Pulp Nonfiction

Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek

Here’s a bright idea for resetting the body after an indulgent eating season: soak-in the vibrant pink and orange hues of homemade Blood Orange Power Juice. In addition to looking and tasting great together, its ingredients are said to have natural health benefits.

Blood Oranges: Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and folic acid, blood oranges contain anthocyanin in their red pigment, a flavonoid believed to help prevent cancer and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Carrots: Packed with Vitamins A, K and C, carrots improve vision while helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Beets: These colorful root vegetables can lower blood pressure and boost stamina. They also aid in detoxifying the blood and liver.
Ginger: Prized for its ability to alleviate stomach discomfort, ginger can help boost the immune system and improve blood flow.
Turmeric: This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse can help prevent cancer, heart disease and depression.

Carrots and beets provide sweetness here, but the overall flavor here is more on the bitter side. To amp up the sweetness, add an apple or a pear.

This Blood Orange Power Juice can be made with a juicer or a blender, the latter of which requires a little more preparation. Fresh juices are best consumed immediately (within 24 hours or less) after being made. To simplify the process throughout the workweek, prep and portion juice ingredients in individual gallon zip-top bags, and then store the bags in the refrigerator to keep everything cold.
w

Blood Orange Power Juice

Ingredients
3 blood oranges (regular oranges work here, as well)
2 medium-sized carrots (5- to 6-inches long)
2 baby beets (any color works here)
1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric*
Ice

Process
Be prepared. Using a knife, remove and discard the peel and pith surrounding the blood oranges. Trim carrots and beets of any greens, and then scrub off any dirt under cold, running water. Save greens for another use (salad or pesto are good options). Peel ginger and rinse turmeric.
Juice It Up. Using a juicer, juice oranges, carrots, beets, ginger and turmeric into a clean glass. Stir to combine. Add ice to taste. Enjoy immediately.
Blender Alternative. Don’t have a juicer? This juice can be made in a blender, but a little more prep is needed. Cut the peeled blood oranges into several pieces and pick out and discard any pits. Add blood orange fruit to a blender. Peel the carrots, beets and turmeric. Slice carrots, beets, ginger and turmeric, and then add them to the blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Pour into a large glass and add ice if desired.

*Fresh turmeric can be found at Specialty Produce and many Asian markets around town. If fresh turmeric isn’t available, do not use dried turmeric. Simply omit from the recipe. Note: fresh turmeric stains anything it comes in contact with, so be careful when handling.