Woo Hoo! Another healthy Orange juice post. Don’t have a citrus juicer? No problem, you can make orange juice in a blender too. This method is both healthy, quick, and delicious. Juice oranges guilt-free without losing the fiber.
I recently posted juices on my Instagram stories and many followers were skeptical about juices as they cut fiber and you end up consuming too much sugar. While this is true that eating fruits is healthier than juicing fruits. This is also true that many people find it difficult to add raw fruit to their diet and juice comes in handy in getting essential nutrients.
Besides, while many are struggling with weight gain issues you can’t deny many suffer from underweight issues too. Fresh juices can provide enough nutrients and calories in healthier ways.
Benefits
With that being said juicing oranges in a blender is healthy than juicing in a citrus juicer. Since I use both I can tell if you follow the below method, you can add a lot of fiber and enjoy and pulpy juice. Because we are blending some fibers too! The process is so easy.
I understand, some of you still might be skeptical about adding extra calories due to consuming more oranges through juicing. Just stick to small portions, let’s say juice just 1-2 oranges, and cut down those calories elsewhere. You can also water down the juice a bit to make you feel more full and satisfied.
Ingredients
Try to select sweet and sour oranges that have thin skin and are juicy and not fibrous, like Ken now, Valencia, Navel, or Mandarin.
How to make it?
Peeling: Start Making juice by peeling oranges. Try to remove as much white part as who you can. The white part is bitter.
Slicing and Pitting
- Now slice the sides of the oranges and leave the center intact as shown in the picture. This is similar to how you core an apple.
- Remove the seeds from the sides. Most are already removed from the center but some would easily be visible in the sides. Place the side in the blender.
- Then squeeze the centers of the oranges between both palms to remove the juice. (Alternatively, you can place all centers in a muslin cloth and squeeze the separate juice from the center.) Add this juice also to the blender.
Blending
Blend the juice for 2 minutes with intervals for smooth juice. If your oranges are very fibrous, you might have to add a little water to keep the motor fruits moving.
Taste test and adjust
Add this stage you need to use your best judgment. Taste the juice. Since my oranges were really juicy, I didn't have to add any water. They were not very fibrous so I enjoyed the juice as it is.
But if your fruit is fibrous and less juicy, add some water to thin it out. And strain the juice to remove some fiber, if needed. Adjust little honey or sugar and lemon juice to cover the dilution of taste. Serve chilled!
Storing
Orange juice is best and sweeter when consumed fresh. You can store orange juice in the fridge for 2-3 days. But here is one drawback of storage. As you store orange juice for longer the chemical compound called LARL in oranges produces lemonin.
It is a very healthy phytonutrient but it is very bitter too. So orange juice from oranges that are high in LARL tends to get very bitter upon storage. You can find more about it here.
Variations
If you love to add some variations to your orange juice then you can add chopped ginger, turmeric, or other citrus fruits like sweet lime, grapefruit, or other orange varieties. Apples are also a good option.
Avoid mixing other sweeter fruits or berries with oranges which are difficult to digest together. Amongst veggies, only carrot is the best match with orange but then you might have to strain the juice. Or use a boiled carrot for smoothie-like consistency with easy-to-consume soft fibers.
Want more juice recipes? Check these!
If you try this recipe, I'd LOVE to hear your feedback in the comments. Most 5-ratings motivate me to do my best. Stay connected for more recipes and videos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube.
📖 Recipe
Orange Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 oranges, choose a juicy variety like Valencia, Navel, Kennow
All other ingredients are optional, add after tasting.
- ½-1 cup water, if/as needed to dilute fibers
- 1-2 tablespoon lemon juice , if/as needed for sweet oranges
- 1-2 tablespoon sugar or honey, if/as needed for tart oranges.
- 1 pinch salt, helps cut down tartness
- 1 pinch black pepper, freshly crushed
Instructions
- Wash and peel oranges. Make sure to remove as much white part as possible.
- Cut the four sides of the oranges, leaving the center intact. Remove any seeds that are still embedded in the sides.
- Transfer the orange sides to the blender, set aside.
- Squeeze the juice from the centre too by squeezing it between the palms. Or alternatively, transfer all centre to a muslin cloth. Lift all four corner of the cloth into make bag. Squeeze the bag to remove the juice. Transfer this juice to the blender.
- Now blend the juice for 2-3 minutes with interval until smooth. If your oranges are fibrous, you might need to add water to keep the fruit moving. (I didn't)
Taste Test
- Do a taste test. If the juice is too fibrous, strain it. (I didn't.)
- If you diluted juice too much by adding water while blending, adjust the taste by adding optional ingredients. ( I added only salt and pepper.)
- Pour into a glass. Add a straw and serve chilled.
Notes
- Oranges: Try to select sweet and sour oranges that have thin skin and are juicy and not fibrous, like Kennow, Valencia, Navel, or Mandarin.
- Storage: Orange juice is best and sweeter when consumed fresh. You can store orange juice in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Variations: You can add chopped ginger, turmeric, or other citrus fruits like sweet lime, grapefruit, or other orange varieties. Chopped apples and chopped carrots are also good options. You might need to strain the juice as all these ingredients are fibrous.
rehanabasi says
I really like it, thanks for sharing this recipe.
Mariam Sodawater says
I love this myself with so much pulp and flavor. Thanks for leaving lovely feedback.