Simple Green Juice Recipe Juicing Tips

I absolutely love this green juice recipe because it’s a refreshing blast of nutrients that helps me feel energized and ready to tackle anything the day throws at me. Plus, the zing from the ginger and lemon perfectly balances the greens, making it a deliciously vibrant way to kickstart healthy living while catering to my busy millennial lifestyle!

My day begins with a nutrient-dense green juice that fills my body with energy and zest. A blend of cucumber and celery in this juice gives me a good amount of hydration, not to mention a powerful punch of potassium and good-for-you vitamin K.

The following is my current go-to recipe for this juice. I have included variations you can use to suit your own taste and the ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients

Cucumber: Low in calories, it is very refreshing, and its high water content makes it very hydrating.

Celery: High in antioxidants; aids in digestion and curtails inflammation.

Packed with iron and vitamins, spinach enhances immune functions and energizes the body.

Green apple: Imparts natural sweetness; furnishes dietary fiber and vitamin C.

Lemon: Tangy flavor enhancer; vitamin C high and alkalizing.

Ginger: Provides zesty warmth; helps with digestion and has anti-inflammatory qualities.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 cups of spinach leaves
• 1 green apple, cored and chopped
• 1/2 lemon, peeled
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
• 1 cup of water (optional, for adjusting consistency)

Instructions

1. Start by getting all the components together. The cucumber should be peeled and finely chopped. The ginger and lemon should be peeled. The green apple should be cored and finely chopped.

2. Thoroughly wash the spinach leaves under cold water, ensuring that any dirt is removed.

3. As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, assemble your juicer in the correct manner. Ensure that all parts are firmly and securely in their respective places.

4. Begin with the cucumber. Its high water content will help wash out the machine and make it ready for the other ingredients. For this juice recipe, I used two. You could use as many as four or five, depending on the size and yield of your cucumbers.

5. Place the chopped celery stalks into the juicer, letting them combine seamlessly into the cucumber and celery juice.

6. Slowly introduce the spinach leaves into the juicer, using the juicer’s tamper if needed to push them through.

7. Next, juice the apple pieces, as their sweetness will balance the flavors of the greens.

8. Peeled ginger and lemon follow to lend a refreshing zest and a hint of spice.

9. Add the optional cup of water to the juice, if needed, to achieve your desired consistency.

10. Well before pouring the juice into a glass, stir it. Enjoy this nearly instantaneous drink as a refreshing green juice with the best taste and highest nutritional value.

Equipment Needed

1. Vegetable peeler
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Juicer
5. Bowl (for catching the juice)
6. Spoon (for stirring the juice)
7. Glass (for serving the juice)

FAQ

• What are the health benefits of this green juice?The vitamins and minerals are abundant in the juice. They include Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which emerge from the spinach, cucumber, and apple, and elicit smiles and gasps of joy from those who partake of the juice. Antioxidants reign supreme. While the juice is obviously quite hydrating, its true power lies in the digestion department. Ginger and lemon are the true heavy hitters where that’s concerned.
• Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?Certainly, you have the option to substitute kale for spinach or to toss in other greens, like parsley, for a mix-and-match flavor profile. You might also swap lime for lemon.
• Can I use a blender if I don’t have a juicer?You can absolutely blend all the ingredients and then use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the mixture for a juice-like consistency.
• How can I adjust the flavor if the juice is too bitter for my taste?Think about including a bit more apple for sweetness or a little honey or agave syrup. Tweak it to your taste.
• Is peeling the lemon necessary?Indeed, preventing your juice from becoming overly bitter requires peeling the lemon. A strong and pungent flavor resides in the peel.
• How do I store leftover juice?Any remaining juice should go into a closed container in the fridge, where it will keep for no more than a day. But don’t put off drinking it. The longer you wait, the fewer nutrients you’re likely to get from it.

Substitutions and Variations

Cucumber: Replace with zucchini for a texture and flavor that are almost like those of cucumber.
Substitute fennel stalks for a different flavor profile or use romaine lettuce for additional hydration.
Spinach: Use either kale or Swiss chard, and in equal amounts, for a nutrient boost.
Green Apple: Substitute a pear for a sweeter juice or a kiwi for a tangy twist.
Ginger: Use turmeric instead to give an earthy kick, or leave it out if you don’t want too much spice.

Pro Tips

– Chill the Ingredients Before juicing, chill your ingredients in the refrigerator. This will give your green juice a refreshing, cool temperature without needing to add ice, which can dilute the flavor.

– Use Fresh Produce For the best flavor and nutritional benefits, use fresh and organic produce if possible. This ensures that you’re not only maximizing taste but also avoiding potential pesticides found in non-organic items.

– Balance Flavors with Herbs Consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to enhance the flavor profile of your juice. Just a small handful can provide an aromatic twist and complement the green ingredients nicely.

– Strain for Smoothness If you prefer a smoother juice with less pulp, strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth after juicing. This step can make the texture more palatable, particularly for those not fond of thicker juices.

– Consume Immediately To maximize nutritional benefits, consume your juice immediately after making it. Freshly extracted juice retains the most nutrients right after juicing, and its taste will be at its peak freshness.