Green Stream owner Chasity Brunson reveals smoothie secrets
Seaside’s newest airstream is ideal for wellness lovers or vacationers looking for a tasty green treat.
The Green Stream makes colorful smoothies, tasty acai bowls and veggie snacks ideal for a beach day. We chatted with Chasity Brunson, who owns the Airstream alongside her partner Price Brunson, to find out how they make the perfect smoothie — and what you should order next time you stop by.
If you’ve ever perused the menu and wondered what exactly chia seeds are, Chasity explained what to order — and how the Green Stream got its start.
Why did you decide to start the Green Stream?
My husband and I are both athletes and have always believed in eating clean, and loved how we felt and performed with proper nutrition. Fifteen years ago in our small west Texas town there were no healthy options to eat out, so we always cooked for ourselves.
Our friends and family noticed the food we would prepare and pack and wanted some as well. The word spread quickly and our community asked us to cater events. We started catering and working under a chef on the side to grow our knowledge and skills. Demand kept growing, so in 2017, we decided to convert our 1974 Airstream into a food truck and serve full time.
How did you decide to relocate the Green Stream to Seaside?
I lived in Destin and have loved this area since I was a little girl. When I met my husband I would always tell him how much I loved it here and said I would eventually move back when the opportunity presented itself. We’ve vacationed here ever since. And it has always been a dream to one day be part of Seaside.
What’s been the most exciting part about coming to Seaside?
We love serving quality people quality food and all the positive feedback has been heartwarming. The area is gorgeous, the sand is squeaky soft. My family and I are so grateful to experience life here.
If someone wants to order a smoothie but doesn’t recognize some of the ingredients, what should they start with?
I recommend our Green Dream smoothie, made with spinach, banana, mango and coconut milk. If they want a sweeter option, swap the mango for pineapple.
Tell me a little about how you make the smoothies.
Our smoothies are made with a mix of frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables. We never use ice in our smoothies as it just waters down the quality of the smoothie.
What’s your go-to bowl?
My personal favorite is an acai bowl with hemp seeds, bee pollen, sliced almonds, and strawberries.
Sidebar:
Not sure what to order? We’ve broken down some of the funkier ingredients on the menu so you know what you’re getting into.
Blue spirulina:
Blue Spirulina is a blue-green-algae, so expect your drink to be a fun color. Phycocyanin, the blue pigment derived from spirulina, gives the algae its dark blue color — and unlike green spirulina there’s no fishy aftertaste. Any smoothie with blue spirulina will be rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Bee pollen:
Bee pollen contains vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids and protein. Add it to a smoothie instead of honey for a sweet treat!
Chia seeds:
Chia seeds contain an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds are also high in fiber, making it the perfect way to start your day. If you’re not a fan of the texture of chia pudding, try adding it to a smoothie instead.
Hemp protein:
Hemp is a vegan protein with all nine essential amino acids, plus fiber, healthy fats and minerals. The funky ingredient is made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a fine powder, giving it an earthy, nutty taste.
Goji berry:
Goji berries are small red fruits packed with antioxidants and powerful medicinal properties. They’re sweet with a super tart taste and have been used in traditional medicine. They’re the perfect topping to an acai bowl if you want to mix it up a bit.
Dragon fruit:
Dragon fruit, or pink pitaya, is high in fiber, vitamin C, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. It’s a natural way to boost the immune system — and it will make your smoothies a fun color.
