Tonic Green

Ingredients

• 134 g (2 cups)chopped kale
• 2 smalllimes
• 1 thumb-sized piece, roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch)fresh ginger
• 1courgette
• 2Granny Smith apples
• 4 stalkscelery

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the produce

   Wash the kale, limes, ginger, courgette, apples and celery. Peel the limes and ginger, and cut the produce into pieces that fit your juicer.

2. 2

   Juice the ingredients

   Feed the kale, lime, ginger, courgette, apples and celery through a juicer, alternating softer ingredients with firmer ones as needed.

3. 3

   Serve the juice

   Stir the juice to combine and serve straight away.

What is Tonic Green?

Tonic Green is a fresh green juice rather than a traditional cooked dish. Juicing has roots in many food cultures, and this version brings together leafy greens, crisp fruit and citrus for a sharp, lively drink.

Kale and celery give it a green, savoury base, while Granny Smith apples and lime add tartness. Ginger brings a peppery edge that helps the flavours feel balanced.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 168 calories, 5g protein, 42g carbs, 1g fat.

The apples provide most of the carbohydrates, while kale and the other vegetables contribute smaller amounts. The recipe contains very little fat and only a modest amount of protein, so pair the juice with a meal containing a protein source and some whole foods if you want a more substantial plate.

Choosing and preparing the produce

Kale: Wash the leaves well and remove any tough stems if your juicer struggles with them.

Apples and courgette: Cut them to suit the juicer's feed chute; there is no need to peel them if they are clean and your machine handles the skins.

Lime and ginger: Peel both before juicing to avoid a bitter taste from the peel.

Juicing the greens

Leafy greens can be harder to juice on their own, so feed them between firmer pieces such as apple or celery. This helps push the leaves through the machine.

Follow your juicer's instructions for preparing ingredients and avoid forcing pieces into the chute.

Balancing the flavour

Tart apples and lime lead the flavour, while ginger adds warmth and celery contributes a fresh, savoury note. Taste the juice once it is mixed; the balance can vary with the size and ripeness of the produce.

For a milder result, use less ginger next time. For a sharper citrus note, retain the full amount of lime.

Texture and serving

Fresh juice can separate as it stands, so stir it before drinking. If you prefer a smoother drink, strain it through a fine sieve after juicing.

Serve it immediately, chilled if you like. A glass alongside breakfast or a simple lunch lets its crisp, tart flavour stand out.

Cleaning up promptly

Rinse the juicer parts soon after use, before pulp and juice residue dry on them. Follow the appliance guidance when removing and cleaning the filter.

Recipe notes & tips

• Wash the produce thoroughly, especially the leafy kale and celery.
• Cut ingredients to fit your juicer rather than pushing oversized pieces into the chute.
• Alternate kale leaves with apple or celery to help them move through the juicer.
• Peel the lime and ginger to keep their flavours clean and bright.
• Stir the juice just before serving if it has begun to separate.

Variations

• Milder ginger: Use a smaller piece of ginger for a softer, less peppery finish.
• More citrus: Add extra lime next time for a sharper flavour.
• Chilled serve: Refrigerate the ingredients before juicing for a cool drink.
• Smoother texture: Strain the finished juice through a fine sieve.
• Herbal note: Juice a few fresh mint leaves with the other ingredients.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the wash: Rinse the produce carefully before cutting and juicing.
• Juicing dry greens alone: Alternate kale with firmer fruit or vegetables to help feed it through.
• Leaving citrus peel on: Peel the limes first to avoid unwanted bitterness.
• Forcing large pieces: Cut produce to fit the chute and let the juicer process it at its normal pace.
• Letting the juice sit unstirred: Mix it before serving because fresh juice can separate.

How to store

For the freshest flavour, drink the juice soon after making it. If needed, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and use it within 24 hours; stir well before drinking.

Frequently asked questions