Energy-Boosting Green Juice

For the longest time, I couldn’t understand why The Boyfriend would occasionally ask if I was still using the juicer he gave for my 27th birthday, last June. Of course I am using it; it’s one of my favorite kitchen tools! Okay, it is a little time consuming to prep the produce and clean the machine afterward, so I use it mostly weekends. Still, there is simply nothing more pleasurable than having fresh juice on a slow-paced Saturday morning. Most of the time, I prefer it to brewing a cup of coffee. I even find the steady, high-speed whirling of the motor somehow soothing.

But today I looked back and discovered that I haven’t posted a single juicer recipe on the blog. I had to check twice; I couldn’t believe that I’d made such an oversight. It’s time to remedy that.

I have a few different blends to share with you, but we’ll start with one of the most famous and, in my opinion, delicious: green juice. Everyone has their own twist on the recipe (and I vary mine depending on what’s available from the grocery store), but the most important aspect is that green, leafy vegetables are the main feature of the blend. I also always include about an inch of ginger in my juice to get a jolt of spice.

I understand that not everyone owns or has access to a juicer. You can also make this recipe in a high-quality blender, which will result in a thicker, more fibrous juice. (I haven’t tried it; although I own a blender, it is no where near strong enough to handle these ingredients.)

Let’s get juicing!

Energy-Boosting Green Juice

1/4 head Romaine lettuce
1 cup spinach
1/3 bunch celery
1 cucumber, skin on
2 green apples, quartered with core and seeds removed
1/2 lemon, peeled, pith removed

Thoroughly wash all juice ingredients in cold water, and be sure to remove the produce code stickers! Quarter apples and remove core and seed. Cut lemon in half, and remove peel and excess pith.

Process all ingredients through your juicer. Generally, process soft ingredients before harder ones, and use higher speeds for harder vegetables. Consult your juicer manual for specific settings.

Refrigerate juice for 20 minutes to chill, or serve over ice in a frosted glass. Be sure to stir juice before serving, as it tends to settle. Enjoy!