| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 0g | 0g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 0.8g | 0.5g | 0.01g |
Refreshing and vibrant, the Green Shiso Juice is a revelation to the senses. With its verdant hue and a balanced symphony of flavors, this drink is my summer elixir. From the hint of tartness that the lime juice offers to the subtly sweet tropical notes of the pineapple juice, this Green Shiso Juice recipe strikes a perfect balance, much like the Tex-Mex flavors I grew up loving in my home state of Texas. The added freshness of cucumber slices and the distinctive aroma of Green Shiso leaves are like an unexpected twist in a classical concerto.
The Uniqueness Of Shiso
What sets this recipe apart is the incorporation of Green Shiso leaves. A popular herb in the Japanese cuisine, Shiso is often found to be an unfamiliar ingredient in Western cooking. But just as I love marrying traditional Southern dishes with global flavors, I find the taste of Shiso to be an exciting adventure. Predominantly marked with bold anise flavors, Shiso also carries an undertone of mint and basil – it’s like a complex tapestry of taste that adds depth to this juice recipe.
The Health Benefits
Aside from its exciting flavor profile, another reason why I absolutely adore this juice is due to its surprising health benefits. Both Shiso and cucumbers are know for their cooling properties. Furthermore, Shiso leaves are also rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C. Research indicates that these leaves can aid in digestion, are beneficial for respiratory health and even exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. So, each refreshing gulp of this juice is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a boost for your health!
In my years of teaching at a grade school, I have often guided kids towards healthier food choices. And this juice recipe is a lovely method of enticing not only the young ones but adults as well towards consuming more healthful beverage options.
To fully appreciate the tropical charm of this Green Shiso juice, I recommend enjoying it with a tangy fish taco. The hearty textures of the taco perfectly complement the lightness of the juice – It is the perfect pairing that not only speaks to the heart of a Texan, but to the gourmet sensibilities I hold dear.
What You’ll Need
- 18 Green Shiso leaves
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups of Pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced cucumber
- Ice cubes for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the 18 green shiso leaves thoroughly. Set them aside on a paper towel to dry.
Step Two
In a pitcher or large bowl, pour in the 4 cups of water. Add in the green shiso leaves. Let them soak for approximately 15 minutes. This will allow the flavor from the leaves to infuse the water.
Step Three
While the shiso leaves are infusing, take this time to prepare your other ingredients. Squeeze enough fresh limes to get 1/2 cup of lime juice. Set this aside for now. Peel and thinly slice the cucumber until you have 1/2 cup. Also set this aside.
Step Four
After the shiso leaves have infused the water, remove the leaves from the pitcher. Stir in the 1 cup of granulated sugar until it is completely dissolved. Then, stir in the lime juice and pineapple juice.
Step Five
Add the thinly sliced cucumber into the juice mixture. Stir well to combine.
Step Six
Serve your Green Shiso Juice over ice in tall glasses. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and freshness.
