The Fruit, the Whole Fruit, and Nothing but the Fruit

An energizing smoothie or glass of freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice brings community connection and nourishes our bodies. Come into Santa Cruz and you know that there is a feeling of togetherness in the way of promoting health. Samba Rock, New Leaf Market, and Cafe Gratitude stand out in their mission to nurture the Santa Cruz community with organic agriculture. But which location is the best value for you?

“Nutritionally, it is higher in antioxidants than any other fruit,” says Megan Arnett, Manager. How many smoothie or juice bars do you know revolve their menu around one fruit or vegetable? Based out of Brazil, Samba Rock's mission is to bring the taste of the Amazon to Santa Cruz. Awarded the best smoothie in 2013, Samba Rock specializes in the acai berry, a Brazilian superfood. “Our most nutritious smoothie is our Joe Carioca, which is kale, avocado, spirulina, hemp protein, a splash of lime juice, agave, and acai of course.” Samba Rock offers only organic produce, does not use added sugars or sherbet, and limits dairy while serving alternatives such as coconut milk, hemp milk, and almond milk. Smoothies come in two sizes—16 fluid ounces and 24 fluid ounces; they range from $4.65 to $6.25. If you are on the lookout for a change of atmosphere or simply interested in learning more about the acai berry, Samba Rock Acai Cafe is your spot for smoothies.

With an array of only organic, local fruits and vegetables on hand, New Leaf Market has a dedicated juice bar in their store. “All of our produce that goes into the juice comes within 100 miles from this store,” says Matt Martin, Foodservice Manager. “Everything in the juice is organic and if we can't find it organic, we are out and we will not replace it with conventional produce.” There is a variety of different juices for a range of palates, but their most nutritious juice is The Works. The Works is comprised of beetroot, ginger, apple, parsley, spinach, sprouts, carrots, and celery. “Juices are just really good for you because you are getting all the essence out of the fruit or vegetable. If you tried to eat all that goes into a 16 fluid ounce juice, you would be stuffed.” The Works comes in 10 fluid ounces for $4.50 and 16 fluid ounces for $5.75. If you prefer the convenience of grabbing a liquid meal on the go, New Leaf Market can show you the path to better health.

You will feel transformed, extraordinary, and elated when you come to Cafe Gratitude. Featuring a completely organic vegan menu, juice selection, and dine-in setting, Cafe Gratitude takes pride in showing others how life should be viewed in terms of abundance and how they are provided for by the earth. “We have two main juices on our menu that are staples,” says Cara Favilla, Manager. One is I am Healthy and the other is I am Worthy. I am Healthy is a green juice consisting of cucumber, celery, kale, and lemon. I am Worthy is a blood cleanser juice using apple, celery, beetroot, kale, and ginger. Each juice comes in eight fluid ounces for $5.25 and 16 fluid ounces for $8.50. “We have a special juicer, the hydraulic press,” says Favilla. “Most conventional juicers use a high-speed blade method to grind up the produce, which heats up the juice in the process. A percentage of enzymes and nutrients are lost. There is very little heat buildup with the hydraulic press. Our juice is full of life and gives you life.”

Samba Rock, New Leaf Market, and Cafe Gratitude each deliver the Santa Cruz crowd the taste of nature in a single cup. Whether you are seeking a Brazilian cultural experience, a convenient stop, or a dine-in setting, each health hotspot delivers on these expectations in their own way.