Totally Se-Juiced!
Whiz up succulent summer produce to start your day with these thirst-quenching nutrient powerhouses.
SWEET MELON (SPANSPEK), CUCUMBER & GINGER JUICE
PREPARATION: 10 minutes
SERVES: 2
This drink is a zesty and refreshing start to the day.
Cucumber hydrates and the ginger gives warmth.
YOU WILL NEED
1/2 medium sweet melon (800g), peeled, chopped
1/2 cucumber (200g), peeled, chopped
25g piece fresh ginger
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh coriander, with leaves and stalks
1 medium lime (90g), peeled
METHOD
1. Push ingredients through a juice extractor into a jug.
Stir to combine.
2. Serve immediately.
Top tips
The juice will separate on standing; however, a quick stir will bring it back together.
Use honeydew melon instead of sweet melon if you like.
You can use thawed frozen cherries for this recipe.
CHERRY, LIME & CHIA FRESCA
PREPARATION: 10 minutes (+ REFRIGERATION)
SERVES: 5
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, agave is a healthier sweetener than ordinary sugar, and chia seeds are good for digestion and keep you feeling full.
YOU WILL NEED
1 cup (150g) pitted fresh or frozen cherries
3 cups (750ml) water
1/4 cup (60ml) light agave syrup
2 Tbsps lime juice
1 Tbsp white chia seeds
METHOD
1. Blend cherries, the water and agave syrup in a blender until smooth. Strain into a large jug. Add lime juice and chia seeds; stir to combine.
2. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until chia seeds have swollen and softened.
3. Serve with sliced lime and crushed ice if you like.
Top tips
The juice will keep in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Stir before serving.
WATERMELON, LIME & PEPPERMINT TONIC
PREPARATION: 10 minutes (+ REFRIGERATION)
SERVES: 4
Watermelon has a high water content and contains antioxidants, amino acids and potassium.
YOU WILL NEED
1 peppermint tea bag
1 cup (250ml) boiling water
800g chopped seedless watermelon
2 medium limes (180g), peeled
1/2 cup (125ml) chilled aloe vera juice
1/2 Tbsps white chia seeds
METHOD
1. Place the teabag and the boiling water in a large heatproof jug; stand for 2 minutes. Discard teabags. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until cold.
2. Push watermelon and limes through a juice extractor into a jug. Add to chilled tea with aloe vera and chia seeds; stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until chia seeds have swollen and softened.
3. Serve with extra watermelon and limes if you like.
PINEAPPLE & MINT SLUSHIE
PREPARATION: 10 minutes (+ REFRIGERATION)
SERVES: 4
Pineapple and mint aid gut health and digestion, and lime alkalises and helps balance your body’s pH levels.
YOU WILL NEED
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 5cm pieces
1/3 cup (80ml) lime juice
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups ice cubes
METHOD
1. Blend ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately.
2. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedges if you like.
MATCHA MAGIC
PREPARATION: 5 minutes (+ REFRIGERATION)
SERVES: 2
Matcha is a powdered green tea that contains around three times more antioxidants than regular green tea.
YOU WILL NEED
1 1/2 cups (375ml) coconut water
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/2 medium avocado (125g), peeled
1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder
3 fresh dates (60g), pitted
METHOD
1. Place ingredients in a high-speed blender; blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding extra coconut water, if necessary.
2. Serve immediately, dusted with a little extra matcha powder if you like.
Top tip
You can find matcha green tea powder in most good health stores.
Credits
IMAGES JAMES MOFFATT/ AREMEDIASYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA
STYLIST SOPHIA YOUNG PHOTOCHEF AMAL WEBSTER