By Maggie Cowee
For Renoites who have a hard time eating their daily five servings of fruits and vegetables, Great Basin Community Food Cooperative (GBFC) is working to make things easier.
This week GBFC launched the soft opening of their new juice bar, serving freshly-made juices, smoothies and tonics with an emphasis on organic and locally-sourced ingredients.
While still in recipe-testing mode GBFC staff are enjoying the flavorful opportunities provided by the area’s peak growing season, mixing up concoctions that include cucumbers and watermelon from Nevada FreshPak, basil from Mewaldt Organics, melons from Lattin Farms and dino kale from Avanzino Farms, with other local produce on the way.
In addition to giving customers a tasty new outlet for veggie consumption, the potential economic benefits of the juice bar are substantial: not only is this a new market for local farmers, but it provides them a sales outlet for less-than-premium product.
“We are looking forward to purchasing B grade or ugly fruits and vegetables,” Zach Cannady, Produce and Juice Bar Manager, said. Because they are being juiced and blended, the fruits and veggies used at the juice bar don’t need to meet the appearance and quality standards seen at the farmers market or on grocery store shelves. This adds value to local products which “Farmers might not have a market for otherwise,” Cannady said.
The next phase of the juice bar will be 1- to 2-ounce shots of tonics with specific health purposes, including tart cherry turmeric, ginger apple cider vinegar, and psyllium husk bentonite clay. Pre-made juices crafted fresh each day are available in the co-op’s prepared food section starting at $2.99 for a 16-ounce juice served in a Ball jar. The price range depends on ingredients and seasonal availability, and is based on a sustainable approach to menu planning.
“We provide a conscious menu that reflects the cost of the products and a business plan that supports longevity,” Cannady said. This system allows GBFC to offer a fair market price to producers as well.
The grand opening of the juice bar is September 19, coinciding with the GBFC’s tenth anniversary party. In the meantime, juice and smoothie lovers can get their fix and offer feedback and recipe ideas during regular business hours from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. 240 Court St. Reno. (775) 324-6133.
