- 4-6 ripe oranges (depending on size and juiciness)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Equipment:
- Citrus juicer or manual juicer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pitcher or jug
- Strainer (optional, if you prefer a smoother juice)
Instructions:
Prepare the Oranges:
- Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water.
- Roll the oranges on the countertop using your palm to soften them and make them easier to juice.
- Cut the oranges in half.
Juice the Oranges:
- Use a citrus juicer, manual juicer, or simply squeeze the orange halves by hand to extract the juice.
- If you prefer a smoother juice without any pulp, strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or jug to remove any seeds and excess pulp.
Sweeten and Enhance the Flavor (Optional):
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar if you like your juice sweeter, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Chill and Serve:
- Add ice cubes to the pitcher or directly into the glasses to make the orange juice chilled and refreshing.
- Pour the orange juice into glasses.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Tips:
- Choose ripe and sweet oranges for the best flavor. Navel oranges and Valencia oranges are great options for juicing.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the juice according to your preference by varying the amount of sugar or using honey or a natural sweetener instead.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the orange juice.
- If you have an electric juicer, the process will be even quicker and more efficient.
Enjoy your homemade fresh orange juice!