we make smoothies yes we do. we make smoothies just for you!

::  Twitter Love from @Organic-Please  ::

::  Twitter Love from @MakeItShow  ::

::  Twitter Love from @Jabbers19  ::

Juice Caboose had such a ROCKIN GREAT TIME at the Make It fair this past weekend.  What an incredible event!  Sooooo much love was going around!!!  (Check out a small clip featuring Suzanne and the Caboose with Vanessa of Organic Please)  We were pretty much sold out on Saturday and Sunday, busily quenching the thirsts of hot and happy shoppers and artisans.  It was a wonderful way to spend a couple of sunny spring days. 

It also gave me a chance to play around.  My Feature of the Day Smoothie for Friday and Saturday was a Raw Vegan Mango Lassi that was to live for and Sunday's "Ocean and Earth" smoothie was a smooth, creamy and refreshing way to celebrate Earth Day.    

One great part of this weekend was hanging out with my 'colleagues' - Yasmin of Taser Sandwiches;  Eli of Eli's Serious Sausages and Chris of Varinicey Pakoras.  It was a lovely collection of food truck eats and great people to share stories and food with.  Looking forward to spending more time with them.

So it appears that Juice Caboose has a few weeks off until the official Farmer's Market season begins!  We will be lighting up the summer with our first Van Market on Sunday May 20th at Kitsilano followed by the start up of the North Shore Green Markets on Wednesday the 23rd and on Sunday May 27th we will be celebrating one year of making Vancouverites healthier and happier at the Maplewood Farm Sheep Festival.  The event where it all began 1 year ago!  We will be doing some giveaways that day so keep your eyes posted for what we have in store.  

Have a great week juice and smoothie lovers!

Juicy Suzy

dirty dozen and the clean fifteen

Loving this list of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15 from EWG's 2011 Shopping Guide.

Juicy Suzy

kale

::  photo source  ::

What is the origin of kale?

According to Wikipedia, kale was one of the most common green vegetables in Europe until the end of the Middle Ages.  The ancestor to the modern day curly kale already existed in Greece before 4th Century BC.

What 'family' is kale a part of?

Kale or borecole is a part of the cabbage family.  The species Brassica oleracea also includes broccoli, cauliflower, collard and brussel sprouts.

What nutrients can be found in kale?

Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin (a carotenoid) and calcium.  Boiling decreases the sulforaphane (an organosulfur compound that exhibits anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbrial properties) whereas, steaming or stir frying do not.  Kale is also a source of indole-3-carbinol, a chemical which boosts DNA repair in cells.  Kale is also a good source of carotenoids.

::  photo source  ::

What can one do with kale?

My favourite methods of using kale are blending it in a smoothie, juicing it or marinating it in olive oil, spices and nutritional yeast and then dehydrating the leaves into kale chips.  Another delicious recipe that I recently tried was kale and sausage soup.  Kale also freezes well which is great if you don't want to see it go to waste.  Of course, a great way to incorporate kale into a meal is to chop it into your salad.

What is the ANDI score for kale?

ANDI stands for Aggregate Nutrient Density Index and was created by Dr. Joel Fuhrman.  An ANDI score shows the nutrient density of a food on a scale of 1-1000.  Kale scores 1000.  This, however, does not mean that you should eat kale everyday.  Victoria Boutenko, author of the Green Smoothie Revolution, found out first hand the side effects of eating kale everyday for an extended period of time.  Each leafy green vegetable has a small amount of a certain toxin in it in order to protect itself from extinction.  This way animals will automatically rotate their greens as so should we.  These toxins will have the reverse effect of healing!  It's important to rotate your greens.

Keep your eyes open this summer.  Juice Caboose will be introducing some snack items to our menu and this will hopefully include a regular supply of our homemade kale chips.  Not to mention, we've had a request or two for a Green Smoothie Challenge.  This summer when the greens are plenty might be a good time for it!

Juicy Suzy

make it! the handmade revolution

It's never to early this weekend to make plans for next weekend!

Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade items from over 110 of Canada's hottest urban artisans, designers and crafters!  Make It fuses indie shopping, a fully licensed bar and live music from up-and-coming local musicians to create a dynamic, upbeat experience!  There will be something for everyone from fashion, accessories, art, jewelry (check out our friend Mary and her awesome collection of Clutch Jewels), baby items, home decor and stuff for the guys!

Another great reason to come to Make It is to try out the fabulous FOOD CARTS! that will be selling delicious and healthy treats all weekend.  No reason to have a grumbling tummy while you shop!

Interested in saving 60% off the entrance fee for Make It?  Check out Ethical Deal for Make It deal of the day.  Get entrance for two for a total of $4 instead of $10!  

Hope to juice for you there!  

Juicy Suzy

eggscellent!

Had an EGGSCELLENT time with our friends at Maplewood Farm this past Easter Sunday serving up fresh juices and smoothies to offset all the chocolate going around!  Lucky for us, chocolate makes you thirsty.

We will be at our last Winter Market day this Saturday April 14th from 10-2 at Nat Bailey Stadium.  And we will be returning to our friends at Maplewood Farm next month for the Sheep Festival.  It is a great event that is not to be missed!  XO.  S

easter event at maplewood farm

Juice Caboose will be at Maplewood Farm this Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny!  

We'll also be celebrating one year in business on Sunday May 27th at Maplewood Farm's Sheep Festival.  

Regular admission rates apply.  Juice Caboose is CASH ONLY and there is no ATM at the farm.

Juicy Suzy