IMMUNE BOOSTING CARROT & CITRUS JUICE

 
Image shows two curvy glasses full of carrot and orange juice, garnished with a piece of blood orange.
 

It’s another chilly week here in the UK and I’m feeling the need to protect my body from colds, flues and all coughs that follow us around at this time of year. So I thought I’d give mine and your immune system a little boost this week, by sharing one of my of-to easy, inexpensively and deliciously remedies, which you can make with some humble ingredients from your fruit bowl: An immune boosting juice!

I mean isn’t this juice just the prettiest? The colour is so vibrant, it positively glows! This juice tastes wonderful, with earthiness from the carrot, zingy-ness from the orange, sweetness from the apple, a pinch of sourness from the lemon for that all important balance, and a hint of heat from the ginger which warms you from the inside out. All this and it’s full of nutritious goodness? Who said healthy food is boring?

 
Image shows a person in a stripy top standing behind and holding a glass of juice garnished with a piece of blood orange.
 

CARROTS - I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that carrots are good for you right? We’ve all heard how they help keep our vision optimised, and we all know they are the perfect alternative to pitta or crackers when scooping up that dollop of hummus. But did you know some of their nutrients are also linked to regulating blood pressure? Apart from a great source of vitamin A they also provide vitamin C and K1, potassium, antioxidants and soluble fibre. Try and find organic carrots for your juice and just top, tail and wash them well, no need to peel.

ORANGES - Vitamin C is also present in the oranges in this recipe; a fact we are all very familiar with! Well, oranges are actually another source of potassium and fibre, both of which can support heart health. For best results with this recipe it’s good to find in-season, sweet oranges. Unlike many other fruits oranges don’t continue to ripen after picking, so finding ones that were picked at their peak of ripeness is vital.

 

APPLES - The apples used here can be any type, but do keep in mind that their flavour and sweetness or tartness will affect the flavour of your juice. So if your oranges are super sweet you can go with a sharper apple, just don’t forget you’ll be adding some zing with your lemon juice too.

APPLES - The amount of ginger you use is entirely up to you and depends on how spicy and warming you want your juice to be. Start off with a small piece as you can always add more if needed. Be sure to use some though, it has potent anti-inflammatory qualities and really helps this juice do a little jig on your tastebuds!

If you do make this immune boosting juice, or any drinks Reel, share it by tagging me @thelittleplantation! I’m excited to see it!

 
Image shows a close view of a curvy glass of carrot and orange juice
 

immune boosting carrOt and citrus juice

Sunshine in a glass, this nutritious juice with carrot, orange, apple and ginger will help keep those nasty colds at bay while brightening up your day!

Preparation time: 5 min

Serves: 1 large or 2 small servings

INGREDIENTS

3 carrots, topped, tailed and washed well

2 oranges, peeled

1 small apple, cored

a piece of ginger (size to taste)

1/2 a lemon, peeled

sparkling water - optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Roughly chop your carrots, oranges and apple. Add them to your juicer together with the ginger and lemon.

Juice, pour into a glass, grab a straw and enjoy!

Optional: add some sparkling water to turn this juice into a mocktail or if you’d prefer it a little less sweet.

 

Want to load up on your vitamin C? Try THIS citrus juice or get your citrus hit from THIS winter salad!

 
Image shows close view of a glass of juice garnished with a piece of blood orange
 
vegan recipe, food bloggingK J Espinel