- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 35 kcal
Quick summary
“Refreshing and functional green juice made with raw collard green leaves, green apple, fresh lemon juice, and grated ginger blended with cold water. A practical drink that yields four refreshing, nutrient-rich glasses to start the day with lightness and hydration.”
What you need to know
- Green apple brings natural sweetness and balanced acidity without the need for added sugar or artificial sweetener.
- Fresh grated ginger provides aromatic warmth and striking flavor that complements the acidity of the lemon.
- The very cold water reduces the thermal friction of the blade in the blender and prevents rapid oxidation of the chlorophyll.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 collard green leaves
- 1 green apple cut into pieces
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 500 ml of ice water
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- You can replace the apple with pear or pineapple.
- Add a teaspoon of chia for an extra fiber boost.
- Try chilling the collard green leaves before preparing for an even more refreshing juice.
- The juice should be consumed immediately to preserve the nutrients.
- Freeze in ice cube trays and add to juices for a refreshing effect.
Instructions
Principal
- Start by washing the collard greens and the apple well.
- Then, put all the ingredients in the blender.
- Add the ice water and lemon juice.
- If you prefer, add sugar or sweetener to taste.
- Blend everything on high speed until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- If you want a smoother juice, strain the mixture using a filter or strainer.
- Serve immediately in tall glasses.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint, if desired.
Chef's tips
- Remove the fibrous central stem of the collard green leaves to avoid any trace of bitter flavor in the blended drink.
- Blend the juice at high speed for about 2 minutes to fully process the apple pieces and kale leaves.
- Drink immediately after preparation to enjoy all the vitamins and bioactive compounds before natural oxidation.
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of chia seeds or golden flaxseed to the served glass to increase the fiber content.
- Add half a sliced cucumber with peel before blending in the blender to increase natural hydration.
- Add a thick slice of frozen pineapple along with the apple to obtain a thicker and fuller smoothie consistency.
Substitutions
- The green apple can be replaced by cubes of ripe pineapple, water pear, or fresh melon in the same amount.
- Common lemon juice can be replaced with Meyer lemon juice or freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Collard greens can be swapped for fresh raw spinach leaves or selected sprigs of green mint.
How to store
Consume the juice immediately. If there is any left, store in a dark glass bottle, capped, in the refrigerator for a maximum of 12 hours, shaking well before consuming to mix the settled fibers.
Can it be frozen?
You can freeze the juice in ice cube trays in the freezer for up to 30 consecutive days. Blend the frozen green cubes with cold water in the blender to prepare a quick functional juice in the morning.
What to serve with
Pairs with scrambled eggs in olive oil, slices of toasted whole wheat bread, or a bowl of rolled oats with nuts. Drink on an empty stomach upon waking or as a refreshing drink in the afternoon break.
Frequently asked questions
Can I blend the juice using coconut water?
Yes, coconut water provides natural electrolytes and mild sweetness without significantly increasing calories.
Can grated ginger make the juice too strong?
A shallow tablespoon generates balanced spiciness; if you are very sensitive to spices, start with a level teaspoon.
Is it mandatory to strain the juice before consuming?
It is not mandatory; drinking without straining preserves the intact dietary fibers that aid in proper intestinal function.
How to properly sanitize collard greens and fruit?
Leave immersed in water with a chlorine solution suitable for food for 15 minutes and rinse in clean running water before use.
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