Blood Orange-Ginger Juice and Smoothie

Orange juice is probably the easiest juice you can make. You do not even need a juicer. Not even a citrus press. A juicer in the kitchen, however, is a wonderful addition. It opens a way to a very different nutritional experience. In a juice you can combine ingredients that are seldom eaten together, like ginger and oranges. 

For this particular juice I picked up Moro blood oranges. They are very sweet, very easy to peel, almost seedless and in season!

To make the best use of the nutrients that are present in the white pit I peeled oranges with a sharp knife leaving as much pit on the fruit as possible. I also used juicer instead of a citrus press.


The white part of the skin is not only rich in vitamin C but also has the highest concentration of citrus flavonoids, especially the naringenin. Researchers demonstrated that naringenin and other citrus flavonoids can repair the DNA damage that leads to cancer. Moreover, studies have shown that naringerin stimulates the liver to burn excess fat and restore obese mice to a normal weight. The nutrient also restored normal levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and healthy blood sugar levels.

~ Blood Orange Ginger Juice ~

Ingredients: 
  • 10 organic blood oranges, halved
  • 2 thumb-size chunks fresh ginger, peeled

Method:
  • Feed the juicer with ginger and oranges to make the juice. 
  • Stir well and pour into tall glasses. Add ice cubes if you wish.
  • Garnish with slice of orange and enjoy in good company!

This juice is a blessing to your body. It combines the healing properties of oranges with those of ginger. Blood oranges come with additional benefit - the antioxidant anthocyanin that gives red color to this variety of citrus. It would have been such a waste if you discarded the leftover pulp.

Depending on your juicer the pulp might still be quite juicy. It is rich in fiber and other nutrients and you can use it  to make delicious dessert or a smoothie. I had some frozen raspberries and decided to make a smoothie that has even more health benefits that the blood orange-ginger juice.


~ Blood Orange Ginger Raspberry Smoothie ~

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups blood orange ginger pulp leftover from juicing
  • 1 cups frozen raspberries
  • 1/2 cup coconut water (add more if necessary)
  • 1 very ripe banana
  • 1 Tbsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch Celtic sea salt
  • 1 Tbsp virgin olive oil

Method:
  • Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in the high speed blender and process until smooth.
  • Add olive oil and blend for a few more seconds.
  • Pour smoothie into tall glasses and enjoy in good company!

As you see I did not add any sweetener. If you are using really ripe fruits there is no need to add anything at all. If you prefer to have your smoothie rather sweet I suggest you use raw honey. Unlike most sweeteners, honey comes with health benefits. Use liquid stevia if you are a vegan.

In radiant health - passionately raw - Dominique

Dominique Allmon©2014