Juices
Juice is a drink made by extracting or pressing the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables. It can also refer to liquids that are flavored with these or other biological food sources such as meat and seafood (such as clam juice). Juice is commonly consumed as a beverage or used as an ingredient or flavoring in foods or other beverages, as for smoothies.
Types of juices include, but are not limited to:
Fruit Juices: These are made from the extraction or pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit. Common examples include orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, and cranberry juice. Fruit juices can be consumed fresh, concentrated, or frozen.
Vegetable Juices: Similar to fruit juices, these are made from vegetables. Common examples include tomato juice, carrot juice, and beet juice. Vegetable juices are often mixed with fruits to improve flavor.
Citrus Juices: These are specific types of fruit juices made from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. They are known for their high vitamin C content.
Blended Juices: These juices combine a variety of fruits, and sometimes vegetables, to create a mixture of flavors. Examples include blends like apple-pear, orange-mango, or carrot-ginger.
Cold-Pressed Juices: This type of juice is made using a hydraulic press to extract juice from fruit and vegetables, as opposed to other methods such as centrifugal or single auger. Cold-pressed juices claim to retain more nutrients and enzymes, as there's less heat and oxygenation involved in the pressing process.
Organic Juices: Made from fruits and vegetables grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms.
Juices are enjoyed for various reasons: they can be high in vitamins and antioxidants, they can be a convenient way to consume fruits and vegetables, and they often have refreshing and appealing flavors. However, it's important to note that fruit juices can be high in natural sugars and may lack the fiber found in whole fruits, which is why nutritionists often recommend consuming them in moderation.