Calamansi is a fruit native to Southeast Asia. The fruit has properties similar to that of a lemon and lime. Calamansi is scientifically known as Calamondin or Citrofortunella microcarpa. It is extremely sour in taste and used to make calamansi juice.
Calamansi juice for coughs and colds is considered an effective remedy. You can also use it in dipping sauces, or to make ice cream, sorbets, and jellies.
5 Health Benefits of Calamansi Juice
What are the benefits of calamansi juice in the morning? Having a glass of this juice in the morning improves your skin tone and may also help with weight loss.
Here are five calamansi juice benefits on health.
1. Boosts collagen production
Calamansi is packed with vitamin C. This vitamin boosts collagen production in the body and strengthens the immune system.
Calamansi juice is also a beauty tonic. This juice, when applied topically, can even out the skin tone and rejuvenates the skin. It also helps heal wounds.
2. Prevents oral problems
You can use calamansi juice as a mouthwash. Vitamin C from this juice helps prevent tooth decay, bleeding gums, gingivitis, or loosening of teeth. It helps remove stains and plaque.
3. Keeps kidneys healthy and regulates bowel movements
Calamansi juice, when taken regularly, keeps the kidneys healthy. It reduces foul urine odor and lightens its color.
Regular intake of the juice purifies the organs and detoxifies the colon. It improves bowel movement and relieves constipation.
4. Strengthens the immune system
Calamansi has good amounts of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C which is essential to building immunity. It provides immunity against viral and bacterial infections. Drinking this juice on a regular basis helps build immunity against the common cold, flu, and fever.
5. May help in weight loss
This juice is a low-calorie drink that may help in weight loss. Drinking a glass of this juice before meals may prevent overeating. It also helps get rid of stored fats and lowers cholesterol in the body.
Side Effects of Drinking Calamansi Juice
Calamansi juice has numerous health benefits, but it shouldn’t be consumed in excess during pregnancy. Citrus fruits like lemon and calamansi can trigger heartburn during pregnancy. Also, citrus juices may cause stomach cramps, indigestion, or diarrhea if consumed in excessive amounts.
Drinking unpasteurized juice can also lead to food-borne illness due to bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. As a result, it can harm the unborn child and may be fatal at times.
In case you experience any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor. If you wish to drink this juice, it is better to have the pasteurized variety or freshly squeezed juice.
How to Make Calamansi Juice
Here are some quick and easy calamansi juice or calamondin juice recipes for you to try.
1. Simple Calamansi Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of calamansi juice
Directions
In a saucepan, add the sugar and one cup of water. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Discard the seeds and skin from calamansi and extract the calamansi juice.
In a pitcher, add the remaining three cups of water, sugar syrup, and calamansi juice. Stir well.
Put the juice in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
2. Minty Calamansi Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 g of calamansi halved
- 5 tablespoons of honey
- 750 ml of water
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Directions
Squeeze the calamansi juice into a cup. Strain the juice through a strainer to separate the juice from the seeds. Discard the seeds.
Then, add three tablespoons honey to the juice and stir. Add the water in a pitcher and mix the juice with it. You can add more honey if required.
Top with mint leaves and add ice. Serve chilled.
3. Calamansi Concentrate Recipe
You can prepare the calamansi concentrate and mix it with water before serving. Here is the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 70 pieces of calamansi
- Sugar
- Sodium benzoate
Directions
Wash the calamansi and cut them crosswise. Squeeze the juice and separate the seeds with a strainer.
Add sugar according to taste. For every four and a half cups of this juice, add one-third to one-fourth teaspoon of sodium benzoate dissolved in water.
Heat the mixture until it just boils or until the temperature reaches 75°C. Let the mixture remain at the same temperature and stir for five minutes.
Transfer the mixture to sterile bottles while it is still hot. Cover the bottles. Boil them for 20 minutes.
Then, let the bottles cool in an inverted position. Wipe dry. Store in a cool and dry place.
All calamansi lovers need to be cautious about the quantity of juice they consume as it is highly acidic. You should consume it in moderation. Do note that the skin of this fruit is edible and not bitter so that you can consume it as well. You can use it as a lemon or lime substitute in many recipes.
Related:
Sources:
Dumlao-Giardina, R., “Calamansi Juice with Mint,” Apron and Sneakers, September 23, 2011; http://www.apronandsneakers.com/2011/09/calamansi-juice-with-mint.html.
