Refreshing delight

Refreshing Summer Delight: A Fruit and Vegetable Cocktail

Summer is the season when we crave refreshing and healthy drinks, and this recipe is perfect for enriching our diet with the necessary vitamins. This refreshing delight is not only a pleasant way to consume your daily portion of fruits and vegetables, but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Let's begin our gastronomic adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Maceration time: 8 hours (recommended overnight)
Total time: 8 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 8 (approximately 2 liters of juice)

Ingredients

- 10 carrots
- 4 tomatoes
- 2 pieces of beetroot
- 2 grapefruits
- 2 pears
- 2 green apples
- 2 nectarines
- 2 peaches
- Fresh mint leaves for decoration

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by washing all the fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities and pesticides.
Peel the carrots and beets. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin, making sure not to waste too much of the vegetables. Cut the carrots and beets into large pieces to facilitate the juicing process.

2. Preparing the Grapefruits:
Remove the rind and bitter skin from the grapefruits. This will not only eliminate bitterness but also allow the juice to taste better. Cut the grapefruits in half.

3. Washing the Fruits:
Wash the tomatoes, pears, green apples, nectarines, and peaches well and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. It is important to keep the skin on the apples and peaches, as it contains many nutrients.

4. Juicing:
Use a fruit juicer to extract the juices. It is important to juice each ingredient carefully, but keep in mind that the beet should be juiced last. This is a trick I learned from my grandmother, who said that beet juice has a strong flavor and could influence the other ingredients if juiced too early.

5. Macerating the Juice:
Once you have obtained all the juices, separate the beet juice into a different container. Let it macerate in the refrigerator overnight. This step will intensify the flavor of the juice and allow the fruits to blend perfectly.

6. Finalizing the Drink:
In the morning, combine the juices in a large container. Mix well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

7. Serving:
Pour the juice into glasses and decorate with fresh mint leaves. These not only add an aesthetic touch but also a note of freshness.

Chef's Tip

If you want to enrich this recipe even more, you can add a few slices of fresh ginger during the juicing process. Ginger will add a bit of spice and enhance health benefits. Also, feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits. You can replace nectarines and peaches with strawberries or raspberries for a drink with different flavors.

Nutritional Information

This drink is rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of vitamin A (from carrots), vitamin C (from tomatoes and grapefruits), and antioxidants (from beets). Consuming fresh juices can help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

- Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 kcal, depending on the ingredients used.
- Benefits: Improves hydration, supports skin health, and provides a natural energy boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits or vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is very versatile. You can add pineapple, mango, or even cucumber for a more refreshing drink.

2. How can I store the juice?
The juice can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. Make sure to shake it well before consuming, as the pulp will settle at the bottom of the container.

3. Is it necessary to strain the juice?
If you prefer a denser drink, you can leave the pulp in the juice. This will add a richer texture and additional nutrients.

Delicious Combinations

This refreshing delight pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or can be served alongside a cheese platter. You can also combine it with a summer cocktail, such as a mojito or gin and tonic, for a successful party.

In conclusion, this Refreshing Delight is not only a simple recipe but also a culinary experience that will transport you to the heart of summer, providing you with a welcome refreshment. The invitation is open to try this recipe, personalize it, and share it with your loved ones. Refreshing and healthy, this drink will surely become a summer favorite!