Juices and Smoothies

Blood Orange Juice: From Orchard to Heart Health

A cup of antioxidant juice with blood orange

Have you tried Blood Orange Juice yet? It’s the perfect choice for National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week in the US. As we celebrate fresh, vibrant juices, I can’t wait to share its delicious recipe.

Blood orange juice recipe

Blood orange juice is a vibrant, unique citrus beverage with a deep red or crimson color. This distinctive coloration results from the presence of anthocyanin pigments, the same antioxidants found in berries and red wine.

A glass of blood orange juice with blood oranges around

Unlike traditional orange juice, the flavor of blood orange is more complex and robust. The juice has a sweet and tangy flavor, often described as having berry-like notes.

Here’s how to make the Blood Orange Juice:

A cup of antioxidant juice with blood orange

Easy Blood Orange Fruit Juice Recipe

A vibrant, ruby-hued beverage that combines sweet and subtle tart notes with delicate berry-like undertones. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a refreshing mixer for cocktails.
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Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 fresh blood oranges
  • 1-2 tbsp honey or agave syrup adjust to taste
  • Ice cubes optional
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Roll the blood oranges on a countertop to help release the juices.
  • Cut the oranges in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or a handheld reamer. Remove any seeds.
  • Pour the freshly squeezed blood orange juice into a pitcher. Add honey or agave syrup, starting with 1 tablespoon, and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. Stir well to dissolve.
  • Serve the blood orange juice over ice cubes if desired. Garnish the glasses with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal
Keyword blood orange juice, healthy beverages, homemade drink, homemade fruit juice
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Variations

1. Blood Orange Martini: A refreshing twist on the classic martini, combining blood orange juice with vodka, often enhanced with lime juice.

2. Blood Orange Cranberry Juice: add 1/2 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened)

3. Spiced Blood Orange Juice:

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

4. Sparkling Blood Orange Juice: add sparkling water for a fizzy and refreshing twist.

5. Blood Orange Spritzer:

  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 2 ounces clear spirit (vodka or gin)

6. Blood Orange Mimosa: A festive take on the traditional mimosa, using blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice for a richer flavor.

7. Hot Blooded: This cocktail combines rye whiskey with blood orange juice, lime juice, Ancho Reyes liqueur, and hot sauce for a spicy kick.

8. Buck’s Fizz: A simple yet delightful drink made by mixing blood orange juice with sparkling wine, perfect for brunch or afternoon gatherings.

How to use and pair

1. Main Dishes

  • Blood Orange Honey Glazed Salmon: A sweet and savory salmon, elevated by blood orange citrus.
  • Sweet and Sour Blood Orange Chicken: A unique twist on the classic, with blood orange juice for a pop of flavor.
  • Duck à l’Orange: A classic dish where the rich duck is balanced by the tang of blood orange juice.

2. Salad

  • Blood Orange Avocado Salad: Refreshing mix of blood oranges, avocado, pomegranate seeds, and feta.
  • Fennel and Blood Orange Salad: Mediterranean blend of blood oranges, fennel, and red onions, with a simple olive oil dressing.
  • Warm Artichoke, Blood Orange & Feta Salad: Sweet blood oranges, sharp feta, and nutty Jerusalem artichokes make a delightful combination.

3. Desserts

  • Blood Orange Cheesecake Squares: Creamy bites topped with fresh blood orange slices.
  • Blood Orange Yogurt Cake: Moist cake featuring Greek yogurt and the brightness of blood oranges.
  • Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake: Beautiful dessert that shows off the color and taste of blood oranges.

4. Other Pairings

  • Chocolate Desserts: add a citrusy touch.
  • Roasted Vegetables: add depth to roasted beets or carrots

Timing consumption

1. Best Times to Drink

  • 1-2 Hours After Breakfast: Allows digestion of your meal before adding new nutrients.
  • After Exercise: Rehydrates and boosts recovery with natural sugars and vitamins.
  • With Meals: Helps moderate sugar absorption.

2. Times to Avoid

  • Before Bed: Can disrupt sleep with acidity and sugar.
  • On an Empty Stomach: May irritate due to acidity.
  • Right After Milk: Can cause bloating and hinder digestion.

Health benefits

  1. Antioxidant Protection:
    • Anthocyanins for cellular protection
    • Vitamin C for immune support
    • Flavonoids for anti-inflammatory effects
  2. Metabolic Support:
    • Blood sugar regulation
    • Improved insulin sensitivity
    • Enhanced metabolic function
  3. Cardiovascular Health:
    • Cholesterol Regulation
    • Improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure.
    • Contributes to overall heart health
  4. Gut Health:
    • Promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
    • Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
    • Reduces gut inflammation

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