Calamansi Juice: The Hidden Gem in Citrus Family

Calamansi Juice, a tangy and refreshing citrus beverage, remains surprisingly undiscovered by many, despite its delightful taste profile. While most people are familiar with traditional citrus drinks like lemonade, orange juice, or grapefruit juice, this small but mighty citrus fruit deserves its moment in the spotlight. Allow me to introduce you to this hidden gem of the citrus family

Calamansi juice recipe

Calamansi is a tiny citrus fruit (also known as Philippine lime or golden lime) that looks like a miniature tangerine. This small, round citrus fruit is native to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, and it typically varies in color from green to orange.

While it may not be as popular as its larger counterparts, its unique flavor shines when it is transformed into juice. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy.

When compared to lemonade, calamansi juice is not as overpoweringly sour as lemons. On the other hand, when pitted against orange juice, it retains the sweetness of oranges but introduces a nuanced tartness that adds a layer of sophistication to the overall taste.

Calamansi juice is a powerhouse of nutrients with vitamin C, antioxidants, and other essential minerals. Additionally, it aids digestion and promotes skin health. It even contributes to weight management as an effective weight-loss juice.

So, the next time you’re craving a citrusy refreshment, consider reaching for this drink. This is how to make Calamansi Juice:

Simple Calamansi Juice

A refreshing Filipino citrus drink made from small, aromatic calamansi limes. Popular throughout Southeast Asia, this vitamin C-rich drink is perfect for hot days, as a natural immune booster, or as a revitalizing drink any time.

4.45 from 34 votes

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Total Time 14 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 55 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 20-25 Calamansi
• 4 cups water
• Honey or sugar to taste
• Ice cubes optional
• Mint leaves for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Cut the Calamansi in half and extract the juice. You can use a citrus juicer or your hands to squeeze the juice. Strain the seeds and pulp.
• In a pitcher, combine the fresh Calamansi juice with 4 cups of water. Adjust the water quantity based on your preferred level of tartness.
• Add honey or sugar to the juice, stirring until it dissolves. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
• Add ice cubes
• Pour the Calamansi juice into glasses. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Keyword calamansi juice, healthy beverages, homemade drink, homemade fruit juice, summer drinks

Variations

1. Calamansi Lemonade: Blend calamansi juice with water and sugar for a refreshing, classic lemonade. Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

2. Calamansi Mint Juice: Enhance the basic calamansi juice with fresh mint leaves for a cool, aromatic twist that elevates the drink’s flavor.

3. Calamansi Soda
For a fizzy alternative, swap plain water with soda or sparkling water to enjoy a bubbly version of calamansi juice.

4. Calamansi Honey Ginger Tea
Replace sugar with honey and mix in ginger syrup for a soothing herbal drink, perfect for relieving colds.

4. Turmeric Ginger Calamansi Tea
Substitute lemon with calamansi juice in turmeric tea for an extra burst of citrus flavor in this health-boosting beverage.

How to use

Besides drinking, Calamansi Juice can be used as an ingredient in many dishes:

1. Baking: The drink is a popular ingredient in baking, adding a refreshing citrus flavor to pies, cakes, cookies, and custards. Calamansi bars, for example, offer a delightful sweet-and-sour twist, complementing other sweet ingredients. It can be used as the filling of a meringue pie, similar to lemon meringue, for a unique flavor.

2. Beverage Uses

Fresh calamansi juice provides the base for an array of innovative beverages:

1. Sparkling Refreshments:
   • Calamansi spritzer
   • Fizzy calamansi lemonade
   • Carbonated calamansi tonic
2. Wellness Drinks:
   • Immunity-boosting elixir
   • Detox water
   • Energy drink alternative

It can also be used in cocktails (martinis or mojitos), in place of lime juice or lemonade

3. Dips and Sauces: This juice is commonly used in Filipino dipping sauces (sawsawan), often mixed with soy sauce or fish sauce to create a savory complement to fried foods and grilled meats. A classic pairing includes calamansi juice with fish sauce and chili peppers, offering a flavorful and tangy dip.

You can also add it to salsas or guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Marinades and Dressings

Meat Tenderizer: The natural acidity of calamansi juice makes it an ideal meat tenderizer. It’s perfect for marinades in dishes like chicken inasal, ceviche, or beef bistek, as it not only enhances the flavor but also helps break down tough fibers for a more tender bite.

Salad Dressings: Calamansi juice can also be blended with olive oil, mustard, and herbs to create vibrant vinaigrettes, adding a zesty, refreshing kick to any salad.

5. Savory Dishes: A splash adds brightness and acidity, perfectly balancing rich flavors.

• Soups: This juice can brighten up soups and stews, adding acidity and depth to flavors. It’s particularly good in sour soups like sinigang and adobo.

How to pair

Though calamansi is typically linked to Southeast Asian cuisine, it also enhances many well-loved American dishes.

• Grilled Chicken or Pork Skewers: Calamansi drink adds a tangy kick to barbecued meats, making it a perfect addition to summer grilling.
• Salads: Incorporating calamansi into salads provides a refreshing citrus note that pairs well with greens, avocado, or grilled chicken.
• Fish Tacos: A splash of this citrus juice enhances the freshness of the fish and balances the flavors of the toppings.

Health benefits

1. Boosts Immune System: Packed with vitamin C, the juice supports immune function by stimulating white blood cell production and fighting oxidative stress.

2. Aids in Weight Loss: Known to boost metabolism and detoxify, it is often used to promote fat-burning and help with weight management.

3. Controls Cholesterol Levels: reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and supporting heart health.

4. Promotes Collagen Production: essential for healthy skin, tissue repair, and wound healing.

5. Improves Respiratory Health: The citric acid in this citrus juice helps clear mucus and soothe throat irritation during respiratory infections.

6. Skin Care Benefits: helping reduce blemishes and signs of aging with its antioxidant properties.

7. Manages Blood Sugar Levels by influencing insulin, potentially benefiting those with diabetes or at risk.

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