What is Jugo Verde
I love to travel south or the border. One of the greatest joys of waking up in Mexico is sipping a frothy glass of “Jugo Verde” AKA Green Juice first thing in the morning. In fact, Jugos Verdes, translated from Spanish as Green Juice, might be the thing I miss most from our trips to Mexico. Fortunately it is easy to make a fresh and tasty juice any time you want… No actual juicer needed! This traditional Mexican green juice recipe is a simple blend of fruit and vegetables with a clean tropical flavor. Really you can make it with any combination of fruits and vegetables. However, the key ingredients in the variety we had in the Mayan Riviera are cactus, parsley and pineapple.
Why We Love This Mexican Green Juice Recipe
It’s so quick and easy make authentic Jugo Verdes at home! You can use a juicer if you have one. Yet I just pureed my green juice right in the blender. Then choose whether you want to drink it it thick and frothy like a green smoothie, or strain it to remove the pulp. Bonus: The ingredients in this fresh-made juice are all full of key vitamins and minerals that help with your energy levels and immune system, so you can feel energized throughout the day to take on your busy life. The combination of fresh ingredients is so vibrant and festive, if I close my eyes, I can almost imagine myself right back in Mexico!
Ingredients You Need
Orange juice – with or without pulp Pineapple chunks – freshly peeled and chopped Nopal cactus paddle – see note below for substitutions Cucumber – I leave the peel on, but you can peel the skin if you prefer Packed parsley – washed with stems trimmed
Ingredient Note: If you can’t find cactus paddles in the produce department of your grocery store, substitute a large celery stalk. The flavor will be different, but celery does provide the same “fresh and clean” quality as cactus.
How to Make Jugo Verde
That’s it. Super simple and very delicious!
Expert Recipe Tips
Fresh produce – You want to use fresh fruit, and not frozen or canned. This is essential to get the right flavor, burst of nutrients, and light juice-y consistency. Strain the juice – After blending I suggest pouring the mixture through a mesh sieve to strain out the pulp. Then all you have is a clean drinkable juice with no little chunky bits. Use the pulp – Don’t throw away that pulp you strain out! You can use it to make all kinds of other recipes like a savory or sweet quick bread loaf, or freeze in an ice cube tray and use in frozen blended smoothies. Don’t make ahead – Technically the jugo verde will keep well for several days in the fridge. But IMO it tastes best fresh from the blender!
Recipe Variations
There are several ways to tweak this Mexican green juice recipe to fit your tastes!
Fruit – Swap pineapple for fresh chunks of peeled and chopped mango, papaya, or guava. Nopal – If nopales aren’t available you can substitute with celery. This will change the flavor, but the juice will still taste delicious and refreshing! Herbs – Use your choice of parsley or more vibrant cilantro. Either are flavorful and packed with nutrients! Smoothie – Make this a thick frozen jugos verdes smoothie by blending in frozen pineapple chunks instead of fresh, or use other pieces of frozen fruit. You can also simply blend in ice until the Mexican green smoothie reaches your desired consistency.
Looking for More Green-Powered Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Detox Celery Juice Recipe Basil Beet Juice Recipe Green Protein Smoothie Recipe Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe Lean Green Chicken Soup Recipe Mean Green Buddha Bowl Recipe Zucchini and Green Chutney Salad Recipe Green Risotto Recipe
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