Everyone knows it's important to stay hydrated, especially as the weather gets warmer and we spend more time playing outside in the sun. Eating plenty of fresh raw fruits and veggies is a great way to boost your overall hydration and unlike drinking water, you get the added benefits of minerals, vitamins, electrolytes and fiber along with your H2O. This will aid your kidney and liver function, keep you feeling fuller, and possibly even enhance your mental concentration.
Cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, zucchini, red peppers, grapefruit, celery, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, lettuce and kiwis are among the highest water content foods that are all delicious eaten raw. We incorporate many of these in our menu, especially in our salads and raw soups.
Here is a simple formula to make a quick and easy raw blended soup at home:
Add to a blender:
4 cups chopped veggies - use any combination of cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, celery, tomato, fennel, broccoli, etc.
Some type of healthy fat - 1 avocado, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup tahini, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 3/4 soaked walnuts
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tsp salt, 2 TBS Tamari soy sauce OR 2 TBS miso
1 - 2 handfuls fresh herbs to taste - basil, cilantro, mint, lemongrass, and / or parsley
Seasoning of choice - garlic, onion, jalapeño, oregano, cayenne, cumin, curry powder, etc.
Optional sweetener - 3-4 dates, 1/4 raisins, coconut water OR 2 TBS honey
1-2 Cups water as needed to fill blender
Blend on high, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with herbs and / or finely chopped veggies such as scallions, avocados, celery or cucumbers. Serves 4-6.
There are endless combinations to try using the wonderful variety of summer produce you can find at farmers markets. Of course you can always get tasty soup at Que SeRaw SeRaw. We feature one or two specials each day. Our seasonal Watermelon Gazpacho is back on the menu for summer.