Spiced apple cider juice recipe.  No sugar added. Turtleneck optional.

Apple cider is awesome.  And when you make it fresh, raw and natural it's even better.  It's surprisingly easy and delightfully nutritious.

If you're a regular juicer, you know that store bought juices have lots of icky ingredients.  High fructose corn syrup?  No thanks.  Natural flavors?  Nah..  Coloring?  Oh gosh, no way, no how.  But we love spiced apple cider, right?  LOVE IT. 

Its like warm boots, cozy socks, sitting by the fireplace, family and friends celebrating the season.  It's a must!  Cider that you buy in the market should be just raw unfiltered apple juice.  No additives, colorings, etc, etc.  Many times, I see them for purchase, and they look good, but they are pasteurized. Make your own and you can drink the nutrients.  Because this recipe is spiced, you get the added health benefits of cinnamon and nutmeg.  Let's look at the benefits of this spiced apple cider, which, maybe should really be a health tonic :)

Spiced apple cider benefits

Benefits of apples.  I can hear you now, but Vanessa, this has sugar!  Yes, apples have sugar, but they also have so many other good things, so lets not forget these:  The peel and pulp are rich in anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and fiber.  The nutrients present in apples may help to slow the signs of aging and improve some bodily functions.  They may even help deter the development of certain chronic health conditions.

A 2001 University of California research study that employed human subjects indicates that the quercetin that exists in fresh apples decreases the amount of cholesterol plaque that builds up on artery walls, thereby reducing the likelihood of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.  Moreover, the potassium in apples is important for proper cardiac function.  Apples are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols.  The cleansing properties of these constituents can help remove waste, toxins and other harmful substances from the body.

Benefits of cinnamon. There are many, many health benefits of cinnamon- too many to list!  Studies have shown that 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon added to your diet each day can aid in lowering LDL (the bad) cholesterol.  It may help stabilize blood sugar.  It has anti-fungal properties.  It's a natural remedy for headaches.

Benefits of nutmeg. Nutmeg has been used for centuries as a medicinal source for easing digestive troubles.  It has antibacterial properties that aid the teeth and gums. Nutmeg is often used by holistic practitioners to rev up blood circulation and treat kidney infections.

Real spiced apple cider recipe

INGREDIENTS

Serves 1

• 3 large apples, cored and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Serves 4 (for a group!)

• 12 large apples
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

METHOD

Cut and core the apples.  Juice the apples.  Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the juice.  Add more cinnamon and nutmeg if you like it and if you want more of the health benefits.  Stir to combine. Serve near a cozy fire or on a comfy couch.

If you want to make more for your friends and family, multiply the recipe.

You could warm this juice, however, cooking any juice will destroy many of the delicate nutrients and enzymes that are present in fresh juice.  If you do want it to be heated, warm it gently on low heat, in a pan, over the stove (not a microwave).

For the maximum amount of health benefits, it's best to drink this spiced apple cider at room temperature, right after it's been juiced.

If you want to blend this recipe, that will still work but will be very thick and will need adjusting.  Add 1-2 cups of water or coconut water to adjust consistency.  You also may need to add more cinnamon and nutmeg.

Juicing Recipes > Spiced Apple Cider