RED RISER JUICE

Isn't the color of that all-natural, super good-for-you juice lovely??? No really. Take five minutes and just take in that color please... Isn't it pretty?

Yes. I'm stalling.

I'm stalling because I don't want to tell you what's in that juice. But I'm going to tell you anyway because your taste buds and your body will be missing out on something that is so surprisingly good and good for you. Friends, the color of that juice is from... beets. Yep. Beets. Beets get such a bad wrap and I've definitely contributed to that. Beets are the one vegetable that I don't really like. When I think of beets, I think of the bitter canned beets my mom used to try to get me to eat when I was a kid. YUCK.

But recently a certain juice changed my thoughts on beets a bit... A few months ago, I was in Whole Foods to get my usual juice, a Green Lemonade. But I was struck by the color of another juice they had called, "Mommy Boost." I wanted to try it until I read the sign that said the juice had beets in it. But the guy behind the counter convinced me to try it and I loved it! Could I taste the beets?? Yes. BUT, the beets combined with the other fruits and vegetables in the juice perfectly complimented the beets and made them taste so much better.

I ordered the "Mommy Boost" that day and over the holidays I recreated it at home with a few minor adjustments. But before I give you the recipe, I want to tell you one important thing. If you don't have a juicer, you are in luck! I made this using my Vitamix and a fine mesh strainer and it turned out great! So a decent blender is all you really need.

Here is what you need and what to do:
(Makes 1 serving)

1 Granny Smith apple, cored
1 medium carrot, peeled
1 medium beet, peeled
1 orange, peeled
1 lemon, peeled (a lime works here, too)
4 mint leaves
1/2 cup bottled or filtered water (only if using a blender)
ice

If you are using a juicer, simply pass the ingredients through the juicer.

If you are using a blender, chop the apple, lemon and vegetables to help out the blender. Add all of the ingredients except the ice in the order listed. Blend until smooth. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Pour the mixture into the strainer. Wait about 5 minutes or so for the juice to strain.

Pour the juice over ice and enjoy!

Image by me