How To Make Aojiru (Japanese Green Juice Recipe)

Aojiru is a unique juice crafted by extracting the essence of raw green leafy vegetables, like kale, Ashitaba leaf, and moroheiya. Typically, Aojiru products come in various forms, such as powder, tablets, freeze-dried, and quick-frozen versions, which can be dissolved in water for consumption.

Around 30 years ago, there was a memorable Aojiru commercial that humorously depicted Aojiru as having an acquired taste. In the commercial, the actor exclaimed, "This tastes bad! Give me one more glass of Aojiru!" right after drinking it. This unconventional approach left a lasting impact on the Japanese audience, both highlighting the taste challenge of Aojiru and emphasizing its health benefits.

The distinct taste of Aojiru stems from its composition, which consists of nearly 100% leafy vegetables. This sets it apart from green smoothies, which often blend vegetables with more fruits, resulting in a more fruit-forward flavor. Aojiru, on the other hand, is akin to consuming vegetables in their pure form.

While traditional Aojiru follows this leafy greens-centric approach, today, we'll share a recipe that combines deliciousness with healthiness, much like a green smoothie. Here's the perfect ratio:

• Leafy vegetables: 4 parts
• Fruits: 6 parts

When selecting your ingredients:

• Choose from a variety of leafy vegetables such as Japanese mustard spinach (Komatsuna), salad spinach, celery, bok choy, mizuna, parsley, kale, and more.
• Select at least two fruits from options like apples, bananas, kiwi fruits, oranges, pineapples, etc.
• You'll also need some water. If desired, you can enhance your Aojiru with honey, yogurt, or lemon. You don't have to use all the listed ingredients—customize your blend to find your ideal flavor balance.

According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, it's recommended to consume over 350g of vegetables daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases. Achieving this target can be challenging, as many people fall short in their vegetable intake. Aojiru offers an easy solution, allowing you to incorporate approximately 100g of vegetables into your daily routine, roughly one-third of your daily recommended intake. A single glass of Aojiru can undoubtedly contribute to your overall health and well-being.