JUICE POWER

Pure Press Juicery Promotes Its Passion For A Healthy Lifestyle

Story And Photos By Angie Kay Dilmore

During a vacation to San Francisco, Hali Habetz and Jason Holder discovered the wonders of cold-pressed green juice. “I was hooked,” says Habetz.

The pair was so impressed with the concept of juicing, they researched the benefits and process of juicing and purchased a Norwalk Hydraulic Press for their home. “We bought the best juicer we could, just for ourselves, not really knowing where it would go. We just knew we wanted that in our lives,” she says.

They began drinking fresh-squeezed juice daily and marveled at the difference it made in their lives. They had more energy and their health improved. Soon they were making juice for friends and family.

Through word of mouth and social media, news got out about their delicious nutritious juices, so Habetz and Holder decided to start a business — Pure Press Juicery. “We feel Lake Charles needs more healthy options,” says Habetz.

That was a year and a half ago, and already, their products have a large local following. “People love it!” Habetz says.

Using only organic and mostly locally sourced produce such as kale, beets, apples, carrots, lemons, celery, peppers, pineapple, ginger, parsley and cilantro, the two currently press and bottle their juices at the Cash and Carry kitchen. They market the juice in Lake Charles at the Tuesday afternoon Cash and Carry Farmers’ Market, the Saturday morning Charlestown Farmers’ Market and every day at the Greenhouse Salad Company on Nelson Road.

Benefits Of Cold-Pressed Juice

In today’s world, people are busy. Juice can help when you don’t have time to cook a nutritious meal. Habetz and Holder pack a lot of nutrition into a small amount of juice. Each 12 ounce bottle of juice contains approximately 2 pounds of produce. That equals about eight servings of fruits and vegetables!

“It’s great for people on the go,” says Habetz. “We don’t always have time to prepare healthy meals. It’s also great for kids who don’t like to eat vegetables, but they like the juice. Juice can help them get the nutrition they need.”

Habetz and Holder also sell fresh coconuts served with a straw. The coconut water is refreshing and nutritious.

Pure Press Juices contain no fiber, so the nutrients are easily and quickly absorbed into the body because the digestive tract doesn’t have to break down the food. These juices are 100 percent organic. If Habetz and Holder need an ingredient and can’t find something that’s organic, they simply won’t make that juice. As much as possible, they buy ingredients from local farmers. But for produce that’s not locally grown, for example pineapples, they order from an organic wholesaler.

Juice expert Kristin Gorka getting ready to prep beets.

Pure Press Juices are raw, unpasteurized, and prepared to retain the maximum amount of nutrition. No sugars, preservatives or chemicals have been added.

Unique Flavor Combinations

Pure Press makes 11 enticing varieties of juice. When you take a sip of their Alligator Aid, made of pineapple, celery, bell pepper and cilantro, each individual flavor strikes your tongue simultaneously and makes your palate do a double take.

Pure Press Juices are not only delicious; they are also designed for specific health needs. The carrot and pineapple in the Good Morning juice improves skin and vision and reduces inflammation. Beet Drop (beet, apple and a hint of lemon) boosts energy, stamina and immunity. There are four varieties of green juice, the most popular being Kalebration, which is made with kale, apple and lemon. “It’s a sweet green juice — perfect for people new to green juice,” says Habetz.

Next Up For Pure Press

Habetz says she and Holder are ready for the next step in their business plan. They are in the process of switching from plastic to glass bottles. “Customers will be able to return their used glass bottles for our reuse, which will help the environment by reducing waste,” says Habetz. The two also want to find a storefront where they can sell their juices and answer customer questions every day.

“Our passion is to spread health,” says Habetz. “We found something great that has really benefited us. We know through our personal experience how it has changed our lives and we want to share it with everyone.”