A certified holistic nutritionist and past CSA member, Carrie Bergen-Giesel, has some tips to share on juicing your veggies.  Now is the time to clean out our bodies as summer hits and produce becomes more prolific...it's coming don't worry:) 

If you are looking for another way to enjoy Candace’s delicious vegetables, why not juice them up. It’s fun, easy and has so many health benefits.

 When Candace asked if I’d like to write a blog for her website, this was the first topic that came to my mind. I love the creative energy I get from juicing. I don’t do it a lot, it’s usually when I have some vegetables that have been sitting around for a while and I’ve gotten tired of my usual recipes, I’ll try out some new blends. When juicing in my kitchen, anything goes. I also like to juice when I’m doing a cleanse, to ensure I’m getting the extra nutrients I need during this time. So as I start to prepare for my spring cleanse, out comes the juicer.

 Speaking of juicer, I don’t use anything fancy or expensive. I have a basic Juice Extractor from Hamilton Beach. With it come instructions on how to juice and a few recipes to get started. I often take the recipe and then tweak it a bit based on the vegetables I’ve gotten from Candace. Also, with the vegetables and fruits that have skin, I leave the skin on for the full health benefits. This makes it even quicker and easier. If you find the mixture is thicker than you like, just add a bit of water.

 Here is a sample of what I’ve juiced together with items I bought from Candace:

• 2 apples

• 2 beets

• 2 carrots

• 2 celery sticks

The greens of broccoli, kohlrabi, and beets are also a great addition.   Don't forget to use the 'whole' plant:)  For additional recipes, Google “juice recipes” and you’ll find lots of ideas.

Happy juicing!

Carrie Bergen-Giesel

2011 CSA Member