Homemade Orange Juice

Homemade Orange Juice is a refreshing and simple drink to make for breakfast. You only need a few fresh oranges to get a glass full of natural flavour. This version is much better than shop bought varieties because it has no added sugar. It is a great way to start your day with some vitamins.
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What makes homemade orange juice a good choice?

Making Homemade Orange Juice allows you to control the texture and sweetness of your drink. You can choose to leave the pulp in for more fibre or strain it for a smooth finish. Fresh oranges provide a bright and zesty taste that bottled juices cannot match. It is a healthy choice for children and adults alike.

How to make homemade orange juice

Step 1
Prepare: Wash the oranges and the lemon under cold water to remove any dust. Roll them firmly on a flat surface with your palm to loosen the juices inside. Cut each fruit in half across the middle.
Step 2
Juice: Use a manual or electric citrus juicer to squeeze out all the liquid from the fruit halves. Press down firmly and rotate the fruit to get every drop. Collect the juice in the reservoir or a bowl.
Step 3
Strain: Decide if you want a smooth drink or one with bits of fruit. Pour the liquid through a small sieve into a jug if you prefer a clear texture. Skip this step if you enjoy the extra pulp.
Step 4
Serve: Pour the juice into chilled glasses or a glass bottle for storage. Drink it immediately for the best flavour and most nutrients. Keep any leftovers in the fridge.

Important tips for homemade orange juice

Always choose oranges that feel heavy for their size as they contain the most liquid. If the oranges are cold from the fridge, you can warm them slightly in your hands to make juicing easier. Adding a small amount of lemon helps to balance the sweetness of Homemade Orange Juice and keeps it tasting fresh. Use a glass bottle for storage because plastic can sometimes affect the flavour over time.

If you want a colder drink, you can serve it over ice cubes or chill the oranges before you start. You might also like to mix in a little sparkling water for a lighter fruit spritz. This recipe is very flexible so you can adjust the amount of fruit depending on how many people you are serving.

Find more ideas here: grilled pork ribs, tarragon mayonnaise or roast turkey thigh joint.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 6 large oranges
  • 1 small lemon

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:607 kJ / 145 kcal
  • Fat:0.4 g
  • - of which saturates:0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates:35 g
  • - of which sugars:28 g
  • Protein:2.1 g
  • Fibre:0.8 g
  • Salt:4 mg

People also ask

Homemade Orange Juice usually takes about 5 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.8 / 5 - (17 ratings)