Carrot Juice

Several years ago, my aunt made fresh carrot juice and I have loved it ever since. It was earthy, sweet, and soo delicious. My kids even love it, although they don't care for added ginger in theirs... they say it's to spicy;)
There is nothing like fresh, homemade juices. It is so great to know what is in the juice...and that there are no added preservatives.

Carrots have tons of health benefits, we all know that they are great for your eyesight but also improve the functioning of your immune system. Carrots have tons of beta caratene that converts into vitamin A in our bodies. Some studies have shown Vitamin A to be beneficial in preventing cancer because of it's antioxidant properties.

For homemade carrot juice, you will need a juicer. I've heard great things about the Jack Lalane juicer, but I got my juicer at Target and it works great. Or check out your local craigslist or yardsale, you can usually find them hardly used and at a fraction of the cost.

My favorite way to prepare carrot juice is to add an apple, and a bit of ginger. The apple gives it a bit more sweetness, and the ginger adds a hint of spice.

Step 1- Add 4-5 carrots, and 1 apple to your juicer. Now empty the pulp out of your juicer and save this in an airtight container, you can use it in a recipe. You can add it to muffins, soups, really just about anything, but I will share my muffin recipe later;)

Step 2- Juice about a 1" chunk of ginger, or less to taste. (I like myn "spicy") Then enjoy!

Here's a tip: I like to keep my fruit and veggies in the fridge, not only because they keep longer, but when you juice them, the juice is already nice and cold. You should drink your juice as soon as your done juicing it, otherwise it will begin to separate and just doesn't save well.

Have fun experimenting with different juices you can make, try adding celery and carrots together, or beets and carrots. Juicing is a great way to get tons of nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables in a refreshing way.

If you are curious to try carrot juice, but just don't want to invest in a juicer, then check out your local grocery store. Earthfare, Trader Joe's and Harris Teeter carry carrot juice, look in the refridgerated section, and make sure to check the label shows it's 100% carrot juice.

Cheers! To good eyesight! :)