Japanese Boost Juices

If you have trouble convincing your kids to eat fruit and vegetables, why not give juicing a try?

It’s quick, easy and more often than not, you’ll find your kids fascinated by the process and more than happy to sample the results. Plus, it is a fantastic way to boost young immune systems with a concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals. All you need is a good juicer and plenty of fruit and veg on standby—and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Here are a couple of easy recipes to get you started, given the stamp of approval by my two-year-old son, Teddy:

Green is for go!

• 2 cups of fresh wakame seaweed (soak in water for five minutes before using)
• 2 carrots
• 2 large apples (any color is fine)
• 1 beetroot
• 1 cup of spinach
• Fresh ginger to taste

Juice all the ingredients together and when finished, stir thoroughly. If you wish to sweeten the juice further, add more apples until you get your desired taste.

Citrus special

• 8 cups of watermelon
• 3 yuzus (a Japanese citrus fruit, available at most supermarkets here)
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Juice or blend up all together, pour over ice, and enjoy.

Other juicy delights

For a healthier alternative to ice cream, pour your children’s favorite juice combination into icy popsicle molds and freeze. You can also make kakigori (snow cones) by adding fresh juice to crushed ice. Pour fresh juice into ice cube trays and freeze, then add frozen juice cubes to your drinking water for a refreshing, subtle taste. This works especially well with plain juices such as lemon, lime, orange and yuzu.

Lastly, for the parents, juicing is a great way to put a fresh twist on your favorite cocktail. One of my favorites is the Bellini, and it is very easy to make. Simply juice a couple of ripe peaches, pour into a champagne flute until half full, and then add champagne.

Kampai!