While in Jamaica we stumbled upon a very interesting juice combo. You know I love making my own juice and the inexpensive fruits of Brazil allow me to live on a diet full of great combinations. I know there is a lot of talk about not getting enough fiber in juice, but if you drink (fresh) juice in addition to, not instead of, whole fruit it provides a lot of benefit.
This juice combo was cucumber and ginger. I was intrigued. I’ve tried making juice with cucumber before and I wasn’t thrilled with the flavor, although, I love cucumber infused water. I wasn’t brave enough to try this combo on its own so I mixed it with a bit of fresh pineapple juice to add sweetness.
An amazing juice combination was born. Well, maybe not born. I’m sure someone out there has done this combo before, but it was new to me. I tried it myself when we came back from our trip and it will become a regular in my juice line up.
I’ve been fortunate to be exposed to some of the freshest ginger possible. I never bought it in the States because all I could ever find were dried up little pieces at the very top shelf in the produce section. However, I have learned that fresh ginger is better. It contains more of the active gingerol which gives ginger its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is also linked to the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as gas and bloating, and is well known for its reduction of the symptoms of motion sickness.
Pineapple is full of vitamin C, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory component and an aid in the function of a healthy immune system. This fruit is also an excellent source of manganese which plays a role in antioxidant function and energy production. In addition, pineapple gives you a nice dose of thiamin also important in energy production.
The cucumber adds a light and refreshing flavor to the juice. With cucumber you will get vitamin C, molybdenum, silica (important for connective tissues), potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin A and folate; quite a nutritional punch for such a low calorie food. Do pay special attention to the skin. It is the part that contains many of these nutrients, but often comes waxed with substances that may or may not be natural. I find the unwaxed variety at our farmer’s market.
Okay, so that is enough of the nutrition stuff. You get the idea. It is a great combo of a lot of different, important nutrients. Grab your juicer and toss in:
One unwaxed cucumber
About 1 cup fresh pineapple
1 small piece (about ¼ to ½ in) fresh ginger
About 1 cup fresh pineapple
1 small piece (about ¼ to ½ in) fresh ginger
Fabulous combination of ingredients!!
I would have never thought of this combination, but it sure sounds yummy~
Mmmm fresh juice. I haven’t been juicing much in this cold weather but hope to start again soon. This combination sounds awesome! I can never resist adding at least I leaf of kale or something like that 🙂
Fresh juice sounds great. I really don’t drink much juice, pretty much just stick to the fruit but I’d like to have juice more often because I love it and sometimes it sounds better than the actual fruit.
That sounds like a very good combination that I certainly never would have thought of (adding the pinneaple makes it sound like it tastes better, too 😉
Sounds fabulously refreshing. I’m a big fan of fresh ginger in juices (and in just about everything else as well!)
this sounds so refreshing and simple! thanks for the recipe!
Darn! I don’t have a juicer – do you think a blended version of this could be made, like a smoothie (but w/o any dairy)? I think the combo sounds wonderfully refreshing and so very healthy. The addition of pineapple is brilliant – I prefer a little bit of sweet in my drinks although I do leave hot ginger tea alone to do its soothing medicinal magic.
Simple, yet so delicious & healthy!!
so refreshing and delicious! i love it!!
VeggieGirl & Meg – It is definitely unique compared to anything I’ve seen. It goes together really well. 🙂
Michelle – I know what you mean. I juice less in cold weather too. I need to experiment more with adding greens to my juice.
lesley – I think that is why I enjoy it. Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to eat, but drinking juice sounds good.
Daily Spud – I am a recent fan of all things ginger. I love the spice it adds to just about everything.
lauren – You are welcome. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Tangled Noodle – Hmmm. I’m not sure. The pineapple and ginger would go well like that, but I’m not sure about the cucumber flesh. Maybe you could try to squeeze the water/juice from the cucumber for the flavor.
Sophie and Heather – It is a good combo because the cucumber is refreshing and the ginger kind of spicy and warm. Good for all season! 🙂
Ow- how interesting! Glad you found a new juice love ;)Safe travels back girly
This and your older post about juicing have me thinking about getting a juicer. I’ve read a lot of reviews and such about juicers, but just wondering, do you have a recommendation?
Erica – Thanks for the well wishes. Travels went smoothly.
Laura – Well, the juicer I have now we bought in Brazil and it is a rather inexpensive model. I plan to do more research when we get back to the States so we can invest in one there, but I don’t have a favorite at this point. A big thing for me is finding one that doesn’t have so many parts to clean. It can be a pain after a while.