Cilantro + Spinach Green Juice

TEXT by Celine MacKay | PHOTOGRAPHS by Pure Green Magazine

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Sadly, at this point in time where I live it couldn't feel any less like Spring—the snow is gone, and that's about it. However, that hasn't stopped a local farm nearby from producing the most beautiful greenhouse lettuce and spinach greens and I'm allowing their vibrant, almost too-green-to-be-true hues to cheer me up.

Since I discovered that you can hack juicing at home if you have a powerful blender I've been regularly serving up homemade juices—it's a lighter, more refreshing take on smoothies and a delightful way to get those nutrients and enzymes into my little girl Charlie. The only caveat is that you must drink 'blended' juice straight away as the enzymes will start to decay quickly because the high-speed of the blender introduces a lot of oxygen, hence the enzymes will immediately begin to oxidize. So, plan to juice, pour and then drink.

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I know that I personally have made several simply ok-tasting blends, so when I come across a winner I like to take notes. In this blend, fresh buttery spinach makes a big difference, and the green apple and cilantro are detoxifying powerhouses. The finished product is bright and fresh tasting.

INGREDIENTS

1 large green apple
generous handful fresh cilantro (ok to leave stems)
1 baby cucumber
2 large handfuls of spinach
1/2 lime, pith and skin removed
1 cup water
Optional add-ins: fresh aloe vera leaf gel, drop of honey/maple syrup/liquid stevia if you prefer a slightly sweet taste

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METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a powerful blender. Blend on low until well-blended. Pour through a nut milk bag, thoroughly squeezing out every last drop. Drink immediately.

This juice can be made using a juicer if you have one, simply omit the cup of water and stir in sweetener at the end.

NOTE: after recoiling slightly at the vibrant colour of the juice, my little 4-year-old tried it and decreed that she "kinda liked it!" and proceeded to drink a whole bunch. Hopefully your kid will feel the same!

Serves: 1 adult + 1 child generously, or 2 adults modestly.

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