Breakfast Competitors

For decades, the juice from the beautiful orange has been valued and highly marketed.  Tropicana and other juice manufacturers have convinced us that breakfast is incomplete without a tall, frosty glass of orange juice. What began as a 6 ounce glass of juice has graduated into a 20 ounce tumbler filled with orangey goodness.

What the advertisements don't spend much time on is the nutritional label on those orange cartons.  Lots of calories and natural sugars that have very little nutritional benefit beyond vitamin C.  Some juices have added calcium and some have added vitamin D, but it is the C that is the essence of the original juice.

So, how did the juice of the orange gain such popularity to rise above the competition? For a while it seemed like grape juice was holding its own.  I am always surprised that the highly desirable attributes of red wine have not carried the juice of the grape, in its non-fermented form, to equal popularity.  Is it the powerful stain power of the  purple wonders, the intensely sweet flavor, or power of Tropicana to market in a more appealing way than Welchs?

From time to time, orange slices work their way into seasonal beverages and citrusy salads, but it's claim to fame seems to be as the breakfast staple.

Cranberry juice wiggled it's way into the hearts, and bladders, of some AM juice consumers - particularly those plagued with bladder infections or UTIs.  Is the "other red juice," pomegranate, edging out the cranberry competition?   Tart cherry is also heralded for it's wonderful antioxidant properties.  So are any of these red wonders beating the veteran OJ??????

I recently came across the recipe below for salad dressing,  It includes both orange juice AND red wine - how about that! 

1 tablespoon red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon orange juice

1teaspoon fresh garlic, minced

½ teaspoon dried basil

1 pinch sea salt

1 pinch black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 Directions

1.

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except olive oil.

2.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil, while whisking, to emulsify the dressing.

3.

Serve over mixed greens.