Friday, June 3, 2011

Summer Recipe Share: Watermelon Fresca and Super Gingerade!

I can't seem to get enough fresh juice during this early summer season. Since I don't have a juicer, I have been choosing fruits that go well in the blender, and using my own judgment on whether or not to strain anything out. Here are my two favorites right now.

Watermelon Fresca:
watermelon
filtered water & ice
agave nectar
fresh mint or basil leaves
optional:
pinch of sea or himalayan salt


Juicy, sweet, bright red watermelon certainly seems like the fruit of the Gods this during this time of year!  And it is! Watermelon is a highly alkalizing fruit with an amazing myriad of healthy properties. Drink a glass or two of this to cool down, wake up, or energize yourself! I tend to buy watermelon in quarters or halves for our small household of two, so it stays fresh. As soon as I get it home, I slice it all up and store it in a plastic container or ziplock bag.

Throw about 2 cups of cubed watermelon into the blender and add about 1/3-1/2 cup of filtered water (this will help the blender start blending the fruit). Add 1/2 Tbsp of Agave Nectar (optional), a handful of mint leaves (or a few basil leaves) and pinch of sea salt. While blending, add a little more water if needed. At this point, you can strain the juice if you'd like less pulp. Add ice and blend until slushy and delicious! Drink and be refreshed!


Super Gingerade:
juice from 1/2 lemon
juice from 1 lime
organic apple juice (about 1/2 cup) 
1 large piece of ginger, peeled (about 2 TBsp)
agave nectar
optional: 
a few leaves of cilantro


Throw all ingredients into the blender and blend until very smooth, adding filtered water and other ingredients as needed. Push through a strainer once or twice to remove the fibers from the ginger. Pour back into blender and blend with ice, if desired. Enjoy your healthy tonic!