When summer draws to a close, I always feel a twinge of sadness as the days of sweet berries and stone fruit come to an end. Winter's generous bounty of leafy greens, cabbages, pears, and apples are a close second, but there is something truly special about the produce of summer. And along with it comes sun-kissed skin, warm evenings, and lingering light, making the world feel fresh and alive.
But autumn always creeps in right at the moment that I'm ready for a change and the slower pace of life that the shorter days bring. It's hard to bid the summer harvest and weather farewell, but I find myself compensating each year by turning to raw juices as a way to ease the transition. Juice delivers the freshness of summer along with the nutrients and vitamins that help strengthen my immune system for the winter and a burst of energy and focus that stave off the urge to hibernate.
I first fell in love with Portland Juice Co. because of the Shanti, a green juice made from spinach, pear, pineapple, and cilantro. It's a great choice for those who want the nutrients and high-energy boost that comes from spinach, but still crave a nice dose of sweetness from pineapple and pear, as well as a generous dose of vitamin C. The cilantro is subtle and bright. Another favorite is the Tantra, made with ginger, turmeric, lemon, cayenne, raw honey, and filtered water and is a fresh take on the traditional ginger tea that I turn to whenever I feel a cold coming on.
In addition to the line of 10 juices, they also have seasonal juices. The summer line included a seasonal Citrus with lemon, lavender, raw honey, ginger, and filtered water. It has a similar wholesomeness that the Tantra delivers, with the added floral notes from the lavender. The seasonal Berry with strawberries, lemon, raw honey, bee pollen, and filtered water reminded me of my travels along the Italian coast and eating strawberries with lemon juice on the beach. The seasonal Nut Mylk includes cashews and strawberries, a great way to win over those new to nut milks. Bright and delicious, I can't wait to see what the next seasonal lineup brings!
Thanks to Portland Juice Co. for the amazing juices and produce! All words, images, and thoughts are my own.