How to Make Orange Juice
Orange juice is nutritious and delicious. If you make juice from scratch, you have the benefit of knowing exactly what is in the juice (as opposed to commercial varieties that may contain added sugar, water or preservatives). Plus, it's oh-so-easy and fun to juice oranges! Eight ounces of orange juice contains a full day's supply of vitamin C, which is rich in antioxidants. Every glass of orange juice you drink offers, in addition to vitamin C, folic acid, thiamin, potassium, niacin, and vitamins A and B6. If the orange juice is fortified, it can also contain calcium. Orange juice is a great way to start the day while boosting your immunity and warding off disease.
Oranges came to the United States with Spanish explorers, who planted orange trees in the St. Augustine area in the 16th century. The subtropical ecosystem was conducive to growing the fruit, and by the 1800s, the first orange grove was established on Merritt Island. From there, the orange industry in blossomed, and today Florida is one of the world's largest suppliers of orange juice.
When preparing freshly squeezed orange juice, first you will roll the fruit. Put the orange on a hard, flat surface. Using the palm of your hand, press down and roll the fruit several times. This method makes the orange juice easier to extract. Of course, always purchase oranges that have firm skins with minimal, if any, bruising, dark spots, or imperfections. The fruit should not by mushy or moldy.
Ingredients and Supplies:
- 3-4 medium-sized oranges
- Knife
- Electric or hand juicer
- Glasses
Before juicing, roll the oranges on a flat surface. Next, cut the orange in half. Remove any seeds. Using a hand juicer or electric juicer, extract the juice from the orange. If you like pulp in your juice, scrape a bit out from the flesh. Serve immediately.
