Fruit juice (nectar)

Fruit Nectar Recipe – A Natural Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a cold glass of fruit nectar, bursting with natural flavors and goodness? This simple and quick recipe transforms fresh fruits into the perfect drink to cool off, energize a hot day, or add a splash of joy to breakfast. Fruit nectar, often associated with commercial drinks full of preservatives and added sugars, can be easily made at home using only natural ingredients. So, let's get started!

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 banana (preferably ripe for a sweeter taste)
- 2 apples (choose sweet varieties like Golden or Fuji)
- Juice from 2 oranges (freshly squeezed for an intense flavor)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (you can substitute with honey for a more natural option)
- 350 ml water (sparkling water can also be used for an interesting taste)

Practical Tips for Your Ingredients

1. Banana: Choose a banana with yellow skin, free from brown spots, for the best flavor.
2. Apples: You can combine different types of apples to add complexity to the flavor. For example, a tart apple can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the banana.
3. Oranges: Make sure the oranges are juicy; a dry orange won't provide the desired flavor. You can also use other citrus fruits, like grapefruit or lemon, to adjust the acidity.
4. Sugar/Honey: If you prefer a less sweet nectar, you can start with 3 tablespoons of sugar and adjust to your desired taste.

Step by Step: How to Prepare the Fruit Nectar

1. Preparing the Fruits: Start by washing all the fruits thoroughly. Peel the banana and cut it into cubes. The apples should be peeled and cut into small pieces. This will help with the cooking process and make blending easier.

2. Cooking the Fruits: In a pot, add the banana cubes, chopped apples, orange juice, sugar (or honey), and water. Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples become soft.

3. Cooling the Mixture: Once the fruits are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This step is important to avoid accidents when blending.

4. Blending: Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a finer texture, you can blend it longer.

5. Straining: Use a fine strainer or sieve to separate the pulp from the juice. This is an essential step, as the pulp can make the juice too thick. If you find the nectar lacks fluidity, add a little fresh orange juice.

6. Final Cooling: Pour the obtained fruit nectar into a pitcher and let it cool in the refrigerator for about an hour. It will be the perfect refreshing drink for warm evenings or to accompany a meal.

Personalized Tip

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can add a little freshly grated ginger to the fruit mixture before blending. Ginger will add a spicy flavor, as well as numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system.

Estimated Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, apricots, or even pineapple. Each fruit will provide a unique flavor to your nectar.

2. How can I sweeten the nectar less?
If you want to reduce the sugar, you can add a few dried dates to the blender, which will turn into natural sweetness.

3. Is it necessary to strain the juice?
Straining is not absolutely necessary, but it provides a smoother texture. If you like the texture of the pulp, you can leave it in.

Delicious Combinations

Fruit nectar pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. You can serve it alongside fluffy pancakes for breakfast or as a refreshing accompaniment to a fruit salad. You can also create a delicious cocktail by adding a splash of gin or vodka for a special evening.

A Final Note

Making fruit nectar at home not only gives you a delicious and healthy drink but also allows you to enjoy the natural flavors of the fruits. Experiment, adjust the recipe to your taste, and share this natural delight with your loved ones. Each sip will be a treat that transports you to a world of freshness and goodness! Savor every moment!