If you love getting your weekly Fresh Harvest basket but sometimes struggle to use all those vibrant greens and herbs before they wilt—you’re not alone. But what if all that extra kale, chard, spinach, and parsley could become your own supply of superfood powder, fresher and more potent than anything on store shelves?
Making your own greens powder is not only easy and rewarding, it’s also one of the smartest ways to:
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Reduce food waste
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Maximize your Fresh Harvest investment
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Keep seasonal nutrition available year-round
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Save big compared to buying commercial brands like AG1
Let’s dive into how you can turn that uneaten organic produce into nutrient-rich green gold!
Why Make Your Own Superfood Powder?
1. Better Than Store Bought: Most popular powders on the market are processed, pricey, and made with ingredients sourced who-knows-where. When you DIY with Fresh Harvest produce, you know exactly where your greens come from—local organic farms, grown by your Georgia neighbors.
2. Ultimate Freshness: The nutritional content of leafy greens is highest right after harvest. By dehydrating and storing them immediately, you lock in that goodness instead of losing it to transit and shelf time.
3. Save Money: A one-month supply of commercial green powders can cost between $70-$100. Making your own can cost a fraction of that—and you’re using greens and herbs you already have!
4. Eliminate Waste: Have some greens wilting in the fridge? Dehydrate them before they go bad. You’ll give those leaves a whole new life (often up to a year!).
What You Need
A Dehydrator (or Oven): Here are some highly rated options:
A High-Speed Blender or Spice Grinder: To grind your dried greens into powder.
Optional: Plant-Based Capsules: For those who want to take their greens in supplement form:
Ideal Greens & Herbs to Use
Here’s a list of some of the best options to include in your homemade superfood powder:
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Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, lettuce, sorrel, Swiss chard, beet greens, mustard greens, collards, dandelion greens, turnip greens
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Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, basil, mint, oregano, thyme, dill, fennel
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Bonus Add-ins: Carrot tops, celery leaves, broccoli leaves
Feel free to mix and match to customize your own nutrient-dense blend. Variety ensures a broader spectrum of vitamins and minerals!
Step-by-Step: Make Your Own Superfood Powder
1. Wash & Dry Your Greens
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry or use a salad spinner. The drier they are, the faster they’ll dehydrate.
2. Remove Ribs (optional)
Removing the thicker ribs of leafy greens will accelerate the dehydration time and help further concentrate the nutrient density
3. Dehydrate:
Using a dehydrator:
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Spread greens evenly on dehydrator trays
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Set to 115°F and dry for 6-8 hours, or until completely brittle. This timing could fluctuate widely depending on type of greens and humidity of your home, so be sure to check your trays often.
Using an oven:
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Set your oven to the lowest setting (usually 170°F)
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Spread greens on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
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Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape
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Bake for 2-4 hours, checking frequently to avoid browning
4. Blend:
Once fully dry, add greens to a high-speed blender (like a vitamix or ninja) or grinder and pulse until finely powdered. Be sure to avoid leaving it on a high setting and inadvertently cooking your dried greens in the process.
5. Store:
Place your powder in an airtight glass jar or reuse a clean spice container. Store in a cool, dry, dark place for up to a year.
How to Use Your Powder
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Smoothies: Add 1 tsp to your morning blend for a nutritional boost
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Soups & Sauces: Stir into broth, pasta sauces, or dressings
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Marinades: Boost your seasoning blends with added micronutrients
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Capsules: Fill and take daily for consistent nutrition on the go
Final Tips for Success
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Mix up your greens and herbs to get a spectrum of vitamins and minerals
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Add in dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for flavor and added benefits
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Always store away from heat and light for maximum shelf life (up to a year!)
The Takeaway
This one simple practice can help you eat more locally, reduce waste, and keep your nutrition goals on track. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to make the most of your Fresh Harvest subscription.
So next time you see a big bunch of kale or parsley in your basket—think powder. Think potency. Think local superfoods for every season.
