If you’re a fan of refreshing green juices, you’ll find 5 simple recipes for making them in this roundup. We’ll also explore the question of whether green juices vs green smoothies are better, and why.
Honestly, this doesn’t have to be either/or; both have their benefits. In weighing the pros and cons purely in terms of convenience and ease, green smoothies win the day for me.
Clean-up is a snap, and with the whole leaf and accompanying fruit or fruits being used, the result is a beverage that, though it certainly doesn’t feel or look like it, is filled with fiber.
That said, I enjoy green juices on occasion as well; I get them fresh at a juice bar rather than make them myself.
High-speed blenders for green smoothies
Making great green smoothies requires you to own a high-speed blender, unless you’re sticking with tender leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and watercress. Kale and collards do call for the high-speed variety of blenders.
Though the two most popular brands are Vita-Mix and BlendTec, there are others. Comparison shop, of course, but know that in order to make a truly smooth green smoothie you need a good-quality high-speed blender, and not an ordinary blender.
Making the case for juices
On the other hand, arguing the case for juices, the essence of a lot more greens and fruits can go into one serving of juice, making it an incredibly potent source of all the nutrients and enzymes present in the produced used.
However, I know from personal experience, and that of a number of friends, that the clean-up required for juicing can be daunting. That point seems to be the most common deal-breaker in the juicer vs. blender debate if you are to choose but one.
Personally, I choose green smoothies for ease and clean-up. After a month or so of going gung-ho on a juicer a few years ago, I demoted it from the counter to the inside of a cupboard, and it rarely emerged after that. My Vita-Mix has been on the counter for more than a decade, and sees regular use.
Despite the fact that I love freshly pressed juices, especially green juices, I didn’t want to invest in another machine that would likely go by way of the first one.
I let someone else make my green juices! When I was writing Wild About Greens, I enlisted my son Evan to help me develop some green juice recipes in the conjunction with Karma Road, the organic vegan café at which he was then employed. And so, I thank him for helping to come up with these recipes, and to Karma Road in New Paltz, for providing the space and machinery! And also providing me with a great green juice whenever I’m in the mood for one.
Green “C” Monster Juice
Makes about two 12-ounce servings
A few good sources of vitamin C add up to one great C-filled juice—with plenty of great flavor, as well as nutrition.
- 2 to 3 carrots, cleaned and cut into chunks
- 2 big handfuls spinach (any variety), 3 to 4 kale leaves,
or several beet greens, well washed and coarsely chopped - 1/2 medium red or golden beet
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 2 to 3 oranges
Juice the first four ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the oranges with a citrus juicer and add to the green juice.
Greens, Cucumber, and Apple Juice
Thanks to Karma Road, an incredible little vegan café (with a big heart) in New Paltz, NY for the idea for this juice. There is nothing in the world that feels as cleansing and refreshing to me. 2 servings, about 12 ounces each.
- 3 to 4 stemmed kale or collard leaves, torn
- 2 big handfuls spinach (any variety)
- 1 medium cucumber, cut into chunks
- 2 to 3 medium apples, cored and cut into chunks
- Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
Juice the first 4 ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer and add lemon juice to your liking to the green juice.
Beets and Greens Juice with Apple and Ginger
Makes about two 8-ounce servings
Beets, apple, and ginger has got to be my favorite juice combination. Adding the greens from the beets give this juice its leafy green boost.
- 1 medium beet, well scrubbed, bruised spots cut away
- Greens from 3 to 4 beets
- 3 medium apples
- Handful of parsley leaves
- 1-inch piece ginger (or 1 to 2 teaspoons bottled ginger)
- A few pomegranate seeds, optional
- 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
Juice the first 5 ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer and add lemon juice to your liking.
Spinach and Lettuce Refresher
This hydrating juice is wonderful for warm weather, served over ice. Makes about two 8-ounce servings
- 2 big handfuls spinach (any variety)
- 4 leaves romaine lettuce
- 2 medium green (Granny Smith) or red apples, cored, cut into chunks
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- Handful of parsley leaves
- 1/2 lemon or lime
- 1 kiwifruit, peeled, optional
- Agave nectar to taste
Juice the first 5 ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon or lime with a citrus juicer and add lemon juice to your liking.
Sparkling Spinach Juice
These ingredients add up to a delightfully refreshing green “soda.” Makes two 12-ounce servings
- 1 medium cucumber, cut into chunks
- 1 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 2 big handfuls of spinach leaves
- Handful of parsley leaves, optional
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- Seltzer, as needed
- Agave nectar to taste
Juice the first 3 ingredients (plus the parsley if using) and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer and divide between two tumblers.
Fill the tumblers with seltzer (leaving a little room for ice if desired), then sweeten with agave nectar. Serve at once at room temperature or over ice.
See more recipes for beverages and explore the Tips & Trends section.
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