What does Martha Stewart put in her green juice?

Green juices have become incredibly popular in recent years as more people discover their many health and nutritional benefits. TV personality and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart is one famous fan of green juices. She regularly starts her day with a homemade green juice to flood her body with nutrients and give her an energy boost.

Martha Stewart’s Approach to Green Juices

In interviews and on her website, Martha Stewart has shared some of her favorite ingredients and recipes for making green juices. She believes green juices are a great way to pack a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into one easy-to-drink beverage.

Stewart takes a simple yet customizable approach to her green juices. She typically uses a base of leafy greens like spinach, kale or chard plus a few fruits and veggies for extra nutrients and sweetness. Her go-to combo is spinach, parsley, celery, cucumber, lemon and apple. But she likes to switch up the ingredients depending on what’s in season.

Unlike some hardcore green juice fans, Stewart doesn’t avoid fruit entirely. She finds adding an apple, lemon or some pineapple helps offset the strong flavor of the leafy greens. But she recommends limiting the fruit to avoid too much sugar.

Stewart’s Favorite Green Juice Ingredients

Here are some of the main ingredients Martha Stewart uses in her green juices:

  • Spinach – This leafy green is one of the foundations of Stewart’s green juices. Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C and K, magnesium and plant compounds that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Kale – Another nutrient-dense leafy green Stewart likes to use. Kale contains vitamins A, C and K, plus a wide range of antioxidants to support health.
  • Parsley – This herb adds brightness and fresh flavor to green juices. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C.
  • Celery – Celery has high water content to help hydrate the body. It also provides vitamin K, potassium and antioxidant properties.
  • Cucumber – Cucumbers are made up of about 96% water. They offer hydration plus nutrients like vitamin K, potassium and magnesium.
  • Lemon – Stewart squeezes fresh lemon juice into many of her green juices. Lemons provide vitamin C and help enhance the flavor.
  • Ginger – This root spice packs anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It also adds a touch of heat and flair.
  • Apple – Apples infuse green juices with natural sweetness. They also provide fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C.

Benefits of the Main Ingredients in Stewart’s Green Juices

By combining leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, Stewart is able to pack a nutritious punch into her green juices. Here is an overview of some of the top benefits of the main ingredients she uses:

Ingredient Benefits
Spinach Excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and folate. Provides magnesium, iron, calcium and antioxidants.
Kale Loaded with vitamins A, C and K. Contains antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol.
Parsley Rich in vitamin K and vitamin C. Contains the flavonoid antioxidant apigenin.
Celery Hydrating with minerals like potassium and sodium. Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cucumber Hydrating with high water content. Provides vitamin K, magnesium and manganese.
Lemon Excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C. Aids detoxification and weight loss.
Ginger Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Eases nausea and aids digestion.
Apple Rich in fiber to support digestive health. Contains immune-boosting vitamin C.

Stewart’s Tips for Making Green Juices

Through trial and error in her own kitchen, Martha Stewart has discovered some helpful tips for making great-tasting green juices at home:

  • Use a combination of fruits and veggies – Fruits like apples or lemons help sweeten the strong flavor of leafy greens.
  • Roll ingredients before juicing – Stewart recommends gently rolling lemons and ginger before juicing to help release more flavor and nutrients.
  • Juice ingredients separately – Juicing greens separate from fruits and veggies prevents the greens from getting stuck and clogged in the juicer.
  • Drink immediately – For maximum nutrition, Stewart advises drinking green juices right after making them.
  • Play with proportions – Tweak the amounts of each ingredient until you find flavor combinations you enjoy.
  • Rotate ingredients – Switch up which fruits and veggies you use depending on the season.

Sample Green Juice Recipes from Martha Stewart

Here are a few green juice recipes from Martha Stewart that highlight some of her go-to ingredient combinations:

Spring Green Juice

  • 1 cucumber, peeled
  • 1 handful parsley
  • 1 handful spinach
  • 1 apple, cored
  • 1 lemon, peeled

Tropical Green Juice

  • 1 cucumber, peeled
  • 1 cup kale
  • 1 cup pineapple, cored
  • 1⁄2 lemon, peeled
  • 1-inch knob ginger

Green Apple Juice

  • 2 Granny Smith apples, cored
  • 1 celery stalk, with leaves
  • 1 cucumber, peeled
  • 1 handful spinach
  • 1 handful parsley

Tips for Making Green Juices Taste Better

Some people find straight green juices to have strong, bitter flavors. Here are Martha Stewart’s tips for making green juices more palatable:

  • Add fruits like apple, lemon, pineapple or orange – Fruits balance out bitterness and add natural sweetness.
  • Use milder greens like cucumber and romaine – These have lighter flavors compared to kale or parsley.
  • Blanch greens before juicing – Quickly blanching greens like kale mellows their flavor.
  • Add herbs and spices – Ginger, mint and basil provide flavor depth.
  • Sweeten with carrot or beet – Carrot and beet add mild sweetness and texture.
  • Dilute with water or ice – Add a splash of water or ice cubes to tone down strong flavors.

Potential Downsides of Green Juices

While green juices offer many perks, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

  • Not as filling – Juices pass through the digestive system quickly, so they don’t keep you feeling full compared to eating whole fruits and veggies.
  • High in sugar if too much fruit – Green juices with only fruits like apples or pineapple can spike blood sugar levels.
  • Nutrient loss from juicing – Some nutrients are degraded through heat and oxygen exposure during juicing.
  • Not a weight loss miracle – Green juices support health, but their low fiber and protein may not aid much with sustaining weight loss.

Conclusion

Martha Stewart’s approach to green juices emphasizes packing in a variety of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens to take advantage of their wide range of nutrients. By combining a base of spinach or kale with additions like parsley, celery, lemon and ginger, Stewart is able to create green juices that are both nutritious and delicious.

Drinking fresh green juices is an easy way to increase your daily intake of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. While green juices have some downsides to consider, they can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Experiment with Stewart’s favorite ingredient combos and juicing tips to find green juice recipes your whole family will enjoy.

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