We did it, folks. We managed to list every single ingredient in the title of this recipe, minus the ginger water. Now, there are many things that people should tell you in this life. Such instances include:

• When your zipper is down
• When your shirt is inside out
• If a pocket on your purse or backpack is open
• If you have toilet paper on your shoe
• When you have a giant booger hanging out of your nose

These are just things that people should tell you. You know what else people should tell you? It’s that beets are incredible. Not only are they good for you, but they also taste great and go great in juices, smoothies, salads, or roasted vegetable medleys. Chances are that if you were never exposed to beets, you don’t include them in your diet. They have a reputation of tasting like dirt, but that’s only if you do not know how to prepare them.

In the case of this beet smoothie, you hardly notice the earthy flavor. That is because you blend them with other sweet and tangy ingredients, including carrots, oranges, and bananas. Carrots, oranges, and beets make for an excellent trio, but you need the banana to help make the smoothie creamy. The banana also lends another element of sweetness to this beet smoothie. Want to make an even creamier smoothie? Freeze the banana pieces overnight before blending them.

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One thing is for certain: you feel a lot better after enjoying a raw vegan dessert than after you eat a pint of ice cream or packaged pastry. Think of this dessert as raw vegan comfort food, only this recipe puts a zesty spin on a timeless classic. Carrot cake, depending on who you ask, ranks high in the dessert world, but all of the calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and dairy products that go into it are not kind to the gut. Fortunately, this healthier, raw rendition provides all the flavor without the unwanted bloating that comes with eating regular cake.

Have you noticed that a lot of carrot cake recipes contain pineapple chunks? That is a personal preference, but it an add an interesting, somewhat weird, flavor to the cake. When you cut into a carrot cake and see real bits of carrot, though, you know you are in for a treat. Grated carrots add a surprising sweetness to carrot cake, and the fresh lemon and orange are very complementary. Your palate craves freshness and acid, which both the lemon and orange offer. But make no mistake: this is not a citrus-forward dessert like a lemon bar. This is carrot cake that has notes of refreshing citrus!

You can choose to make this raw vegan carrot cake in a round cake or pie pan, or you can make tiny cupcakes. Whichever method you choose is completely fine, but if the smaller individual pieces help you control your portions, go that route.

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Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

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Kiwis are great because they offer more vitamin C than oranges. They exhibit a slightly tart flavor with a sweet undertone, which comes through in this green anti-inflammatory smoothie. Some people don’t like their signature tartness, but blending them into smoothies with other ingredients may help sway that decision.

For this smoothie, the citrusy sweetness from the orange complements the signature kiwi flavor. The banana and raw agave nectar add a pleasant sweetness to balance the tart flavors. Even though this smoothie looks like blended grass clippings, the taste is far from that. In fact, you can always add a touch more agave if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Just don’t go overboard with the agave because you don’t want this smoothie to be a sugar bomb, even if the agave is a natural sweetener.

Spinach is a great green to add to your smoothies because it doesn’t have a strong flavor. Add other fruit or nut butters, for example, to a spinach smoothie will completely hide the mild leafy green. Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green that contains vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to magnesium, zinc, and antioxidant compounds. Researchers note that leafy greens like spinach can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune function. It also helps maintain mucus membranes, which are essential for eyesight!

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Sip your way into a world of vibrance with our blood orange sherbet smoothie that bursts with tropical, sweet, and tart flavors. This delightful smoothie contains three simple ingredients: fresh raspberries, papaya, and freshly squeezed blood orange juice. You will need about five blood oranges to get the right amount of juice for this smoothie. The blood orange juice offers a wonderful tartness with a sweet undertone that makes you feel like you’re sipping a tropical beverage on a tranquil beach.

Although you won’t eat the blood oranges, take a second to appreciate their beauty before you juice them. Their flesh resembles a tie dye tapestry of oranges and reds. It is truly a beautiful fruit that tastes just as good as it looks. Blood oranges exhibit an exquisite tanginess that goes hand in hand with the fresh raspberries. Needless to say, this smoothie is replete with antioxidant compounds and lots of vitamin C.

Sure, the raspberries and blood orange juice provide lots of vitamin C, but let’s not forget about the mighty papaya. This fruit is naturally rich in fiber, vitamin A, and papain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down the protein you eat. Make sure to cube your papaya, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze overnight the day before you make this smoothie. Frozen papaya will give this smoothie a creaminess that you wouldn’t get if you used fresh fruit and ice. Trust us when we tell you that this is the way to go!

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Can you imagine a world without orange juice and lemonade? Sure, the appeal goes beyond these citrus beverages, but that is usually where your love for citrus fruits begins. After these drinks ignite your passion for citrus, you begin to experiment with other flavors and citrus fruits in various recipes. Because citrus straddles the sweet and tart line, you can use citrus fruits in both sweet and savory applications. 

As a food category, citrus is very diverse and includes varieties of oranges, limes, lemons, tangerines, grapefruit, pomelo, and yuzu, among others. Citrus fruits account for 14% of fresh fruit consumption by Americans, according to the Farm Bureau. Oranges rank just below apples, bananas, and melons as the most commonly consumed fruits in the United States. In fact, most people would find it difficult to live without citrus!

Historically, British sailors who attempted voyages without citrus usually developed scurvy, due to lack of vitamin C. Although not the only vitamin C-rich foods, citrus fruits are some of the most popular to enjoy, with one orange containing more than 50 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. This nutrient functions as an antioxidant and aids immune function, which is vital during cold and flu season. Keep your vitamin C intake up with the following citrus=themed recipes!

DIY Citrus Electrolyte Drink

Perfect for your pre-workout energizing! This DIY citrus electrolyte drink is full of flavor and helps to keep you hydrated and refreshed.

Click here to make the recipe.

Immune-Boosting Citrus Carrot Smoothie

Don’t neglect your immune system! Keep up your body’s defense against infection by regularly drinking this smoothie.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Pineapple Lime And Mint Smoothie

Get ready for a tropical twist and a zesty zing when you enjoy this refreshing pineapple smoothie with lime, mint, hemp hearts, and more.

Click here to make the recipe.

Citrus Pomegranate Salad

Get ready for some refreshing and antioxidant-rich seasonal ingredients. This citrus pomegranate salad is everything you want and more!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Cilantro Citrus Salad Dressing

Made with six simple ingredients, this cilantro citrus dressing bursts with sweet and tangy flavors that’ll take your salad to the next level.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Winter Blood Orange Salad

This blood orange salad is a beautiful blend of citrus, spinach, arugula, and avocados. The vinaigrette pulls all the flavors together.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Zucchini Noodles In A Lemon Tahini Sauce

Take your zoodle game to the next level when you toss zucchini noodles in this lemony tahini sauce that is bright, nutty, and acidic.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Zesty Raw Orange Cheesecake Bars

Get ready to enjoy the zesty, refreshing flavors of this raw vegan cheesecake. Cut them into bars for perfectly healthy bite-size desserts.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Lemon Ginger Immune-Boosting Sorbet

Obey the sorbet! Boost your immune system with a bowl of this sweet and tangy dessert. Ginger lemon sorbet is exactly what you need in life.

Click here to make the recipe.

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Bright, and orange in color and sweet and slightly tart in flavor, orange juice is potentially the most famous breakfast drink. Some people like it with champagne, while others prefer it alongside a vegetable omelet. The big question is whether or not a glass of orange juice is good for you and which is the best type to drink? 

Consumed by both kids and adults alike, orange juice can provide nutrients that optimize bone, heart, and brain health. Is your orange juice actually healthy, though? That will depend on whether or not it is freshly squeezed, cold-pressed, or from concentrate with added sugars and preservatives. Sticking to 100% fresh orange juice in moderation can provide many micro and macronutrients. 

Orange Juice Nutrition

Fresh-squeezed orange juice contains a lot of vitamin C and B vitamins. One thing to note is that it is relatively high in calories and low in fiber. A one-cup serving of fresh-squeezed orange juice exhibits the following nutritional profile:

• Calories: 112
• Carbohydrates: 25.8 grams (g)
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugar: 20.8 g
• Total Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.7 g
• Folate: 74.4 micrograms (mcg)
• Thiamine: 0.2 milligrams (mg)
• Sodium: 2.5 mg
• Copper: 0.1 mg
• Vitamin C: 124 mg
• Potassium: 496 mg
• Magnesium: 27.3 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg
• Vitamin A: 24.8 mcg

Fresh-squeezed orange juice contains health-promoting compounds and nutrients, whereas processed orange juice does not offer the same quality ingredients. Fresh is always best, but consuming too much can dramatically increase your sugar intake. Limit your intake to a half cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice daily to avoid blood sugar spikes. Avoid orange juices with added sugars or flavors and you may experience the following benefits. 

May Improve Heart Health

Studies show that the consumption of citrus fruits can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and protect the body from heart disease. One study, in particular, found that enjoying citrus fruit regularly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke, in both men and women. Additionally, a 2022 systematic review found that chronic orange juice consumption in moderate amounts positively affected blood pressure in obese adults.

Provides Necessary B Vitamins

B vitamins help a variety of enzymes in the body do their jobs. These jobs range from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and delivering oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. Orange juice is a great source of folate, thiamine, niacin, and pantothenic acid, all of which are B vitamins. They help optimize brain function, support heart health, and build stronger bones. 

Rich In Antioxidants

Oranges contain powerful antioxidants, including bioflavonoids like hesperidin and hesperetin. Many studies indicate that antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which helps reduce oxidative damage to cells. Antioxidants also work to reduce inflammation! A report found that the content of flavonoids in a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice is about 60% of the recommended daily intake of these compounds. 

Excellent Source Of Vitamin C

Although there are other fruits with higher amounts of vitamin C, oranges provide a sufficient amount. Vitamin C plays several roles, including protecting the heart and allowing the proper absorption of other nutrients. It also works to repair connective tissue and promotes the formation of collagen, contributing to healthier skin. Finally, most people know about vitamin C because it supports immune function. In fact, it has been shown to improve the outcome of various respiratory illnesses, even shortening the duration of symptoms. 

May Boost Gut Health

A 2019 study found that drinking fresh-squeezed orange juice positively affects the composition of gut microbiota. Orange juice may positively affect the metabolic activity of your microbiome, which increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The study involved healthy women, who also experienced improved cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity as a result of drinking orange juice.

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Do you love to clean? No, nobody loves to clean, but cleaning is a necessary part of life. Cleaning helps get rid of germs, keeping you and anyone else who lives in your house safe. That said, many people clean with chemical cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients, many of which can damage endocrine function. 

Instead of polluting the home with chemicals while you clean, use a homemade, vinegar-based cleaner that is 100% safe. Vinegar is frequently recommended as a household cleaner and can be very effective on certain surfaces. We are, of course, referring to distilled white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar. It is important to note that vinegar is a cleaner and not a disinfectant like bleach or commercial cleaners. Because of that, it is not as effective at killing certain germs when compared to disinfectant sprays. 

Why Should You Clean With Vinegar?

Vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of some oils, dirt, films, bacteria, and stains. That same acetic acid can also harm certain surfaces, which is why vinegar cleaners aren’t meant to clean every inch of your home. Do not use vinegar on natural stone, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed wood. The “set time,” or the time a cleaner has to set on a surface in order to work, varies with a vinegar cleaner. Experts suggest that the set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes, especially if you use it to clean stained pots and pans. 

How Does Vinegar Work?

The acidity, as mentioned previously, makes vinegar a great cleaning agent. It can help dissolve soap scum, brines left behind by hard water, and even the glue from stickers. If you want to clean your windows or mirrors, mix vinegar with water and wipe with newspaper (not a paper towel) to avoid streaks. You can also use vinegar to get rid of stubborn stains, for example, from sweaty armpits or grass. Most of these types of stains are slightly acidic, meaning they will dissolve away in the presence of another acid, like vinegar. A paste made with vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve red wine stains. You can even use vinegar to get dog or cat urine out of carpets or clothes!

When To Not Use Vinegar

Because vinegar is highly concentrated, it can stain delicate fabrics and harm other surfaces. It will scratch natural stone like marble or granite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vinegar is not approved to disinfect surfaces. Unfortunately, there is no supporting evidence that shows that vinegar can get rid of harmful pathogens, like salmonella, that lurk on surfaces. Additionally, using vinegar on hardwood floors can eat away at the finish and make it look dull over time. 

Orange Basil Vinegar Cleaner

Not only does this recipe help clean certain surfaces, but it also leaves your home smelling floral and zesty. Instead of tossing orange peels into the trash, use the peels to provide that citrus scent to your vinegar cleaner. The peels from four oranges and four to five sprigs of basil will do the job!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) wide-mouthed mason jar
• Peels from 4 oranges
• 4-5 sprigs of basil
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions:

• Add the orange peels and sprigs of basil to the wide-mouthed mason jar and fill it to the top with vinegar. Tighten the lid and let it set for a minimum of 10 days. 
• After this infusion time, prepare a spray bottle and fill it halfway with the vinegar mixture (only the liquid, not the peels or sprigs). Add water to the spray bottle to fill it up. Shake well and use when ready. 
• Once you finish this solution, you can use the rest of the vinegar to create more. You shouldn’t keep your vinegar solution longer than one month, as you don’t want it to spoil.

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When the weather is hot and you want something refreshing to cool you off, what do you reach for? Are you the type of person to drink iced cold water all day? There is nothing wrong with that, but you need to deliver electrolytes to the body when it’s hot outside. Electrolytes, which you lose via sweat, help to hydrate the body and maintain the function of multiple systems within the body. This pineapple mango agua fresca is not only a tasty creation for your next backyard barbecue, but it’s also great to have in the house during hot summer weather.

Unlike traditional agua frescas that you can find at taco stands and Mexican restaurants, this agua fresca does not contain copious amounts of sugar. Besides the 1/4 cup of grade A maple syrup, this agua fresca is naturally sweetened with the natural sugars from the fruit. Because the pineapple, mango, and orange offer both sweet and tart flavors, you get the perfect balance of tart and sweet in this drink. The lemon helps to wake up the rest of the ingredients, while providing a nice balance to the very sweet maple syrup. Should you think that this agua fresca requires more sweetness, feel free to add a little more maple syrup.

If you find that the flavor is very intense, you can always add more water to the mixture. Additionally, if you want to double the recipe and add this to a large dispenser for a party, you have that option available. Just make sure to add is to to chill the agua fresca. It is very similar to freshly made juice and we hope you like it. If you like this summery beverage and want to see more recipes like it, let us know in the comments below.

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It’s unfair to say that all carbohydrates (carbs) are created equal because that is a false statement. Carbs may have a bad reputation because people associate them with type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and numerous other health conditions. Processed foods that are rich in sugar and refined grains tend to lack the important vitamins and minerals that other carbohydrate foods have. The carbs you want to focus on are detailed in this article.

Low-carb diets may benefit some people, but you don’t have to avoid high-carb foods forever and always. Many high-carb foods, like whole grains and certain fruits, contain other nutrients that promote overall health. For example, these foods are often rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Let’s find out about some of the healthiest carbs you can eat!

Bananas

Popular in a variety of recipes or as a filling snack, bananas are naturally rich in complex carbs. One large banana, for example, contains 31 grams (g) of carbs in the form of starches or sugars. Fortunately, bananas are incredibly rich in potassium and vitamins B6 and C, in addition to several other plant compounds. The potassium in bananas may help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health. Unripe bananas, which are less sweet, have a higher starch content, and that transforms into natural sugars as the bananas ripen. You’ll get more starch and less sugar if you eat bananas when they’re less ripe. Unripe bananas also contain resistant starch and pectin, both of which support digestive health. 

Oranges

Oranges are great sources of vitamin C, potassium, and some B-vitamins, but they are mostly water. According to available food data, 100 g of oranges contains about 15.5 g of carbs. Not only do oranges enhance your hydration efforts, but they also provide potent plant compounds that encourage healthy immune function. Additionally, oranges may increase the absorption of iron from other foods, which may protect against iron deficiency anemia. 

Sweet Potatoes

A half-cup serving (mashed) of these beautiful and nutritious tubers offers up 20.7 g of complex carbs, but don’t let that deter you. Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain essential antioxidants that work to neutralize free radicals in the body. In doing so, the antioxidants help keep the cells healthy and protect you against chronic illness. 

Apples

Known for their sweet, tart flavor and crisp crunch, apples come in all colors, flavors, and sizes. Generally, a half-cup serving of most apples contains 14-16 g of carbs, but that same serving boasts an impressive amount of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. According to early research, adding more apples to your diet may help reduce certain types of cancer, but more research is necessary. Eating apples may also help you regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Quinoa

Ahhh…the grain that’s not really a grain. Classified as a pseudocereal, quinoa is a nutritious seed that you typically prepare and eat like a grain. Cooked quinoa contains 70% carbs, making it a high-carb food. That said, quinoa is rich in many minerals, plant compounds, and is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids. Researchers have linked quinoa consumption to a variety of health benefits, including blood sugar management and improved heart health. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it a popular option for those who adhere to a gluten-free diet. 

Buckwheat

Just like quinoa, buckwheat is a pseudocereal and does not contain any gluten, despite “wheat” being in the name. A 100-gram serving of raw buckwheat contains 75 g of carbs, while the same amount of cooked buckwheat groats contains 19.9 g of carbs. Buckwheat has more minerals and antioxidants than most whole grains, and it contains a lot of protein and fiber. Additionally, both human and animal studies suggest that buckwheat may directly benefit heart health and blood sugar regulation. 

Beets

Beets round out the list of high-carb foods that exhibit impressive health benefits. Although beets aren’t as high in carbs as some of the other foods in this article, they do have a lot for a non-starchy vegetable. Raw and cooked beets contain 10 g of carbs per 100 g, primarily from the sugar and fiber. Besides the carbs, beets contain a lot of inorganic nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide to help lower blood pressure. Beet juice also contains nitrates and athletes occasionally use beet juice to enhance physical performance. The reason for this is because nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, which allows oxygen to flow more freely during exercise.

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