Mandarin Juice (Easy Recipe)

One of my favorite drinks to make at home is a refreshing Mandarin Juice.

It’s a simple and easy recipe that results in a sweet, tangy, and hydrating juice that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any mandarins that are on their last legs.

Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Juice Recipe

1. Fresh and Tasty: The combination of mandarins and lemons create a delicious and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any time of day.
2. Nutritious: Mandarins are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this juice a healthy and delicious way to get your daily nutrients.
3. Easy to Make: With only a few simple steps, this recipe is quick and easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
4. Versatile: This juice can be enjoyed on its own, mixed with sparkling water, or even used as a base for a cocktail.
5. Affordable: Mandarins are often inexpensive and easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers market, making this recipe budget-friendly.

Recommended Equipment

• Blender: A blender is essential for breaking down the mandarins and lemons into a smooth and pulp-free juice.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: A fine mesh strainer is necessary for separating any remaining pulp from the juice.
• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary for holding and mixing the strained juice.

Ingredients

• 13 mandarins, about 3 lbs: Fresh mandarins are the star of the show and provide the base for the juice.
• 2 lemons: The addition of lemons adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the mandarins.
• 1 cup water: Water is added to help dilute the juice and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

How to Make Mandarin Juice

1. Remove the citrus peels by cutting off the ends of each citrus fruit, standing them upright on a flat end, and cutting downward to remove the peels. Repeat until all citrus is peeled.
2. Add all peeled citrus into a blender and add 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
3. Strain the juice into a large mixing bowl or container. Press on pulp to release as much juice as possible.
4. For no-pulp juice, toss the pulp. For a little pulp, simply scoop in some of the pulp.
5. Transfer the juice to a pitcher and drink immediately or place in the fridge for 30 minutes to cool. Juice is best within 24 hours and should be consumed within 72 hours. Store any leftovers in the fridge.

Ingredient Variation and Substitutions

• Oranges: If mandarins are not available, you can use oranges instead, which will result in a slightly sweeter and less tangy juice.
• Honey: For an added natural sweetness to the juice, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the blender before blending.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

• Use only ripe and juicy mandarins for the best flavor and results.
• Experiment with the amount of water added to the blender to adjust the sweetness and consistency of the juice to your liking.
• Use a spoon to scoop out any remaining pulp left in the strainer to ensure you get all of the juice.

Pairing Suggestions

• This juice pairs well with breakfast foods such as pancakes or yogurt and granola.
• It can also be enjoyed with a light sandwich or salad for a refreshing and hydrating lunch.

Benefits

• High Vitamin C: The abundance of mandarins used in this recipe makes it very high in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
• Hydrating: The water content in the mandarins and added water helps keep the body hydrated.
• Antioxidants: The mandarins used in this recipe are loaded with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and promote overall health.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

• Store the juice in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 72 hours.
• Shake the juice before serving to redistribute any settled pulp.
• To freeze the juice, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a juicer instead of a blender? Yes, you can use a juicer instead of a blender to make this juice.
• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons? While fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
• Can I add other fruits to the juice? Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits such as strawberries or pineapple to the juice for added flavor.