Series: Rei Tanaka | Part Three: "Raw Juice"
Part Three: "Raw Juice"
By Rei TanakaPhotos by Masahiko Nakagawa
Even as summer begins to subtly shift, its warmth lingers. We watch the height of summer recede with a touch of wistfulness, as the seasons gradually change. It's not something that can be seen clearly. This transitional period often leaves our bodies and skin feeling out of sorts.
Recently, fresh juice stands offering vibrant, raw juices have become more common, appearing alongside the popular fruit juice bars in department store basements that promise to revive shoppers from their retail fatigue.
For years, I've maintained my daily well-being with "bitter melon juice." It's not only beneficial during seasonal changes but also recommended after sun exposure due to its rich vitamin C content.
The preparation is remarkably simple: blend raw bitter melon with your favorite fruit, such as an apple, and dilute with citrus juice. Using freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice instead of bottled citrus juice also yields a delicious result. Adding bell peppers or spinach is also a good option. While the color might resemble a dare, the bitterness of the bitter melon is surprisingly mellowed by the citrus, making it more palatable than it looks.
Bitter melon is largely composed of water, making up 95% of its content, yet it's rich in vitamin C, approximately twice the amount found in cabbage. Typically, vitamin C is heat-sensitive, but bitter melon's vitamin C is known for its heat resistance, making it suitable for cooking.
It also contains carotene, vitamin B1, potassium, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. Furthermore, it's impressively low in calories, with only 17 Kcal per 100g.
Alongside "bitter melon juice," I also prepare a "red juice" when bitter melon is unavailable. This juice is made with "red vegetables" and fruits like carrots, tomatoes, apples, and strawberries. It's a delicious and easy-to-drink juice created by blending red fruits and tomatoes.
This 'red juice' is visually appealing and a favorite among my family.
Regardless, to recover from the exhaustion of the intense heat and for beautiful skin, I'll drink my "bitter melon juice" today and embrace a refreshing day.
Curiously, the more I drink the bitter melon's bitterness, the more my palate seems to adapt. It no longer bothers me at all. I truly hope you'll give it a try.
My go-to blender is a Russell Hobbs. Its glass body is hygienic, and its power easily crushes ice, making it invaluable not just for juices but also for smoothies and soups. While it can't prepare my cat Cher's meals, she seems quite intrigued by the blender.