I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on building up my immune system through my diet and lifestyle. One simple method I’ve found for consuming large amounts of essential nutrients is through health-benefitting fruit and vegetable juices. As much as I love to eat carrots (especially with lots of homemade hummus), I’ve really enjoyed adding juices and health shots into my diet over the past couple of years. A single cup of carrot juice is not only surprisingly tasty (and naturally sweet), but it is packed with several health benefits. Even better, there are two methods to make this healthy homemade carrot juice!
Carrot juice benefits
Because of the humble perception of this root vegetable, I think people can overlook their many health properties. Carrots are packed with several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, containing three particular nutrients: beta carotene (a form of Vit A), lutein, and zeaxanthin (both latter are antioxidants). These, when combined, help protect/enhance eye health, heart health, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Besides, carrots can also help preserve brain health and have immune-boosting properties, perfect for the colder winter months. The beta-carotene can also provide skin protecting benefits, as it contains some UV protection! Not to mention that carrots have anti-cancerous properties with certain cancers. And the super dose of antioxidants works to protect the body from harmful free radicals and oxidative stress. So, if you’re asking yourself, ‘what is carrot juice good for?’, a better question is – what ISN’T it good for? I love to add this juice to my rotation more during the winter months, though it’s good for year-round sipping. Oh, and if you’re diabetic there’s no need to worry either. Although carrot juice is sweet, it helps to regulate blood sugar levels and so is fine for diabetics.
How to juice carrots
With A Juicer
First scrub/clean the outside of your carrots well. If you’re using organic carrots you can leave them unpeeled, otherwise peel them – though, either way, peeled carrot juice will be brighter and sweeter. Tip: I clean my carrots immediately after buying them, so I don’t have to do this each time I want to use some. Then I just give them a quick few seconds rinse before using. Chop the carrots to a size that fits your juicer chute and then begin to feed the carrots through the chute.
How to make carrot juice in a blender
You’ll need a high-speed blender for this, to easily break up the tough carrot pieces. Peel and chop the carrots into 1-2″ pieces, then add around 1/4-1/2 cup of water to the blender too (to help the carrots blend without diluting the juice TOO much). Blend it until pureed into a thick smoothie consistency. Then sieve the juice. You can do this through a sieve, using a spoon to help press the juice out. Alternatively, use a nut milk bag and lightly squeeze it to get the juice out. Enjoy!
How To Use The Pulp & Carrot Tops
Don’t throw away the leftover fibrous juice pulp. Instead, add it to smoothies, baked goods (like carrot cake and muffins or crackers), broths, carrot salads, breakfast dishes like these carrot cake overnight oats, and other drink recipes. If you used carrots with tops (leaves), then you can make carrot-top pesto. The pulp is also freezable to use over a longer period of time.
How to store
Carrot juice is best consumed immediately for the highest amount of nutrients. Though you can store leftover juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days if needed.
Recipe notes
You can freeze carrot juice – though it separates when thawing so then it is best used for culinary uses like dressings and stocks. For extra flavor and nutrients, you could experiment with different add-ins. Celery, cucumber, lemon/lime, apple, orange, pineapple juices would all complement the carrot well. You can also add herbs or spices like basil, mint, parsley, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper. Because of the high level of carotenoids in carrots, if you drink too much carrot juice, it can affect skin pigment and turn you orange! So I wouldn’t drink it daily. Check below for a couple of simple blends, including carrot and orange, and carrot and ginger juice.
More juice recipes
How To Juice Ginger With and Without Juicer How To Juice Turmeric (With and Without Juicer) Simple Ginger and Beet Juice Recipe Simple Homemade Orange Juice (3 methods) How to Juice a Lime (6 Methods With + Without Juicer | + Freeze it) Carrot & Ginger Juice Carrot & Orange Juice How to cut a pomegranate and make pomegranate juice How to make wheatgrass Shots and Juice Green Detox Celery Juice Blend Ginger Turmeric Immune-Boosting Energy Shots (juicer recipe)
If you try this homemade carrot juice recipe, let me know your thoughts and any questions in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.
