“Orange Citrus Juice
Fresh squeezed orange juice is my favorite juice, and the season to harvest the fruit is just beginning. This excites me because it means I will most likely be juicing and consuming lots of fresh orange juice.
A couple of years ago, I got the privilege of harvesting oranges off and on for about three months. I was taking care of some people’s dogs and staying at their home while they were away. The property had different orange trees and I was encouraged to harvest and use the fruit. I did.
I would bring the dogs out with me. They would sit in the shade while I filled up bags with oranges, either using a ladder or just standing on my own feet. Then I would spend hours in their kitchen cleaning, cutting, and juicing the oranges. I used glass mason jars to hold the juice. A lot of them I froze. During those months, I probably drank at least 1 quart of fresh squeezed orange juice majority of the days.
When I lived in Tanzania, I learned something very interesting. People there would strain out the pulp in their fresh squeezed juice, and then add sugar. In my mind, they were taking out nutrients and adding something the body did not require. Cooking with people in Tanzania was a great experience because we shared what we did with similar food. I shared with them how I make fresh squeezed juice by leaving in the pulp and adding nothing else. I let them know that the pulp has nutrients. One guy I showed this to wanted to be a chef.
The orange citrus provides the body natural sugar, lots of vitamin C, fiber in the pulp, and some potassium and folate.
Why do I prefer fresh squeezed orange juice from the orange? Besides the incredible sweet flavor, I like that the orange leaves behind no non-biodegradable waste. By purchasing oranges that are locally grown and direct from the farmers, this cuts down on shipping of the product and packaging that ends up in a landfill.
You are welcome to join me.
Stacy 🌺
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I share my experiences and my perspective. Eating and healing look different for everyone. If you are struggling with food or your relationship with your body, please find support. You don’t have to do this alone.