Refreshing Pineapple and Cucumber Juice

Refreshing Pineapple and Cucumber Juice

This recipe provides a delightful and hydrating juice with a balance of sweetness from the pineapple and freshness from the cucumber. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste.

Yields: Approximately 2-3 servings Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
• 1 large cucumber, washed and roughly chopped (no need to peel unless the skin is very thick or bitter)
• Optional additions (adjust to your preference):
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
  • Juice of ½ lemon or lime
  • A few sprigs of mint or basil
  • A pinch of salt (enhances sweetness)
  • Sweetener to taste (honey, agave, maple syrup) – start with a small amount and adjust

Equipment:

• Blender or juicer
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth (if you prefer a smoother juice)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables:

• Thoroughly wash the pineapple and cucumber.
• Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice off the skin from top to bottom, following the shape of the fruit. Remove any remaining “eyes.” Cut the pineapple into chunks, discarding the hard core.
• Cut off the ends of the cucumber. You can peel it if desired, but the skin contains nutrients. Slice the cucumber into chunks.
• If using ginger, peel it and chop it into small pieces.
• If using mint or basil, wash the leaves.

2. Blend or Juice:

• Using a Blender:
  • Add the chopped pineapple and cucumber to the blender.
  • If using, add the ginger, lemon or lime juice, mint/basil, and salt.
  • Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well combined.
  • If you prefer a smoother juice, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a pitcher or individual glasses. Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
  • Taste the juice and add sweetener if desired, blending again to combine.
• Using a Juicer:
  • Feed the pineapple chunks, cucumber pieces, and any optional ginger, mint, or basil into the juicer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Collect the juice in a pitcher or individual glasses.
  • If using lemon or lime juice, stir it into the finished juice.
  • Taste the juice and add sweetener if desired, stirring well.

3. Serve and Store:

• Pour the fresh pineapple and cucumber juice into glasses.
• Add ice cubes if you like your juice chilled.
• Garnish with a slice of pineapple, a cucumber wheel, or a sprig of mint, if desired.
• Store any leftover juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. The juice!