How To Make Orange Juice - Oranges are one of the most versatile fruits out there, used in everything from salads and desserts to marinades and drinks. One of the most popular ways to enjoy oranges is by making fresh orange juice. Not only is it a great way to start your day, but drinking fresh orange juice is also a healthy and delicious way to meet your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Health Canada Advises Water Instead Of Orange Juice As Your Morning Drink
Why You Should Consider Drinking Water Instead of Orange Juice
While orange juice is a good source of vitamin C, drinking it every day might not be the best choice. Health Canada advises people to limit their consumption of beverages that are high in sugar, such as orange juice, and to opt for water as a healthier alternative.
Drinking water can help with weight management, digestion, and hydration. It's also calorie-free, sugar-free, and inexpensive compared to other beverages. If you want to add flavor to your water, try infusing it with fruits like oranges, lemons, or strawberries.
Citrus Juicing: Homemade Orange Juice
Why You Should Juice Your Own Oranges
Juicing your own oranges is a great way to ensure that you're drinking fresh and pure juice without any added sugar or preservatives. Store-bought orange juice often contains added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Homemade orange juice is also customizable – you can adjust the level of sweetness and acidity to your liking by using different varieties of oranges or adding other ingredients like ginger or mint. Plus, it's a fun and easy activity to do with friends or family.
How to Make Orange Juice (3 methods)
Method 1: Manual Juicer
If you have a manual juicer, like a handheld citrus squeezer or a countertop press, you can easily make fresh orange juice at home. Start by cutting your oranges in half, and then use the juicer to extract the juice from each half.
Be sure to remove any seeds or pulp from the juice before serving. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Method 2: Electric Juicer
If you have an electric juicer, making orange juice will be even easier. Simply cut your oranges into quarters, and then feed them through the juicer.
Most electric juicers will automatically separate the juice from the pulp and seeds, so you don't have to do any manual straining. Just like with manual juicing, you can store the juice in the fridge for up to three days.
Method 3: Blender
If you don't have a juicer, you can still make orange juice with a blender. Start by peeling and sectioning your oranges, and then blend them on high speed for about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to separate the juice from the pulp. You can add a little bit of water or sweetener to taste, and then store the juice in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips and Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas for making the perfect glass of orange juice:
- Choose ripe oranges that are heavy for their size and have smooth skin.
- Wash your oranges thoroughly before juicing them.
- Experiment with different varieties of oranges, like blood oranges or navel oranges, for different flavors and colors.
- Add other fruits or herbs to your orange juice, like grapefruit, lemon, mint, or ginger, for added flavor and health benefits.
- Store your leftover orange peels in the freezer, and use them to make zest or homemade orange peel tea.
Conclusion
Drinking orange juice is a great way to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of oranges. Whether you prefer to juice your oranges manually, with an electric juicer, or in a blender, making your own orange juice at home is an easy and rewarding task. Remember to choose ripe, quality oranges, and to experiment with different flavor combinations to find the perfect glass of orange juice for you.
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