Monday, December 29, 2008

Rejuvenating Refreshing Beverage

This is one of my summer standards, but we made this the other day after a hike -- refreshing. While it’s fresh in my mind I will post it! This beverage is hydrating and healing, great for digestion.


A few notes about ingredients: we have two local greenhouses that produce delicious English cucumbers year round, so good cukes are easy to come by in California. If you are buying the waxy kind from the grocery store, you probably want to peel them completely. Also, I’ve discovered that not all aloe vera juice is created equal; to avoid the bitter taste, buy a good quality aloe like George’s Always Active Aloe. This smoothie has raw agave nectar, which is sweeter than sugar but has a low glycemic index – can be found at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or other health food stores.


Other variations: you can add mint or basil or replace the limes with lemons for a fun variation on lemonade. One final note if you like to drink – this can make a fun cocktail, just add vodka or tequila.


Ingredients (makes two drinks):

Juice from 2 very juicy limes

1 large cucumber (partially or fully peeled), chopped

½ cup aloe vera juice

½ cup water

1-2 T agave nectar (or to taste)


Puree ingredients in a blender or Vitamix until completely smooth. Drink it up!

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