Apple, Carrot, Ginger, and Lemon Immunity Booster Juice

Apple, Carrot, Ginger, and Lemon Immunity Booster Juice

This vibrant juice is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a fantastic way to boost your immune system and energize your day.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (red or green, depending on your preference for sweetness/tartness)
• 3-4 medium carrots
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled) – adjust to your taste for spiciness
• 1/2 – 1 whole lemon (peeled, or zest if you prefer to retain some bitterness and extra nutrients)
• Optional: 1/4 – 1/2 cup cold water (to adjust consistency if needed)

Equipment:

• Juicer (centrifugal or masticating)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups (optional, for water)
• Glasses for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. You can core them and cut them into chunks that fit your juicer’s chute. Peeling is optional; the skin contains many nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother juice or are concerned about pesticides, you can peel them.
   • Carrots: Wash and scrub the carrots well. Trim the ends. Cut them into pieces that are suitable for your juicer. Peeling is optional, but if the carrots are old or have blemishes, peeling is recommended.
   • Ginger: Wash the ginger root. Using a spoon, peeler, or small knife, carefully scrape off the skin. Cut into smaller pieces if necessary to fit your juicer.
   • Lemon: Wash the lemon. For a less bitter taste, peel the lemon completely, removing as much of the white pith as possible, as it can be quite bitter. If you don’t mind a slight bitterness and want to retain more nutrients, you can just trim the ends and cut it into wedges, leaving some of the zest on.

2. Juice the Ingredients:

   • Turn on your juicer.
   • Feed the prepared ingredients into the juicer’s chute, alternating between the harder ingredients (carrots, apples) and softer ones (ginger, lemon) to help the juicer process everything efficiently.
   • Start with the carrots and apples, then add the ginger and lemon.

3. Mix and Serve:

   • Once all ingredients have been juiced, gently stir the juice in the collection pitcher to combine the flavors.
   • Taste the juice. If it’s too thick, too strong, or you prefer a lighter consistency, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cold water and stir again.
   • Pour the fresh juice into glasses and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Juice:

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Produce: The taste and nutritional value of your juice will largely depend on the freshness of your ingredients.
• Drink Immediately: Freshly squeezed juice is best consumed right away to maximize its nutritional benefits, as nutrients can degrade over time.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to modify the quantities of each ingredient to suit your personal preference. Add more ginger for a stronger kick, more lemon for a tarter flavor, or more apple for sweetness.
• Clean Your Juicer Promptly: Cleaning your juicer immediately after use will prevent pulp from drying and making it harder to clean.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade juice!