The Skinny on Smoothies and Juicing

Talking Juicy!

  

Yesterday, about a dozen or so Veg-strong people gathered in the kitchen at Magnolia House for a Smoothie and Juicing Demonstration. We discussed the benefits of both blending and juicing, the drawbacks, when to do either and perhaps when to avoid altogether. Thanks to friends loaning different equipment, we were able to demonstrate the difference between masticating and centrifugal juicers such as the Omega or Champion Juicers, the Breville and the Cuisinart as well as checking out high speed blenders such as the Vita-Mix and the Ninja.

We learned the masticating juicer is one of the best juicers because it retains all of the vitamins, enzymes and minerals from fruits and vegetables but the centrifugal is fast, takes on more veggies quickly and seems easier to clean although the nutrients oxidize faster and actually these juicers leave a lot of the nutrients in the pulp. But have no fear, we talked about what to do with all the leftover pulp and participants took home recipes for capturing all of this deliciousness in flat breads, carrot cake-lettes and more.

located in front of 1610 Antiques on Frederica Rd. SSI, GA

 We were fortunate to have Don Maxey of Uncle Don's Local Produce Market as our special guest. "Uncle" Don talked about his efforts to bring Georgia grown organic produce to our community from places such as Berry Farms located near Vidalia, GA. Don brought a huge cooler full of plant-based nutrition in the form of greens, beets, the most beautiful multi-colored carrots, Watermelon radishes, Broccoli and more.

Berry Farms Organic Broccoli via Uncle Don's Market

Green Goddess takes on a meaning other than salad dressing!

 We enjoyed at least 4 combos of juices and 3 smoothies/blended salads.

Carrot tops are edible so we will save these. Uncle Don suggested to chop fine and toss over roasted or steamed potatoes!

Vita-mix love, you can see it in my eyes!

 The favorite juice was the Immune Boost from Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Juices and Succulent Smoothies and fave smoothie, a Chocolate Cherry mixture based on some of Dr. Joel Fuhrman's Blended Salad Recipes. 
It was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Here are the recipes. Thanks go out to Kris and Dr. Fuhrman!

Sláinte!

Immune Boost Juice

Makes 24 oz.

2 c. kale

1 c. spinach greens

1 lg cuke

1 knob ginger

½ lemon

2 apples

1 pear

6 carrots

3 celery stalks

¼ c. parsley

Optional wheatgrass

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie 

Serves: 2

Preparation Time: 6 minutes

Ingredients:

4 ounces organic baby spinach

1/2 cup unsweetened soy, hemp or almond milk

1/2 cup pomegranate juice, cherry juice or cherry pomegranate juice

1 tablespoon natural non alkalized cocoa powder

1 cup frozen cherries

1 banana

1 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

Instructions:
If using a regular blender, liquefy the spinach with soy milk and juice. Add remaining ingredients and blend about 2 minutes until very smooth. If using a high powered blender, blend all at once.