Medjool Dates - Sweeten Your Smoothies Naturally

I am huge advocate of green smoothies for kids instead of synthetic vitamins.  Getting kids to drink green smoothies without a fuss is all about making the smoothies sweet enough.  Although raw honey and agave nectar are preferable to refined sugar, I would still rather not use these in the kids' daily smoothies.  Something I have found that works is using 1-2 medjool dates in addition to a ripe banana.  This provides all the sweetness that the kids prefer and they are getting fiber and valuable nutrients in the dates and bananas that other sweeteners don't offer.


The problem can be that medjool dates are inherently sticky.  Even with my new Vitamix, dates can be difficult to fully incorporate without leaving small chunks.   I have discovered a trick though that helps them blend in completely and smoothly.  It works like a charm for completely smooth green smoothies every time.

• Fill your blender jar with your liquid of choice.  I make a huge batch and drink from it all day long so I start with about 3 cups.  If you are making a single serving, you may only need a cup.  I use water for my liquid, but I imagine you could use kefir, juice, or milk just the same.  
• The key is to allow the pitted dates to soften in the liquid for about 15 minutes.  I use fresh dates.  If you started with dry dates (like the oatmeal covered chopped ones), you may want to let them soak a bit longer.  
• After the 15 minutes has elapsed, go ahead and blend the liquid and dates at the highest speed until smooth.  Then proceed with adding the other ingredients and making your smoothies.  

No more medjool date chunks and a perfectly sweet smoothie with no added sugar!
So tell me...
What is your sweetener of choice in a smoothie?