Orange juice freshly squeezed is a healthy drink that’s refreshing and high in Vitamin C. It is also a great immunity booster, especially when made at home with a citrus press. Make this drink for breakfast, brunch or a light snack. It pairs well with a stack of pancakes, waffles or even savory foods like this filling egg-free frittata or a side of carrot bacon.
Freshly squeezed orange juice has a bright citrus flavor and can be served as a snack or as the base of a beverage, like a smoothie. It also makes a nice addition to many drinks, including cocktails and mocktails. Orange juice is high in dietary fiber, which helps your body digest food and absorb nutrients. It also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as folate and potassium.
It has a low glycemic index, meaning that it is not as quickly absorbed into the bloodstream as other beverages and foods that are higher in sugar. This is important if you are following a diabetic diet, or have other health concerns where consuming too much sugar is a concern.
The sugar in orange juice is a natural sweetener that provides energy to cells and promotes normal metabolism. It is also a source of a mineral, potassium, which plays a role in heart and muscle function. A cup of orange juice provides about 112 calories.
In addition to being a source of vitamin C, oranges are also rich in flavonoids and other phytochemicals, which have antioxidant properties. These plant compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. One cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice supplies more than 140% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, as well as a good amount of folate and potassium (table).
When making orange juice at home, the best way to get the most out of the citrus is by using a manual citrus press. This tool will remove the peel and separate the pulp from the seeds for a smoother juice. It is easy to use and will only take a few minutes to complete the process. If you don’t have a citrus press, you can also use a hand held juicer or a simple lemon reamer.
Store bought orange juice is typically pasteurized, which means it has been heated and processed to protect the juice from spoiling. This is why the taste of store bought juice can be so consistent. However, homemade orange juice will vary in flavor depending on the oranges used to make it.
The acid in oranges can cause the juice to turn bitter over time, if it is not consumed right away. To avoid this, it is best to consume fresh squeezed orange juice immediately after it is made. When making orange juice at home, be sure to wash the rinds before using them and to scrub the insides with salt before juicing. The salt helps to eliminate any bacteria on the surface of the orange and also draws out some of the bitterness. orangensaft rezept