Citrus Mint Juice

Spring is the season of rebirth.  The trees are in full bloom and the air is full of the sweet smell of lilac and orange and cherry blossoms.  Although Paris winters can be long and gray, when spring comes around, the city comes alive and I can feel my body craving more seasonal raw fruit and vegetables.  I have been drinking fresh juice for almost two years now and have been experimenting with different combinations.  Recently, I looked back at some of my juice recipes and this Citrus Mint Juice, although simple in its ingredients, is a tried-and-true favorite.  Having given up caffeine 2 years ago, I find that drinking fresh juice in the morning gives my body the energy it needs naturally.   All you need is a slow juicer and a selection of the season’s finest produce!

GRAPEFRUIT

This juicy fruit contains citric acid, natural sugars, essential oils like limonene, pinene and citral. It has high amounts of vitamin C, and smaller amounts of vitamin A, B complex, E and K.  In the mineral department, larger amounts of calcium, folate, phosphorus, and potassium are found. The nutritive phytonutrients of this voluptuous fruit—liminoids, flavonoids, lycopene and glucarates—help fight cancer and various diseases.

ORANGE

All of the impressive health benefits of orange juice can be attribute to its nutritive content, as well as vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, folate, potassium, fiber, proteins, copper, magnesium, flavonoids, hesperidin, and a variety of other trace vitamins and minerals that make it one of the most valuable and nutrient-packed fruit available.

ROMAINE

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is known since time immemorial for its refreshing, purifying and sedative properties. It derives its name from the milky juice (“latex”) leaking out from the stems after they are cut.  Also a good source of vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, and folate.

MINT

Mint is rich in Vitamins A and C and also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin B2. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and may help to decrease the risk of certain cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. Although it may be consumed in small quantities, the vital nutrients obtained are still beneficial to one’s health. Mint also contains a wide range of essential minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium.

INGREDIENTS

1 red grapefruit
2 oranges
1 bunch romaine lettuce
1 bunch fresh mint

METHOD

When making juice, I have a spray bottle to which I add water and lemon juice.  After washing the lettuce, for example, I then spray it with the lemon-water mixture.  Same with the mint.
I start by juicing some of the orange or grapefruit, then the lettuce and mint and finish by the remaining citrus. This helps for the “green” to pass through the juicer.

Glassware on loan from Le Petit Cormier in Montigny-sur-Loing
Volcan 9 | Verre Recyclé Soufflé from Atelier Marrakech