Carrot Juice Carrot Juice! for Winter Months

Carrot Juice is so easy to make with my AmzChef cold press juicer. It's a quick beta-carotene jump for my immune system during the winter months.

How I love cold press juice with my fresh carrots from my farmers market from Saturday morning. Raw carrots are my go to for a snack or making carrot salad which is one of our favorite side salad for dinner.

Cultivated in Iran

Did you know that the wild carrot was cultivated in Iran 1,100 years ago which then appeared in the Roman Empire. The region's climate is suitable for growing various vegetables, including carrots.

Historically, carrots were cultivated in ancient Persia, and over time, they spread to other parts of the world.

Today, Iran is still known for producing a variety of agricultural products, including carrots, which are used in traditional dishes and fresh consumption.Yet these colorful beauties then made it across the Atlantic Ocean with the pilgrims that then settled in the United States.

Homemade Carrot Juice Recipe

Making fresh carrot juice is simple and refreshing! Here’s a straightforward method that will make it easier to juice.

Ingredients

• whole carrots, organic carrots, purple carrots or a handful of baby carrots 
• Optional: a piece of ginger root, apple, or lemon for added flavor

Equipment

• Juicer or blender
• Strainer (if using a blender)
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Wash the Carrots: Rinse the carrots thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.
2. Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots if you prefer, although it’s not necessary. Cut them into smaller pieces (about 1-2 inches) to make them easier to juice.
3. Juicing:
   • If using a juicer: Feed the carrot pieces into the juicer and collect the juice in a container.
   • If using a blender: Add the carrot pieces (and optional ingredients) into the blender with a little water. Blend until smooth.
4. Strain (if using a blender): Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp. Press down to extract as much juice as possible.
5. Serve: Pour the juice into a glass and enjoy it fresh! You can also chill it or add ice. Enjoy your homemade carrot juice!

Tips

• For a sweeter juice, consider adding an apple or a bit of honey.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a small piece of ginger before juicing.

Carrot Juice Benefits

Carrot juice offers several health benefits, including:

1. Rich in Nutrients: It's high in vitamin C, A, K, and vitamin b, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Carrots are loaded with antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which can help combat oxidative stress.
3. Supports Eye Health: The high vitamin A content is crucial for maintaining good vision and may help prevent age-related eye conditions.
4. Boosts Immune Function: The vitamins and antioxidants in carrot juice can strengthen the immune system.
5. Promotes Healthy Skin: Nutrients in carrot juice can improve skin health and may help in reducing acne and other skin issues.
6. digestive issues: Carrot juice can help improve digestion due to its fiber content, especially if consumed with pulp.
7. Support for heart disease: The potassium in carrot juice can help regulate blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular health.
8. Hydration: Carrot juice has a high water content, helping to keep you hydrated.

Incorporating carrot juice into your diet can be a delicious way to enjoy these benefits!

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. I am not a doctor and I do not give medical advice. My mother has this disease and this is what I know from going to the doctors with her over the years, plus my annual eye visits because of my family history.

Types

1. Dry AMD: This is the most common form, characterized by the gradual thinning of the macula and the accumulation of drusen (small yellow deposits). It usually progresses slowly.
2. Wet AMD: This type is less common but more severe. It involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which can leak fluid and blood, leading to rapid vision loss.

Symptoms:

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• A dark or empty area in the center of vision
• Colors may appear less vibrant

Risk Factors:

• Age (most common in people over 50)
• Family history of AMD
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight

Management for healthy eyes

While there is no cure for AMD, certain treatments can help slow its progression, especially in the wet form. These may include:

• Anti-VEGF injections (to reduce fluid leakage)
• Photodynamic therapy
• Nutritional supplements (high in vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein)

Some Items For This Recipe

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More Juice & Smoothies

Fresh Juice

For the  batch juicers, these are some of the juicing that I do for my yearly cleanse in the New Year. I do this about once a year where I will juice for 3 days to get rid of the holiday bloat. Here is the list of juices that are very easy to make and best flavor juices that I enjoy.

• celery juice: Fresh celery stalks (about 1 bunch)
• vegetable juice: i use a mixture of Carrots Celery Spinach
• lemon juice: 3 squeezed lemons with water
• fruit juices: Oranges. Apples. Pineapple mixed together are my favorites
• leafy greens: hand full of spinach and 1 apple
• beet juice: 1 beet, 1 carrot and 1 apple is my recipe.

As we learn about the history of food together nothing surprise me more then what country started a recipe or started a harvest to feed their people. Iran's carrots today are shared around the world feed the people and without that start we would not be able to enjoy our carrot juice. 

In the Iranian culture the Iranian Carrot Salad is very popular, making it a delightful side dish. Something we will be making soon to share with you, so stay tune my friends! Hope you enjoyed our journey today. Until next time my beautiful friends as my quest for the perfect bite continues. As they say in Iranian say, Nosh-e jan!  AKA: enjoy your meal!