In my last two posts, I talked about juicing and blending.
Part 1: Juicing vs blending: which one is healthier?
Part 2: Juicing vs blending: is drinking better than eating?
I started making blended juices few months ago and I do enjoy their refreshing quality. I find them perfect after a workout (antioxidants!) or in the afternoon as a better pick-me-up than a cup of coffee.
Ideally, you want to drink the juice immediately after making it. If this is not possible, store in an airtight container with minimum air to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth. Store it immediately in your fridge and drink it within day. I find mason jars to be perfect for this job. If you want to take juice to work, put the jar in an insulated box with an ice pack then place it in your office’s fridge when you get there.
You can really create any juice combination you wish. I make this with or without apples, and sometimes with or without the banana. Sometimes I add lemon or lime. It really depends on your preference, how much you can enjoy somewhat bitter foods, and who you’re serving this for. My kids love these juices. My toddler easily devours 2 kiddie cups (4 ounces each), and considering the picky eating phase we’re in, him drinking homemade juice with spinach makes me happy. I once added fresh ginger root, and I got the thumbs down. It was too strong of a flavor for them.
Make sure you add more vegetables than fruits, or at last equal amounts. This recipe is not meant to be a complete meal–it doesn’t have any protein or fat. We usually drink this juice and munch on raw almonds or pistachios. Yum Yum!
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Kids Can Cook
While this isn’t a cooking recipes, it’s super easy and so much fun for kids to help make the juice. I wash and chop the vegetables and fruits and place them in bowls on cutting board. My kids take turns loading the blender. And if I leave the spinach bag around them, they have no problem dumping it all in the blender! Haha!
Sweet Green Juice Recipe
- 1/4 of a pineapple, cut into chunks (cooled is better)
- 2 small organic apples, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 1/3 organic large cucumber
- 3 c organic fresh spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- Fill your blended with about 4 cups water
- Add juice ingredients and blend until smooth
- Add more water if the juice is too thick
- Serve immediately or store in a mason jar with little airspace and drink within a day
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