
Few things beat a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice made entirely from scratch — no bottles, no mystery additives, just pure citrus. Store-bought options are often processed with equipment or additives that can introduce unwanted oils, so squeezing your own is the cleanest route possible. All you need are ripe navel or Valencia oranges and a citrus juicer, making this about as straightforward as a recipe gets. Valencia oranges tend to yield a slightly more complex, tart flavor, while navels bring a sweeter, rounder juice — either way, you're in for something vibrant. A tiny pinch of salt is optional but genuinely worth trying; it rounds out the natural sweetness and makes the citrus flavor pop in a surprising way. Strain it for a smooth, elegant glass or leave the pulp in for something more rustic and full-bodied. Serve it immediately while it's still cold and bright, because fresh juice is always best the moment it's made.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →2 servings


Halve 4 large oranges crosswise. Press each half firmly onto a citrus juicer and twist to extract the juice, working over a measuring cup or bowl until all halves are juiced — you should have about 2 cups of juice.
Pour the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into glasses to remove seeds and excess pulp, or skip the strainer if you prefer pulpy juice. Add a pinch of salt, if using, and stir briefly. Serve immediately.
