Review by Catherine’s Cabinet
You know that feeling you get when you walk into a room and you’re immediately comfortable? It’s that instant sensation of something that can only be described using a sound: “ahhhhhh…” (not to be confused with “AHHHH!!”, unless that’s your thing). This is exactly how I felt when I walked through the beautiful and welcoming doors of the Greenhouse Juice Company.
My first thought, after proclaiming out loud to my excitement regarding how many pineapples lined the back walls (because it wouldn’t be a typical day out without an awkward Catherine comment), was about how much I just utterly and completely adored it there and never wanted to leave. So I’ve decided that I’m moving in. It is a renovated house, right? I’m sure I can just sleep amongst the fresh cucumbers and kale in the back.
I told the staff behind the counter that I was there to see Hana James, one of the co-founders. As I waited, I watched as numerous customers were in and out of the doors with smiles and fresh juices in hand. But the fact that they were so busy wasn’t the best part… it was that they knew almost everyone’s name who walked through those doors. And if they didn’t know them by name, they were recognized and got exactly what they came in for. If this isn’t a sign of a good business, I don’t know what is.
Now, I’m a huge fan of juicing. I think it’s a fantastic way to genuinely optimize the lovely live enzymes found in fruits and veggies while catering to a busy on-the-go lifestyle. Everything is super-condensed into a glass, or bottle, or JUG even – whatever floats your boat! Greenhouse Juice Company uses Hydraulic Pressure cold pressing to make their fresh daily juices. This is the best way to ensure that those enzymes remain as intact as possible, no killing pasteurization here folks! A single 500 ml glass bottle contains up to twelve servings of organic fruits and vegetables because it has not been blasted with high levels of heat or oxygen. It’s ALIVE!
I was fortunate enough to try most of the juices available. From intense to refreshing to spicy to earthy, they were all delicious and insanely fresh. I could feel all of my little cells jumping for joy! Amongst my favourites were East of Eden, which is also known as the “gateway green”. It’s commonly introduced to customers who are trying a green juice for the first time as it’s a bit tamer but still has all the benefits. I also loved Wake Up & the Cold-Pressed Apple Juice because they were much better alternatives to the typical sugar-packed from concentrate juices the world is used to in their morning breakfast routines.
They also carry infused waters which will blow your freakin’ mind. Clean-zing is the first drink in their Juice Cleanse because it’s contents include lemon and cayenne which stimulate the metabolism and kick starts the process of cleansing. The Chia Seed Hydrator is the last drink in their cleanse as the chia seeds come in to help eliminate the toxins. Their Aloe Water is super refreshing, detoxifying, purifying and acts as a digestive aid because of Aloe’s healing properties. Did you know you could also eat Aloe? Oh the wonders of plants!
I haven’t even told you the best part… they make their own Nut Milks. Holy bananas. They have a standard Almond Milk or ones infused with greens, beets or cacao and even maca! I left with one of these and although it’s so fresh it only lasts up to 72 hours, it was so delicious that I made every single drop count until the very last possible minute. I never wanted it to end. Thank goodness I have another excuse to go back though!
If you don’t have the time to wake up at the crack of dawn to juice a whole day’s worth of fresh vegetable and fruity goodness, or you don’t have the energy to soak nuts for hours and squeeze out the milk OR you just want some delicious handmade fresh juices… look no further. The Greenhouse Juice Company is here to save the day AND your health! Make sure to check for me in the back room when I move in, sleeping amongst the crates of daily organic produce. That’s not creepy at all, right?
Greenhouse Juice Company is located at 5 Macpherson Avenue, just west of Yonge between the Rosedale and Summerhill subway stations.