Post by Emily of Paris Paysanne

Whether you’re looking to compensate for overindulgences during your vacation or just get yourself in fine form for la rentrée, the end of summer is a great time to treat yourself to a detox. The open-air markets of Paris are a perfect spot to pick up fresh and flavorful ingredients for cleansing juices, soups, and salads. Emily Dilling Poulain who writes for Paris Paysanne, has been exploring many of the city’s markets in search of fresh and locally grown produce. Here are some of her favorite spots to stock up on healthy whole foods for a detoxifying diet:

Marché Bio des Batignolles– this market is full of certified organic fruits and vegetables. Eating organic whole foods is key to making sure your detox is extra toxin-free- no use making a detoxifying smoothie with pesticide soaked produce, right? Start your day at the market with a shot of freshly pressed wheatgrass juice from Hermione Boehrer‘s market stand. This will give you the energy to fill your market basket with luscious seasonal produce. In late summer months, stop to see the blueberry man who sells crates of antioxidant packed farm fresh blueberries.

Marché Couvert Batignolles– not far from the organic market, you’ll find the Batignolles covered market. While not much to look at from the outside, this marché is home to a diamond in the rough- vegan restaurant and smoothie purveyor My Kitch’n. Here you will find an entire menu full of delicious meal options, all aimed at detoxifying and creating balance within the body. Founder Jennifer Eric knows her stuff and is happy to advise on how to create a daily diet that will leave you feeling healthy and toxin free!

Marché Président Wilson– Beets are a detox staple due to their benefits in cleansing the blood and purifying the body and nobody knows root vegetables better than Joël Thiébault. A master of hard-to-find and forgotten vegetable varieties, Joël’s selection of different beet varieties ensures that you won’t suffer from beet burn as you binge on this inexpensive super food. Also check out his selection of liver-cleansing black radish as well as carrots, spinach, and celery just begging to be made into juice.

Marché Belleville & Marché Barbes– Herbs and Spices are also essential to a detox diet. Peppermint functions as a natural diet suppressor and parsley is packed full of iron that is crucial to a plant-based diet. Spices such as cayenne and turmeric also help in the elimination of toxins. My go to addresses when it comes to herbs and spices are Paris more diverse markets, such as Marché Belleville and Marché Barbès. At these markets you can find bursting bouquets of mint, parsley, coriander, and basil for as little as 40 centimes per bunch. Pyramids of spices are also on offer, to be bought bulk and used to spice up your detox day!

Marché Raspail -A detox day usually starts with a glass of warm lemon water. It is important to use organic lemons to avoid ingesting the pesticides that otherwise soak into the citrus skin. Marché Raspail is another one of Paris’ organic markets where you’ll find only natural ingredients. Pick up a few lemons while there and don’t forget to visit Eric and Martial Refour’s stand- where you will find over a dozen varieties of apples that rotate given the season, these friendly vendors can help you find the perfect variety to make into a fresh pressed juice.

To get you started, Jennifer from My Kitch’n was kind enough to share a recipe for a simple detox breakfast smoothie:

My Kitch’n Breakfast Smoothie

Handful baby spinach or kale

Handful arugula

1-2 stems of celery

1 apple or 1/2 cup watermelon (which ever is in season)

1 – 2 teaspoons of spirulina

1 – 2 dates to soften the veggie flavor if you are not used to the taste of green smoothies (your tastebuds will adjust in a few days).

This is enough but you can also add a piece of fresh ginger and a lemon, for added detox and flavor, but the above is enough.

Blend together and you’re ready to go!

Wishing you all a happy rentrée and a healthy and non-toxic year- see you at the marché!

If you’re interested in learning more about Paris markets visit Paris Paysanne’s facebook page or follow her on twitter !