Juicing Ideas

Juicing preserves nutrients in foods that would be destroyed if cooked. The addition of a few supplements can boost the nutrient value of a juicing recipe further. Homegrown herbs can add a layer of flavor to juicing vegetables and fruit. Using the freezer as a prepping tool can allow a cook to use juicing in dessert recipes served mid-afternoon or after a meal.

Boost With Supplements

• Ground flaxseed adds omega-3 fatty acids (good fats) to any vegetable or fruit juicing recipe. Use one to two tablespoons to a recipe and grind the seed in the juicing process or grind beforehand and add while juicing the recipe's ingredients. Flaxseed has a nutty flavor that works well with vegetables and fruits.

  Wheat germ is another nutty-flavored supplement that can be added to the juicing process. Adding a single tablespoon of wheat germ at the beginning of the juicing process provides a gram of fiber and two grams of protein. Adding up to two tablespoons of wheat germ works well, and adding more than that will make the nutty flavor more evident. Wheat germ is also a good source of vitamin E.

Add Homegrown Herbs

• Homegrown herbs such as basil, dill and mint add a boost of flavor and are easy to include in a juicing recipe. Basil and dill work well in vegetable-based juicing recipes. Mint is a nice addition to fruit juicing recipes. All herbs should be washed carefully before adding them. A handful of the washed herb is an adequate amount to include for every 16 ounces of juicing ingredients. Adding the herbs in with the other ingredients at the beginning of the juicing process allows the herb flavors to permeate the liquid. A sprig of the herb can also be added as garnish when serving.

Freeze To Create Dessert

• Granita is an Italian word describing a coarse-textured fruit flavored ice that is eaten as a dessert. A granita is created by following a favorite fruit juicing recipe then pouring the mixture into an ice cube tray for partial freezing (about 75 percent frozen). The partially frozen cubes are then placed into a food processor, pulsed until the ice is mushy and then returned to the freezer in a bowl.

  The granita is removed from the freezer about 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the ice to loosen and soften a bit. A scoop of the flavored ice is placed over freshly cut fruit slices, an exotic fruit pie (try a citrus fruit recipe over a slice of kiwi pie) or paired with a scoop of ice cream.