Recently, while on vacation, I enjoyed a book so much that I read it two times. This is a great deal coming from a girl that used to hate reading.
Jeanne Powers is the author of The Modern Rapunzel. Don’t be fooled by the cover, which looks out-of-date and bizarre. The body is filled with information on women’s beauty and health, particularly for skin and hair (my two top concerns in regard to aging gracefully — fingers crossed as the 30th birthday approaches).
In her book, Jeanne tells about a time she was very ill and suffered hair loss. She recovered with natural remedies, including carrot juice. I love this lady.
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that fights disease-causing free radicals. These carrots are also high in Vitamins C, E, A, B, and K. They can help reduce inflammation, ease congestion, and improve brain and eye function. These vitamins and minerals have a lot of benefits for skin and hair.
I don’t drink juices very often because I prefer Smoothies and the fiber that they contain. For carrots, I do make an exception.
We were in Healdsburg on vacation when I read this book. The restaurant there is called Shed. The coffee shop served two daily fresh juices, one green and the other orange. The orange juice was carrot-based. I went in.
Since then, I have been inspired to make my orange juice at home. Kids, get ready for some healthy, fun activities.
This 10-minute, 6-ingredient (juicer free!) juice is made with carrots and naturally sweetened by orange, nectarine, and apple. The liquid is made with carrots but naturally sweetened by orange, nectarine, and apple. Ginger gives it a zing, while lemon juice brings out the brightness. For a minty, earthy flavor, you can optionally add some mint. You know you want it.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Lemon juice 3 Tbsp
- One small nectarine with a pit removed
- One small apple (cored & quartered).
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger (peeled)
- Peel and top 4-6 carrots
- Fresh mint – 3-4 sprigs ( optional).
- Use 1-2 cups of filtered water
Instructions
- Use a juicer to add all ingredients and press. (Omit water). If you don’t have a juicer, squeeze the orange and lemon into a Blender. The pulp may make juicing more difficult.
- Add nectarine (optional), apple, ginger, carrots, and mint. Add filtered water, starting with a smaller amount. Cover and blend until well combined. Be careful not to over-blend your juice – you don’t want it to become too hot.
- Pour the pulp and juice into a large bowl. Drape an unbleached, thin towel on top. Gather the corners of the towel and start extracting the juice. Continue pressing until all the liquid has been removed. The pulp can be composted or added to baked goods.
- Fresh juice is best. Refrigerate and cover leftovers for up to 2-3 days. Mineral and vitamin content is best within the first 12-24 hour period.
