Some Fruitful Pursuits

Typically, the lines are long, especially during lunchtime when every minute counts. But then it’s your turn at the counter.

Yessss!

That raspberry / papaya / banana / ginkgo biloba (said to boost one’s memory) libation is a swallow away.

Juice bars have become one of the hottest trends in the retail beverage trade, with California claiming more than any other state.

In Los Angeles, juices and smoothies--heaped with fruits, yogurt, sherbet, ice, protein powders, minerals and vitamins--have made for some very long menus.

These are the bestsellers at various juice joints in L.A.:

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Simply Wholesome, 4508 W. Slauson Ave.

Drink: The Green Machine

Contents: apple, pineapple, mango and kiwi juices; banana, broccoli, spinach; barley grass; wheat grass; blue-green algae, spirulina, chlorella (energy boosters); royal jelly; echinacea (an antioxidant); and garlic.

Stats: 16 ounces for $2.40; 140 calories; .5 fat grams.

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Erehwon Natural Foods, 7660 Beverly Blvd.

Drink: No names because customers select their own ingredients. The most popular combinations are carrots, celery, parsley and organic beets.

Stats: 12 ounces for $1.95 or 20 ounces for $3.25. Calories and fat grams depend on combination.

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Robeks Juice, 1301 Montana Ave., Santa Monica.

Drink: Venice Burner

Contents: Orange juice, peaches, bananas, pineapple sherbet, three metabolic supplements, citrin complex (fat burner), ginseng and ice.

Stats: 24 ounces for $3.95; 425 calories; 3 fat grams.

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Jamba Juice, 138 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

Drink: Jamba Powerboost

Contents: orange juice, strawberries, raspberries, banana, nonfat sorbet, ice and six “juice boosts” that include 18 vitamins, soybean, fiber, ginseng and ginkgo biloba, echinacea and several antioxidants.

Stats: 24 ounces for $3.95; 437 calories, 1.72 fat grams.