When I was about eleven or twelve years old, my Mom bought a juicer. I’m not sure how popular juicers were in the seventies, but to me, it was a really cool novelty. I loved when she broke that thing out. She’d pull any and every fruit or vegetable we had in the fridge out and laid them all on the kitchen counter. We experimented a lot. Some juices were really bitter and not sweet at all. I really didn’t like them. But, one day she combined carrot and apple. The juice was so sweet and refreshing. I loved it! From then on, that was my favorite. So much so, that I think at one point I may have turned a bit orange!
I still juice, but not regularly (the day someone invents a self-cleaning juicer…then, I’ll juice regularly). So, every so often, I get a craving for juices and bend myself into a pretzel to pull that thing out of the back of the cabinet. I almost always make this juice first. This combination of carrot and apple is still my favorite, but I’ve found that adding a bit of orange dilutes and softens the slightly bitter taste that can come from carrots. The orange really adds a freshness and brightness to this juice that I really love.
Why call this a “Glow Juice”? It’s all about the combination of antioxidants. Carrots contain the antioxidant beta carotene which turns into Vitamin A in our bodies. Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy skin. The other important vitamin is Vitamin C. It stimulates the production of collagen in our skin. Together, this juice will have you glowing! I don’t recommend drinking much more than one serving a day. There is a lot of natural sugar in this juice and too much beta carotene will have you turning orange just like I did as a kid. It’s harmless and will go away as soon as you stop consuming the juice, but keep that in mind!
People use juices in different ways. Some do cleanses where they only consume juices for anywhere from a day to three or more days. I’ve done those juice cleanses, but, to me, juices make a better addition to a healthy diet instead of being a replacement for healthy whole foods. So, if you’re new to juicing, this is a great one to start with. It tastes delicious. See my notes below for juicing tips!
- 2 large organic carrots, tops trimmed
- 1 organic Granny Smith apple, cut into quarters
- 1 Naval orange, quartered and peeled
- Special equipment: Juicer
- Place the ingredients into the juicer according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Drink or place in a tightly sealed glass container and refrigerate immediately. Keeps for about two days.
I love using Granny Smith apples, but use what you like best. The Granny Smith has a nice tartness that is perfect in this.
Naval oranges are in season now and taste so sweet! I love them because they are so easy to peel and have no seeds. But again…use what you have on hand!
Can you make in a blender?
Funny you should ask, Nylisha! I just made this in the blender last week! You can absolutely do it, but…it will have a lot of texture instead of being a “juice”. My suggestion is to add about a cup of ice (add it last, on top of the other ingredients) to the blender to create more of a frozen smoothie. The carrot and apple have so much fiber and really bulk this up. The taste is still so delicious! Hope you love it!
no need of adding maybe a glass of water, i love ur smoothie though
You gals want to try adding a couple leaves without the tough stems of kale to your juice. I’ve been told by a gal in our Health Food store that one leaf of Kale in the morning makes your body pH alkaline instead of acidic, for the entire day, despite the acid in the juices. An alkaline body pH is healthier.
I can’t wait to try, love the tips from commenters too.
I hope you love it, Brigitt! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
One small beet instead of the orange was the highest selling juice at our local health food store for many, many years. Try it. You won’t be disappointed. I’m fresh out of beats, (but have loads of oranges), so I’m giving your original version a try. Thanks for reminding me.
I just found you via pinterest. I make a juice very similar to this and it is my all time favorite. I use grapefruit in place of the orange. Delish!
Ooooh…Brittany, I love grapefruit juice AND I just bought a bag of them yesterday! I’m going to give that a try! Thanks so much for sharing that! So glad you found my blog! Hope you visit again soon!
This is making me so wish I had a juicer. The color is so vibrant…I’m seriously craving some of this!!!
I don’t have a juicer. But I love this Caroline! The story about your mom, all the goodness in this recipe, the PHOTOS. Awesome.
Thank you Heather! If you ever get a juicer…this is a great one to start with…it’s light and sweet!
Hi Caroline — This looks so yummy and love the fact only three ingredients. Been blogging this week on the benefits of smoothies and juices, too, so had to write a comment! This looks like a great one to pin on a board I have with beautiful recipes like this one! I look forward to more posts on the subject from you.
Thanks so much for pinning this Lori! I’ve been in the smoothie and juice zone too…it’s made me feel so much better after eating waaaaay too many cookies this holiday!
Oh, Caroline! I just love the name of this juice! Who wouldn’t want to chug “Glow Juice”?!?!? And I gotta tell you, holed up in -20F Ohio today, I really, really am enjoying the warm, cheerfully bright colors in your pics! A burst of sunshine! Perfect way to start a healthy new year! :D
Oh my goodness…twenty below? Brrr! Shelley, you don’t just need bright colors…you need a bowl of hot soup! ;) Thanks for your sweet comment!
I really need to get a juicer so I can make this!!
Thanks for the recipe. My MIL just gave us her juicer but I haven’t used it yet. This sounds like a great way to get the family interested in juicing.
How nice Christy! This is a perfect juice to start with. It’s sweet and really fruity. You can add just a little more veggie and less fruit each time and before you know it…even the kids may love some of those green juices! Have fun!
That is SO cool that you had a juicer growing up! And here I thought it was a brand new invention. This juice sounds amazing. I love carrot and orange together. I do a “dessert” version with carrot, orange, grapefruit and mango that I love too. Can’t wait to try : )
Thanks so much Natalie! No, juicers have been around a loooong time…and I’m pretty old! ;) Oh wow…your combination sounds so tropical and delicious! I’ll have to try that!
This makes me wish I had a juicer! I make smoothies regularly and love the idea of incorporating carrots because I love the flavor….but the texture gets me everytime :( maybe one day when I have a kitchen big enough!!
I know exactly what you mean Lily! I went without one for many years just because they can be so bulky and hard to store. I actually have to take mine apart to fit into the cabinet!