wash all greens to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Remove tough stems or ribs that might not grind well into a powder.
- Pat the greens dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Dehydrate:
- If using a dehydrator:
- Arrange the greens in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator at 115°F (46°C) and let it run for 4-6 hours, or until the greens are completely dry and brittle.
- If using an oven:
- Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 77°C).
- Spread the greens on baking sheets lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
- Place in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
- Bake for 2-4 hours, checking periodically until the greens are fully dried and crumble easily.
- Grind into Powder:
- Transfer the dried greens to a blender or food processor.
- Pulse until you achieve a fine powder. For a finer consistency, you can sift the powder and re-grind any larger pieces.
- Storage:
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Transfer the green powder to an airtight container.
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Store in a cool, dark place. It can also be refrigerated to extend its shelf life.
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Start with small amounts, as the powder is highly concentrated and can have a strong flavor.
How Long Will It Keep?
The shelf life of homemade dehydrated greens powder can vary depending on how well it’s dried and stored. Properly dried and stored greens powder can last for about 6 months to a year if kept in a cool, dark place. Storing it in an airtight container is crucial to prevent moisture and air from spoiling the powder.
For optimal freshness and to extend its shelf life even further, you can store the powder in the refrigerator or freezer. In the freezer, it can last indefinitely, but for best quality, use it within one to two years. Always ensure that the container is sealed properly to avoid any freezer burn or moisture accumulation.
Adding flavors to your homemade greens powder can make it more versatile and enjoyable to use in various dishes. Here are some suggestions for flavor additions and how to incorporate them during the preparation process:
## Herbs and Spices
Want to add some addition herbs or flavorings. Remember Herbs have some many health benefits so be sure to choose them according to your dog’s needs .
- Mint:
- Cilantro or Parsley:
- Ginger:
- Turmeric:
- Lemon or Lime Zest:
Incorporating Flavors
- During Dehydration: Add finely chopped or ground spices and herbs to the greens before dehydrating. This method infuses the greens with the flavors as they dry.
- After Dehydration: Blend dried spices, zest, or other powders with the dried greens when grinding them into powder. This method is ideal for more delicate flavors that might lose potency when heated.
By experimenting with different flavors, you can tailor your homemade greens powder to your dog’s unique needs and taste preferences.
(Be sure to check out my Amazon store for dehydrators and other products )