Contents
Top Ingredients for Green Juices
One of the great things about green juice is you can mix up ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some of the most common and beneficial produce choices:
Leafy Greens
- Kale, spinach, romaine, chard, lettuce – Provide vitamin K, A, C, calcium, iron
Fruits
- Apples, pear, citrus – Add flavor and sweetness naturally
- Pineapple, mango, berries – Mix tropical fruits in moderation for extra nutrients
Veggies
- Cucumber, celery, carrots – Make juice crisper and fuller-bodied
- Beets, bell peppers – For flavor diversity and vitamin boost
Herbs/Extras
- Ginger, turmeric, mint – Anti-inflammatory and digestive aids
- Wheatgrass, spirulina – Nutrient-dense superfood add-ins
Recipe: Beginner Green Juice Blend
This simple starter green juice packs nutrients without an overly “green” flavor. Makes 2 servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 green apples, cored
- 1 cucumber, peeled
- 5 large kale leaves, stems removed
- 1⁄2 lemon, peeled
- 2 celery stalks
- 1-inch knob ginger, peeled
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Add the apples, cucumber, lemon, and water to the blender jar. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add the kale, celery, and ginger. Blend on high until fully incorporated and smooth, 2-3 minutes.
- Pour juice through a strainer into glasses, if desired. Drink immediately or store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Tips for Making the Best Tasting Green Juice
While green juice is chock-full of nutrition, the earthy flavors of greens can be off-putting to some. Here are some ways to make your juice more palatable:
- Start with mostly mild greens like spinach and romaine before adding more bitter greens.
- Add generous amounts of fruits like apples, pineapple, and citrus to mask strong flavors.
- Blend in fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley for a flavor boost.
- Ginger, lemon, and turmeric help reduce bitterness and add zest.
- Chill juice well before drinking to improve flavor. Add ice cubes if desired.
- Drink juice immediately after making it for the best taste. Flavors deteriorate over time.
- Try adding protein powder or nut butter for a creamier, more drinkable consistency.
Troubleshooting Common Green Juice Problems
Switching up your blending method can help fix many common green juice mishaps:
Problem: Juice has unwanted fiber or pulp.
Solution: Use a mesh strainer to remove excess fiber after blending. A nut milk bag also works well.
Problem: Juice is too thick or grainy.
Solution: Add more liquid like water, nut milk, or juice to thin it out. Blend in smaller batches to improve the breakdown of greens.
Problem: Greens are getting stuck under the blender lid.
Solution: Stop and redistribute greens over the blades. Add more liquid. Use a tamper to push greens down into the blades if your blender allows it.
Problem: Juice separates after blending.
Solution: This is normal, just shake or stir juice before drinking to redistribute settled fiber.