First Look: Alchemy Juice

Sarah Clinton-Baker and Megan Rollins are two very busy ladies. When they aren’t busy working their day jobs (Sarah manages the Salt Spring Island Cheese stand in the Hudson Market and Megan is a Behavior Interventionist at Little Steps Therapy Centre), they are up in the wee hours of the morning turning out artisan, hand-crafted, and nutritious cold pressed juices for Alchemy Juice. Since April, they have operated in the Victoria Public Market (Wednesdays 11-3), can be found at the Moss Street Market (Saturdays 10-2), and have quickly become a Victoria fixture drawing repeat and loyal customers to their humble juice bar. Influenced by the health-oriented culture of Australia and its abundance of fresh juice bars, Sarah felt the need to recreate the same healthy and nutritious food culture she had grown to love during her stay there. Through hard work and dedication, the two friends forged Alchemy Juice in early 2014 with the goal of offering healthy, fresh juices on the go.

Alchemy’s juices are made with a  “twin gear, masticating, Angel juicer”, which means that their juices remain “cold pressed”, or raw. The juice is not exposed to nutrient-destroying heat, and all of the fruits and veggies’ healthy enzymes are preserved. This process allows for a juice that “will last longer, with enhanced flavour, and nutritional benefits,” says Clinton-Baker. Alchemy Juice promises to use as many organic ingredients as possible (always with the “dirty dozen”) , while also supporting local farmers and using seasonal produce. Keeping in rhythm with local availability allows the flavour creations concocted by Clinton-Baker and Rollins to vary slightly from market to market while always being based around a similar flavour palate.

The day I visited them at The Hudson, they were serving up an array of juices including the classic beet, carrot, apple, and ginger; the summery watermelon, pineapple, and strawberry; and the good-for-you green juice of kale, rainbow chard, spinach, Bosc pear and lemon. Next I went for a visit to their Moss Street stall and swooned over a nourishing glass of carrot, orange, ginger, and turmeric juice.

Rollins and Clinton-Baker’s favourite moments so far have been seeing the happy faces of their customers, from grandparent to babies alike. Clinton-Baker says the most rewarding thing is to see “more people go outside of their comfort zone of flavour. Green juice can be life changing. It’s a healthy revolution spreading across all demographics and we’re just happy to be a part of it.”

Alchemy Juice

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook