The summer heat is here — and staying cool and hydrated becomes more important than ever. Instead of reaching for sugary drinks, why not enjoy something that is both refreshing and nourishing?

This pineapple and cucumber juice is part of our “Beat the Summer Heat” series — designed to help you stay hydrated while giving your body a boost of natural nutrients.

Made with simple ingredients like pineapple, cucumber, and ginger, this drink is light, cooling, and packed with hydration-supporting compounds. Pineapple adds natural sweetness and vitamin C, cucumber helps replenish fluids, and ginger gives a gentle, refreshing kick.

Whether you’re relaxing at home or cooling down after a long day, this juice is a simple and delicious way to stay refreshed, energized, and hydrated all summer long.  Try it nuh!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small pineapple/2 cups pineapple slices.
• 1 large cucumber.
• ½ ounce of ginger.
• ½ cup maple syrup/ brown sugar.
• 2 cups water (to start).

INSTRUCTIONS

• Peel and slice Pineapple into bite-size pieces.
• Peel and dice the cucumber into small pieces. You can also peel and remove the seeds if desired as that helps to reduce lectins (a substance that may inhibit the proper digestion of nutrients).
• Remove the skins and dice the ginger into small pieces.
• Add the peeled and sliced fruits, vegetables, and spices to a blender.
• Add water and sweetener.
• Blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture into a preferred container.
• Taste for sweetness etc.
• Serve on ice and Enjoy!

Notes:

You can repeat the blending for a second time with the strained pulps. This can help to increase the amount of juice.  Also, if you do not have a whole pineapple on hand, frozen ones will do just fine.  But I had one on hand, and I just used it as it does give the juice that fresh appeal.

As per the ginger, liquid or powdered ginger can be used, just use ½ tsp at first, and build upon that if desired.  You can use a Juicer if you have one.  I do not, so a regular blender was used. Additionally, you can bottle and freeze any remainder for later. It will be extra refreshing!

You can also enjoy this other refreshing recipe:

• A Smarter Green Smoothie – A Smarter Way to Enjoy Your Nutrients!

Ingredient Spotlight!

~ Cucumber~

Cucumber, which is usually consumed as a fruit, is botanically a fruit that belongs to the same family as watermelon and pumpkin etc.  The fruit contains about 95% water and many nutrients that make it a widely used commercial fruit/vegetable.

Some of the nutrients in cucumber include vitamins A, some B’s, and C, K, etc., along with many minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium among others.

Cucumbers purportedly may help to promote gut and heart health as well as blood sugar.  Importantly, it is high in electrolytes and thus helps with dehydration.  Hence it is a good choice for keeping the body hydrated while still maintaining great health.

To good health!