Fresh Anti-Inflammatory Juice
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Nothing is more revitalizing than a cool glass of fresh anti-inflammatory juice. I make it in just 10 minutes using sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, fresh mint, lime, and a touch of jalapeno. It is invigorating, hydrating, light, and packed with vibrant flavor.
I have always been a fan of homemade juices that support wellness, and this fresh anti-inflammatory juice is one I could drink every day. Other drinks like lemon ginger turmeric shots are fantastic for those cold ailments that creep up on you, but this juice is mild enough to enjoy every day. The recipe is naturally sweet and balanced with plenty of fresh citrus and mint flavor.
I first recreated this juice after ordering a similar drink from one of my favorite local juice bars. After a few days, I was still thinking about how good it tasted, while also calculating how economical it would be to visit the juice bar every day. Ha! I decided to do a little experimenting at home, and eventually I found the combination that my family and I loved the most. And it was, dare I say, better than the juice bar. My boys used to stick to traditional homemade varieties like strawberry juice, but after trying this, they have become a lot more adventurous.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
Fresh anti-inflammatory juice is pure and invigorating in all the best ways. As a health coach, I am very much aware of the excessive amounts of sugar in many store-bought juices. And while it may taste good, it just goes against all the good things fresh fruit and vegetables do for the body. In this juice, the pineapple adds all the sweetness I need, cucumber keeps everything light and crisp, mint adds a cooling finish, and the lime gives every sip a welcome zestiness. The jalapeno is subtle enough to add a gentle kick. I recommend to combine these ingredients to promote hydration, add plenty of vitamin C, and support general wellness.
Thanks to my juicer, making this fresh anti-inflammatory juice is a breeze. I begin by washing and prepping all of the fruit and vegetables, then feed them through my juicer in an order that helps everything process smoothly. Once everything is juiced, I pour the mixture over ice and garnish with extra mint.
Everyone knows that I make this juice when I am not feeling my most fabulous. Whether it was from a weekend of overindulging or just general sluggishness and bloating, this juice always revitalizes me. But that does not mean I only drink it on those occasions. I have been known to serve it at parties too.
On a recent vacation, we met up with a few friends and stayed in a gorgeous rental. As we were unpacking, there was a moment of stunned silence followed by laughter when I pulled out my juicer. They laughed then, but they were the ones who benefited from my fresh anti-inflammatory juice throughout the stay. Ha! Instead of reaching for store-bought varieties, I urge you to try making your own juice. Once you taste the difference, it will be hard to go back.
🥘 Ingredients
Each ingredient brings something different to this fresh anti-inflammatory juice. This is what I use to bring a balance of sweetness, freshness, and vibrant citrus flavor:
Fresh pineapple: This gives the juice a natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
Cucumber: I include cucumber for its crisp, refreshing flavor and hydrating properties.
Fresh lime juice: Fresh lime juice balances the sweetness of the pineapple by adding a citrusy note.
Jalapeno: I remove the seeds before juicing so the jalapeno adds just a gentle warmth instead of too much heat.
Fresh mint: Mint gives the juice its cool, refreshing finish, which works really well with both the pineapple and lime.
🔪 How To Make
Making this fresh anti-inflammatory juice could not be any easier. This is how I get it done with the help of my trusty juicer:
Prepare the produce: I wash the cucumber, peel the pineapple and lime, and chop everything to fit the juicer. Then remove the jalapeno seeds.
Juice ingredients: Next, I feed the pineapple, cucumber, mint, jalapeno, and lime through my juicer.
Stir: Once everything has been juiced, I give it a quick stir to combine all of the flavors.
Serve: I pour the juice over ice, and garnish each glass with fresh mint before serving.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for this fresh anti-inflammatory juice recipe is to use a perfectly ripe pineapple. Since it is the main source of sweetness, I like using a ripe, juicy pineapple to create a well-proportioned juice without needing any added sweeteners.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Chill produce: I like refrigerating the pineapple, cucumber, and lime before juicing so the finished drink is naturally cold without needing too much ice.
- Add mint between ingredients: Mint leaves can stick inside the juicer, so I sandwich them between the pineapple and cucumber to help push every bit through the machine.
- Adjust the heat: I remove all of the jalapeno seeds for a mild kick. If I want a spicier juice, I leave in a few seeds or add an extra slice of jalapeno.
- Drink soon: Fresh juice tastes best right after it is made. I make sure to drink it within a few hours to enjoy the freshest flavor and color before it begins separating and oxidizing.
- Taste before serving: Every pineapple is a little different, so I always give the juice a quick taste before pouring. If I want more zest, I squeeze in another splash of lime.
📖 Variations
There are many ways to enjoy this fresh anti-inflammatory juice. These are 3 variations that my family loves:
Tropical green juice: I add a handful of baby spinach, 1 peeled kiwi, and a splash of coconut water for an even more refreshing juice. I love drinking this when I need a good dose of hydration and extra vitamin K1.
Citrus ginger: Fresh orange and grapefruit add extra citrus flavor, while a small piece of fresh ginger gives the juice a slightly peppery warmth. This is my favorite juice to make during cold and flu season, as it is full of vitamin C.
Mango mint: When mangoes are in season, I replace part of the pineapple with ripe mango, and add a few extra mint leaves. The mango makes the juice sweeter with a slight creaminess, and the additional mint keeps everything fresh. My boys love this version the most.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This fresh anti-inflammatory juice is a great way to start the day alongside a light breakfast. I recommend serving it with vegan breakfast tacos, or a vegan smoothie bowl with homemade high protein granola.
Whenever I need to give myself a bit of a reset, this juice is a huge part of my meal planning. I start the day with high protein overnight oats with my juice, and then enjoy something light but filling for lunch like a savory tomato smoothie or a kale salad with lemon dressing. For dinner, I make bok choy miso noodle soup, and end the evening with one more glass of juice if I am still feeling peckish. It is amazing what a full day of clean eating can do.
🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating
Refrigeration: I store any leftover juice in a tightly sealed glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Since fresh juice naturally separates as it sits, I give it a good shake before serving.
Freezing: If I have extra, I pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. The cubes are great for blending into smoothies or adding to sparkling water.
Reheating: I serve this juice chilled and do not reheat it.
❓Recipe FAQs
How can I make this juice without a juicer?
This is very possible. I blend all the ingredients with a small splash of water or coconut water until smooth. Then I pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, nut milk bag, or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the pulp. The texture will not be quite the same as juice fruit, but it will still be deliciously refreshing.
Should I peel the cucumber before juicing?
I usually do not peel my cucumber. If I am using an English cucumber or another variety with a thick skin, I make sure to wash it really well and juice it as is. For larger cucumbers with thick or waxy skins, I prefer peeling them first for a smoother, milder flavor.
How can I improve the flavor if my pineapple was not very sweet, without adding sugar?
When my pineapple turns out a little tart, I like to adjust the juice by adding naturally sweet ingredients. A few chunks of ripe mango, apple, or watermelon blend in nicely without overpowering the other flavors. If you have already juiced everything, I recommend running a few extra pieces of sweet fruit through the juicer, and then stirring it into the finished drink.
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Anti-Inflammatory Juice
Nothing is more revitalizing than a cool glass of fresh anti-inflammatory juice. I make it in just 10 minutes using sweet pineapple, crisp cucumber, fresh mint, lime, and a touch of jalapeno. It is invigorating, hydrating, light, and packed with vibrant flavor.
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 94kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple pieces
- 1 cup cucumber pieces
- Juice of 1 lime about 1 tablespoon
- 1 jalapeno deseeded
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves packed plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and cut fruit and veggies. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño.
- Using juicer, juice each ingredient. It’s best to add the mint leaves in the middle of juicing so that the juicier ingredients will help push them through. I start with half of the pineapple, then do the cucumber, then the mint, then the jalapeno, then the lime and lastly the rest of the pineapple.
- Serve over ice with extra mint as garnish.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this fresh anti-inflammatory juice recipe is to use a perfectly ripe pineapple. Since it is the main source of sweetness, I like using a ripe, juicy pineapple to create a well-proportioned juice without needing any added sweeteners.
- Chill produce: I like refrigerating the pineapple, cucumber, and lime before juicing so the finished drink is naturally cold without needing too much ice.
- Add mint between ingredients: Mint leaves can stick inside the juicer, so I sandwich them between the pineapple and cucumber to help push every bit through the machine.
- Adjust the heat: I remove all of the jalapeno seeds for a mild kick. If I want a spicier juice, I leave in a few seeds or add an extra slice of jalapeno.
- Drink soon: Fresh juice tastes best right after it is made. I make sure to drink it within a few hours to enjoy the freshest flavor and color before it begins separating and oxidizing.
- Taste before serving: Every pineapple is a little different, so I always give the juice a quick taste before pouring. If I want more zest, I squeeze in another splash of lime.
Nutrition
Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 90.1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.8mg
