Natural Animal Care Zoom Class – Life with Healthy Happy Pooch
Since I was a child I was interested in various things and I felt that I was connected with animals, plants, and nature. As I grew up some of my passion and interest changed, but I have not changed love for dogs, cats, nature, and plants.
I have been living with multiple dogs and cats family for over 30 years. My passion for them is to raise them a healthy and happy life and offer them safe environments.
I have raised 15 dogs, six cats, and three service dogs so far.
I had ovarian cancer and was not able to get pregnant. After I healed ovarian cancer in 1993 with holistic ways and plant-based food. When my oldest dog, Sakura that time got arthritis and skin issues and did not get better with western medicines I found it logical to apply holistic healing and natural foods to her. She was 12 years old and we did not think she was going to walk again, but using holistic medicine and natural home-made food helped her. She started to walk again and recovered from her skin problem. When I saw her health got better, she really taught me that natural healing food and holistic modalities work for dogs too. So I started to make home-made natural food for my other dog and cat family. Sakura continued to walk and was able to enjoy her short hiking, lived till 16 years old, and passed in her sleep peacefully.
I took natural animal nutrition classes and animal behavior classes to learn about them. Also, have learned animal communication, Animal reiki and Bach Flower for animals, etc.
My dog and cat family have been eating homemade food since 1995. The food is organic, natural plant-based food (cats eat fish combinations), and they all have thrived and live a healthy happy life.
I have been practicing what I have learned for my own animal kids and my dogs have lived 12~16 years old and they have passed peacefully in their sleep.
My cats, Key-chain lived till 20 years old and Mai lived till 19 years old.
When they got old and have had health conditions, I have apply always holistic medicine and natural remedy first which most of the condition got better and change foods to be more healing foods.
I also apply animal reiki, massage, communication, moxibustion, and Bach Flower Remedy to help them during healing time to recover.
I have been offering my knowledge and experiences for rescued animals at the “A Purposeful Rescue” group as a volunteer.
I am offering Natural Animal Care, Healthy Happy Pooch Zoom class on Aug. 2, 2020.
at 8 am (Pacific time) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3706191853
at 11 am (Pacific time) Www.youtube.com/c/ChefAJ
If you missed these times, you can watch them on Youtube
This class will focus on homemade natural dog-nutritious food and treats from one of my books, Healthy Happy Pooch, to help dogs to live a healthy happy life and thrive.
I also will talk about healing modalities that help animals (not only dogs) and people.
Here the recipes I am going to demo at my Zoom class:
Homemade dog meal (for adult dog 60 lbs)
3 1/2 cup Well-cooked Bean (pinto, black beans or lentil)
1/5 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup Well-cooked Brown rice
1/2 cup squash, cubes
1/2 cup kale, chopped
6 dried shiitake mushrooms
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tsp alfalfa leaves or powder
1/2 g kelp powder
1,500 mg Vitamin C powder
1 tsp flax seeds powder
1 tsp hemp seeds powder
18 g Vegedog supplement
2 1/4 tsp nutritional yeast
250 mg Choline
500 mg Methionine
Macronutrient distribution as a percentage of calories:
Protein 19.4%
Carbohydrates 70.1%
Fat 10.6%
Calories per kg = 1100
Calories per cup = 248
Photo: Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Cookies
Sweet Potato Cookies
(Makes about 70 cookies using 2 1/4 inch x 1-inch cookie cutter)
1 organic sweet potato (about 12oz)
1/4 cup organic unsweetened applesauce
2 1/2 cup organic whole-wheat flour
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Peel sweet potato, sliced in 1/2 inch pieces and steam or 15~20 minutes.
- Mash the sweet potato with a fork or potato masher and transfer to a large bowl.
- Mix together whole wheat flour and applesauce into the large bowl and then add the sweet potato and blend until dough forms. Place dough on a well-floured surface and roll out until about 1/2-inch thick. Cut out shales using cookies cutter or cut dough into squares with a knife. Place cookies on an undressed backing sheet.
- Bake until crisp, 35~45 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and continued cooling completely on a wire rack.
Chia Seed Pudding
(Makes 2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoon organic chia seed
1 cup purified water or 1/2 cup purified water and 1/2 cup apple juice or almond milk (if your dog has weight issues then just use purified water)
- In a bowl, add the chia seeds to the liquid, and whisk them with a fork or whisk.
- After a few minutes, you will need to whisk the gel again to make sure seeds don’t clump together at the bottom of the bowl.
- Let stand for 10~15 minutes, allowing the seeds to absorb the liquid. Now the chia seed pudding is ready.
- Let your dog lick from the spoon, or add the pudding to a meal.
Love, Sanae ❤️
手作り漬物クラス
ワォー、最後にクッキングクラスを教えてのはもう３年前になってしまった。
２０年以上もクッキングクラスをしていて、
人気のあったクッキングクラスの一つは漬物クラス。
どうして漬物クラスが人気があったか？
それは市販で売っている漬物には添加物が入っていたりほとんどの漬物には精製されたお砂糖まで入ってる。
その上、オーガニックの食材を使った漬物はあまり見かけないし、あったとしたらとても高価なのでおうちで自分で作った方が安全で美味しい漬物を作るのが好まれてる。
それと漬物には健康利点が多い。
食物繊維が多く、消化作用を助け、健康によい微生物の成長を促進しビタミンが豊富。
その上、ステップにそって作れば簡単に手作り漬物は作れる。
２０１７年の春に新しい漬物のクラスをする事になっていたのを自分の体調を癒すためにキャンセルしないといけなくなった。
それから何回かまた漬物のクラスをするのかと問い合わせがありました。
その度にいつか出来るといいなと思ってます。と答えていました。
時間はかかりましたが身体も精神も健康になって
今回やっとまた漬物クラスをしますと言える事に幸せを感じます。
イスラエルでホールヘルスマクロビオティックフォラムのオンライン無料セミナーを主催しているギナットとシェルドンライスに講師として招待していただいて大変感謝してます。
７月１日（水）
イスラエル時間の午後７〜７時４５分
（カリフォルニア時間の午前９〜９時４５分／日本時間の午前１〜１時４５分）
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3706191853.
放映された後, Youtube で見る事が出来るようになっています。
Youtube リンクはhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0N9IVedOlw です。
英語ですが時間があれば ぜひ見て下さい。
そしてぜひ一緒に漬物を作りましょう。
材料は下記のような物を使います。
たたききゅうりの梅干し漬け
材料：
日本のキュウリ３〜４本
梅干し ３〜４つ
白菜の５つの風味漬物
材料：
白菜 １／４ （２５０g／０．５ポンド）
海塩 大さじ１杯
赤ラディッシュ ４〜５ （１００g）
ネギ（緑の部分）２０g
生姜 １０〜１５g
すりりんご １個 （１００g）
昆布 ５g （細く切る）
人参の味噌漬け
材料：
人参
味噌
ガラスの瓶の大きさによって人参と味噌の量が変わる）
ガラスの瓶 １つ
手作り漬物クラスを楽しんで下さい！
愛を込めて
Sanae ❤️
Homemade Pickles Class
Wow, it has been three years since I taught my cooking class.
I was teaching plant-based macrobiotic cooking classes for over 20 years; one of the popular cooking classes was “Homemade Pickles”.
Why homemade pickles are a popular class because many pickles that you buy in the stores are made with preservatives and have even refined sugar.
Also, not easy to find organic ingredients pickles, and if you find ones they are pretty costly, so it is better to make at home.
Another big reason everyone loves pickles because there are lots of health benefits; it helps digestion, vitamins, fiber, and probiotic cultures, and it is easy to make if you follow steps!
I was scheduled to teach another Pickles class in spring 2017, but I had to cancel it.
I had to stop working completely to heal myself.
Since then, I was asked if I am going to teach how to make pickles again many times.
So my answer was, “I hope so.”
I am happy to let you know that my answer is now…
“Yes, I am teaching how to make pickles again!”
I am well now physically and emotionally.
I appreciate Ginat and Sheldon Rice to asked me to teach at their Whole Health Macrobiotic Forum-A Free Online Zoom Seminar.
July 1, Wed. 7 ~ 7:45 pm Israel time (California time 9 ~9:45 am PST).
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3706191853.
It recoded and showing on Youtube after the live zoom.
The YouTube link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0N9IVedOlw
I hope you can watch and let’s make homemade pickles together!
Here are what pickles I am making and the ingredients so you can try to make delicious pickles with me.
Pounded Cucumber with Umeboshi Plums Pickle
Ingredients:
3~4 Cucumbers (Japanese or Mediterranean kind with no or fewer seeds)
3~4 Umeboshi plums
Nappa Cabbage with Five Flavors Pickle
Ingredients:
1/4 Nappa cabbage (about 1/2 lb = 250g)
1 Tablespoon Sea salt (about 15g =6 % of the weight of Nappa cabbage)
4~5 Red Radishes (about 100g = 1/4 lbs)
20 g Scallion (about 3~5 green part)
10~15 g Ginger (about one tablespoon)
5 g Kombu (thinly cut or sliced)
100g Apple, grated (about one apple)
Carrot Miso Pickle
Ingredients:
Carrot
Miso
(Quantity of Carrot and Miso depend on the size of glass jar)
One glass jar
I hope you enjoy this class and see you soon!
Love,
Sanae ❤️
私の新しく生きていく道
自分が感じたことなどを書く事は私にとって心とつながりになる。
なのに１年以上、書けないでいた。
チャレンジがあると小さい頃から何らかの形でジャーナル（日記）を書いていた。
２０１７年（平成２９年）の春にびまん性大細胞型Ｂ細胞性非ホジキンリンパ腫肝臓ステージ４と診断と余命１ヶ月もないとドクターに宣告を受けてショックだった。
（この事は３年前のブログ余命１ヶ月もない！に書きました。）
今まで通りのホリスティック療法、マクロビオティック食養だけでは癌の進行が早過ぎて時間的に間に合わずキモセラピー（ガン化学療法）を受けて自分の命を救う事を決心。肝臓の痛みは耐えられないほどにまでなって、ただ目を閉じて呼吸をして横たわるのが精一杯の日々が続いた。眠れない夜、気力がある時は横になったままブログを書いてニュースレターを送った。
そうする事で友人やサポートしてくれている人たちと絆を繋げていた。
書く事で寂しさと恐怖から自分の心を守ってもいたようだ。
６回目のキモセラピー（ガン化学療法）が無事終わって少しづつ肉体的に回復し始め、自分でお茶を入れたり少し日常の事をやれるようになった。それからお洗濯やお部屋のお掃除とか肉体を使う家事をやるようになって書く時間がだんだん無くしてしまったようだ。
インスタグラムやファイスブックではちょっとしたことを投稿しているが、自分が思った事やした事をブログに心を込めて書いて、気にいった自分の写真と一緒に時間をかけてニュースレターなどを制作して送る事が好きだと気がついた。
ブログやニュースレターを書かなくなった理由はいろいろあるが、理由がなんであろうとまた書きたいという気持ちはあって毎日、書くことを考えていた。書けるようになる新しい道を探していた。何も考えずにサッと書ければ良かったのだが私には何か切っ掛けが必要だった。
サンタモニカカッレジエメレタスのアートのクラスをリンパ腫ガンになる前にいくつか受けていた。キモセラピー（ガン化学療法）が終わってから１年くらいして体力と気力を取り戻してから、またカリグラフィーのアートクラスを受講し直した。
クラスでは無理なく出来る事だけをして、真剣にしない楽しむカリグラフィーを目指していた。
昨年末、春にある生徒のアート展覧会に私のアートワークを提出する機会を知らされた。アート展覧会に自分の作品を提出したことはなかったが、締め切りは２月という事だったので私のアートが選択されるかどうかはわからなくてもカリグラフィーのアート作品に挑みたいと思った。
でもその頃丁度、心的外傷後ストレス障害（PTSD：子供の頃の虐待、虐め、臨死体験車の事故など)が再発していてとっても難関時期だった。心的外傷後ストレス障害の症状が出るとやってみたいと思う事と実際にやれる事が違っていた。普段からでも何でもやる事に時間が私はかかる亀。心的外傷後ストレス障害が酷くなると眠れない夜が続いて悪夢を見る、殆ど何も出来ない状態になって外出は出来なくなり、話す事も出来なくなる。その上、よく泣いてムーディーになって集中力がなくなる。
写真：犬息子のレオと一緒
そんな状態になって自分自身にガッカリしてアート作品を作成するのを諦めようとした時、動物家族、特に一番年長の犬息子、レオが私の気持ちを支えてくれた。レオは鼻腔ガンに１年以上も前になっていて前庭疾患症状にもなっていて自分では歩けないでいた。なのに私がこのアート作品を作成するとアートルームに来て私が納得いく作品が出来るまで一緒に毎回いてくれた。そのお陰でアート展示会に提出する作品が締め切りまでに完成。展示会に選ばれるかどうかはわかりませんでしたが最終的には楽しく作品に挑めてレオと一緒に過ごせた時間に感謝。
フレームを特別に作ってもらってアート作品を提出した時、レオは微笑んで「マミー良く出来たね。」と言ってくれました。
写真：GRAYHORSE PICTURE FRAMINGのキースさんとhttp://www.grayhorsepictureframing.com
３週間後、私のアート作品が展示会に選ばれたと知らされて、ワクワクした喜びをレオに知らせたら、彼は「もう知ってたよ。」と言って喜んでくれました。
アート展示会に選ばれた事で大きなアイデアを思いつき、私がキモセラピー（ガン化学療法）をしていた時からずっとサポートして下さっている人たちで来れそうな人達を４月にあるアート展示会のオープンニングレセプションに招待するプランを立て始めた。
ワクワク計画を立てている最中に世界中がコロナウイルス感染になってアート展示会はキャンセルされてしまった。
サポートして下さった方々に来ていただいて『ありがとうございました。』と直にお礼をしたかった私の大きなアイデアは消えてしまったのだ。
コロナウイルス感染爆発で世界中のたくさんの方達が亡くなって、大勢の人が現在もコロナウイルスに感染して回復する為に戦っている。こんな困難な状態の中で新たなる問題が起こりこのアメリカも変わらなくてはいけない状況にこの２ヶ月ほど直面している。沢山の人たちが講義のデモに参加してその後、暴動、強奪が起こって異常な社会不適応のノーマルな時代から新しいノーマルな時代を作ろうとしているのをテレビで見た。
私もみんなの為に何か出来ればと強く思ったが、今の私にとっては社会距離拡大戦略で自宅待機して自分の健康管理をきちんとしてして健康で安全でいる事。これが私にとって貢献できる事。そしてこれが私の新しいノーマルな生き方だとあらためて実感。
レオは５月２４日に眠っている間に安らかに天命した。
彼の肉体の存在が無くなってやっぱり悲しい。
でも彼は生命を全うする事、そしてたくさんの事を私に教えてくれた。
「マミーそのままでいいんだよ。」そのままと言うのは時によっては短気になったり、エキサイトしたり、疲れたり、悲しかったり、心配したりもする事なんだよ。それでいいんだよ、だってマミーの心の奥ははどんな事があっても幸せで満足してるだから。
レオが出発してから間もなくして、アート展示会はオンラインで行われる事になったとサンタモニカカッレジエメレタスから手紙が届いた。オンラインですると言うことはアート展示会に来れる人だけではなくて誰でもみんなが私のアート作品：新しく生きていく道を観れると言う事。
ワォー、凄い！ レオちゃんの仕業だ。
下記がオンラインアート展示会のリンクとインフォです。
ズームのライブのイベントレコーディングはこちらから:
Launch Event for Emeritus Student Art Exhibition 2020 Online
今回のアート展に選ばれたアーティストの作品はこちらから: Emeritus Student Art Exhibition 2020 Online
もし、オンラインで観られない方は私のアート作品の詳細と写真のクロースアップは下記です。
写真: 水彩の蓮根版画
タイトル：私の新しく生きていく道
蓮根の水彩版画とオリジナル俳句の墨インクのカリグラフィー
見た目はシンプルで地味なアートですが控えめで落ち着いた禅精神的な気持ちを感じていただけたら幸いです。
サイズは14インチh x 11インチw x 3/4インチd
フレームは枠が白カバでリネン生地を使いました。(一番下の写真でフレームが見えます）
字体はアキム（アキムはドイツのカリグラファー、彫刻家、音楽家のハンズジョアキムバーゲルト氏がクリエイトしたもの。優しく愛らしい字体は人間のハートリズムを再現したものと言われている。）初めはアキムがどのように作られたかは知りませんでしたが、書いていると自分にとても馴染んでアキムは大好きな字体になった。それでこのホームページのカバーと名刺などにも使ってる字体です。
俳句は私も含めてみなさんが生きがいを持って新しく生きていく道（新しいノーマル）を見つけると言う願いで書きました。
写真: オリジナル俳句と字体はアキム
またこうしてブログが書ける切っ掛けを作ってくれたレオに感謝しながら久しぶりのこのブログを書き終わろうとしていたら。。。
エッ、ちょっと待てよ。
今メールがサンタモニカカッレジエメレタスのアート展示会を幹事しているジェシーベンソンさんからメールが届いてる。
信じられな～い。
何回も読んで、やっと内容把握。
オンラインアート展示会のライブオープニングレセプション６月２５日(木）に私のアートについてインタビューしたいと書いてある。
今回は９０人以上の生徒さんが選ばれて１６１作品（一人二つまで提出可能）のアート展示会。
数人の生徒だけをインタビューするのは聞いてたけど私がインタビューされるなんて思ってもいなかったから、ビックリ。
本当に私のアートについてインタビュー？
でも驚く事に本当に私のアート作品がを選択されたみたい。
レオがまた手助けしてくれたのかも。
写真: フレームを作っていただいて完成した「私の生きていく道」
正直言ってなるべくたくさんの人に私のアートを見てもらいたい。
アートが病気のリカバリーを助けてくれてるひとつなのだから。
是非、みなさんオンラインアート展示会を見て下さい！
このアート作品の題にもした「私の新しく生きていく道」に感謝を込めながら１年ぶりで久しぶりに書けたブログを終えます。
心からありがとうございます。
ラブ、草千❤️
My New Path…
Writing makes me feel most connected with my soul.
But I was not able to write for over one year.
When I was going through challenging times, I usually write my journals.
After I was diagnosed with only weeks live with Stage IV Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin of the liver in the spring of 2017.
(I wrote about it on https://sanaesuzuki.com/2017/06/08/only-weeks-to-live/)
Holistic medicine and macrobiotic healing foods were not helping to shrink cancer as before because the cancer was spreading too fast. Hence, I decided to take chemotherapy to save my life. The pain of the liver got worst, and I was not able to bear. All I could do was closing my eyes, breathing, and lying down every day. The nights I could not sleep, I just laid and wrote often and posted my blogs and sent newsletters to link in with my friends and people who were supporting me. The writing was also a way to protect me from my loneliness and fear.
After completed six cycles of chemotherapy, I was getting better physically slowly, and I started to do a few things that I could not do while I was in chemo. Then, I did more and more physical work, and I lost the time to write.
I have been posting Instagram and Facebook with short descriptions, but I love writing with detail.
I realized that taking the time to write how I feel and what I do and share my photos carefully is my style, so writing a blog and send newsletter was something I enjoy.
There are many reasons I lost touch with writing my blog and sending newsletters.
Whatever the reason I have had, I just wanted to get it back on again and looking for my new path. I wish I could pick up where I left without any reservation, but in my case, I needed motivation.
I have been taking art classes from Santa Monica College Emeritus off and on for a while. It took time after all the chemotherapy treatments, but when I got the strength back, I went back to retake Calligraphy class. I just did what I could, so mostly nothing serious, and just for fun.
At the end of the last year, I found out that I may be able to enter my artwork for the Student Art Exhibition. The exhibition was for spring 2020, and the due date was February 2020, so I wanted to try it even my artwork was chosen or not.
But I was going through another challenging time of PTSD (PTSD from my childhood and also near-death car crash, etc. ) at the beginning of the year, so I did not think I could put together my artwork. I am a turtle, so I am not a fast pace person to do anything. I need a decent time and focus for me to finish my artwork.
When I get PTSD, I have nightmares, and I am not able to do much nor go out nor talk to people. I also cry and get moody a lot and not able to focus.
Photo: with my dog son, Leo
I was feeling disappointed at myself, and I was just about giving up on my artwork; I got lots of love support from my animal family, especially from Leo, who was one of my dog sons.
He had health conditions of nasal cancer for more than one year and also vestibular disease condition, which caused him not able to get up his own. Still, when I worked on my artwork, he wanted to be with me in my art room and stayed until I was satisfied to finish my artwork each time. That is how I was able to complete my artwork and submit it on time. I was not sure it was good enough for the Student Art Exhibition, but it did not matter because, in the end, I had fun creating and spend time with Leo. When I sent my artwork with an original frame I have asked to make. Leo smiled at me and he said, “Mommy, good job!”.
Photo: with Keith of GRAYHORSE PICTURE FRAMING http://www.grayhorsepictureframing.com
Three weeks later, I found out that they chose my artwork. I was very thrilled and told Leo that because of him, my artwork would be at the Exhibition.
He said that he already knew it and he was delighted.
I got a big idea of making a plan to invite everyone who supported me for my recovery if they could come to the Student Art Exhibition opening reception in April.
I was so excited, but the pandemic happened, and the exhibition got cancel.
My big idea of seeing some of you in person and able to say “Thank you!” directly did not work.
I understand that so many people died and got sick. Coronavirus pandemic has not solved yet, and still many people are going through so many challenges, and many other issues are coming to must change the last few months.
Many people are standing up valuable to move the country and the world toward a new normal a future better than the old dysfunctional “normal.”
I wish I could do more to help others, but my focus is to do my best to take care of myself to stay healthy and safe right now, and this is my contribution to others, and this is my new normal.
Leo departed on May 24th peacefully in his sleep.
I miss him a lot.
He taught me so much how to fulfill life, and he told me that “Mammy, just be,” which sometimes means being irritable, exciting, tired, sad, and worry.
It is all good because they are all of you, and deep down inside, you are happy and content no matter what.
He is continuously teaching me.
Soon after his departure, I received a letter about Santa Monica College Emeritus Student Art Exhibition will be Online.
Online means not only people who can come to the exhibition but anybody from all over the world can see my artwork and see my new path.
Wow!
I think Leo did it.
Emeritus art exhibition online. 150+ artworks on view by Emeritus students.
A live Zoom Launch Event — hosted by Emeritus Associate Dean Dr. Scott Silverman and Emeritus Gallery Curator Jesse Benson — was recorded when it was held on June 25.
Here are a link and info on how to see my artwork.
View the recorded Zoom event: Launch Event for Emeritus Student Art Exhibition 2020 Online
View Artwork and Artists: Emeritus Student Art Exhibition 2020 Online
In case you are not able to see this Online Exhibition, here is a photo of my artwork close up and detail.
Photo: Watercolor Hanga with lotus root
Title: My New Path
Medium: Watercolor and Sumi Ink
Size: 14″h x 11″w x 3/4″d
The frame is white birch and linen material (you see the bottom photo).
It is a simple watercolor of Hanga print with lotus root and Sumi ink calligraphy with my haiku poem. My aiming was “Zen modest state to find a new path to move forward”
Photo: my haiku poem with Skim letters
The letter of calligraphy style is Akim.
(Akim is created by German calligrapher, sculptor, and musician, Hans-Joachim Burgert. This lovely, gentle hand that is said to replicate the rhythm of the human heart) I did not know how Akim was created at first when I started to use it for my calligraphy, but I felt so familiar and it is my favorite calligraphy letter. So I have been using it for my website cover and business card, etc.
I wrote this Haiku Poem for me and everyone to thrive and live a new path (new normal).
I hope you enjoy it and find your new path.
I am grateful to Leo, who gave me the motivation to start writing again.
Wait,
as I was just finishing writing this blog, I received an email from Santa Monica College Emeritus Student Art Exhibition organizer, Jesse Benson.
I can’t believe it.
I had to read a few times to understand the detail: he was asking me to speak at the Online Art Exhibition Opening Reception about my artwork on Thursday, June 25th.
There are over 90 artists and 161 artworks (students can submit up to 2 artworks) in the show.
I heard they only asked a few people to speak.
Is it true they choose me to speak about my artwork?
Amazingly, they want to hear what I did.
Leo must help me again.
Photo: Complete my artwork of “My New Path” with the frame
Now I honestly want everyone to see my artwork; art is one of healing therapy that has been helping me to recover.
Please watch the Online Art Exhibition reception.
I want to finish writing my blog that I was able to finally write after over one year with gratitude for “My New Path!”
I am grateful, thank you from my heart!
Love,
Sanae ❤️
Red Shiso Juice – Delicious Summer Remedy Drink for Health
When I visited Japan in April this year I had a chance to try Red Shiso juice for the first time.
The taste was much milder than I expected and refreshing!
I love it so much so I wanted to make my own.
When I was growing up in Japan my mother used Red Shiso leaves for making pickles of umeplums and ginger, but she never made as juice so I never taste it till this time.
I only have read Red Shiso makes delicious juice and many benefits for examples: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, high levels of rosmarinic acid which stops bacteria growth, high in minerals, iron, calcium, Vitamin B1and β-carotene (10 X more than that of pumpkin), helping for summer lethargy, improves immune function, allergy, blood pressures, aging spots, etc.
So I was very happy that I was able to try this time.
I thought about it as making for a cooling summer remedy drink!
I really wanted to make it my own this summer, but had a difficult time growing Red Shiso leaves every summer.
Also, I broke my left knee after I came back from Japan while I was hiking with my dogs. I had to put my left knee above my heart so I was lyaing down most of the time. I had to grow seeds that I planted this spring in pots so I could move them where I could reach to water from my wheelchair.
I transplanted all of them into one-gallon pots and put them the east side of my house on the deck instead of the southside on the ground.
Red Shiso I grew this year by watering from my wheelchair.
I thought they grew better with much sunlight, but I found out that they did grew much better with morning sunlight to till 2 pm.
I had so much red shiso and green shiso grew successfully this summer so my wish of making Red Shiso Juice came reality even I was in my wheelchair.
Cut my shiso leaves and put into the basket before I clean and wash them.
I found a green insect who was enjoying my red shiso when I cut leaves. I let him go back to the garden.
I had four of cute volunteers to make Red Shiso Juice!
Soaking red shiso in the water.
Shiso has natural preservative qualities and can be kept as a concentrate for making drinks in the refrigerator for months.
You can also freeze the Shiso juice concentrate to enjoy an anti-inflammatory drink all winter – I like to add warm water in the winter.
Here is my recipe for Red Shiso Juice. (I do not know why it is called “Red Shiso Juice” because it is made like a tea.
Red Shiso Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g (about 10 oz) red shiso leaves
- 2000 ml (about 8 cups) spring water
- 150~600 g (about 5~20oz) beet sugar (Option)
- 3~5 tbs lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare shiso leaves; cut leaves if you are growing your own shiso plant, and wash and trim the stems from shiso leaves. You might find an insect just like me.
2. Wash shiso leaves with water and cleans them carefully. Soak them in a bowl for 15 min.
3. Bring 2000ml water into a large saucepan, add the prepared and washed shiso leaves, and bring to boil.
4. Turn the heat down to low heat and cook the shiso leaves for about 5 minutes. The leaves’ color will change from purple to greenish color.
5. Drain the shiso leaves with a strainer and squeeze the leaves to extract as much as possible. It is hot, so be careful not to burn your finger; I used a wooden spoon to extract all liquid.
6. Place the drained liquid back into the saucepan and bring it to simmer.
7. Add the beet sugar, and turn the heat off when the sugar has dissolved and add lemon juice. The color changes to a beautiful red.
8. Cool it down and transfer to a sterilized glass container and keep it in the refrigerator, which lasts about 6 months.
9. To make shiso juice, place 1-2 tbs of the syrup and pour about 200 ml of cold mineral or sparkling water. I usually do not put ice cubes, but If you like, you can add ice cubes.
Putting in the sterilized glass container after cooling.
Notes
You can use rice syrup or maple syrup instead of beet sugar.
Shiso is Japanese herbs, the botanical name is Perilla frutescens and I have seen the name as beefsteak plant here in America. Shiso comes usually in red (purple-leaved) and green-leaved.
Most of us seen green ones in Japanese restaurants.
Most of us seen green ones in Japanese restaurants.
If you are not growing your own red shiso leaves, you find at Japanese market around July and August.
As I am writing I am enjoying drinking Red Shiso drink now so refreshing and relaxing for me!
This is the one I am drinking with a lemon slice and red shiso leaves together!
Hope you enjoy making and taste the summer!
Love, Sanae 💖