(Family Features) Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the trails for a family hike or bike ride, exposure to summer heat can leave you feeling dehydrated and fatigued.

Comprised of nearly 90% water and delivering essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, 100% orange juice can serve as a healthy complement to your hydration routine. These electrolytes are crucial in helping to maintain fluid balance and muscle function regardless of the time of year, but they’re especially important during the warmer summer months when you are exerting more.

Consider these unexpected ways Florida Orange Juice can help power your summer.

Support Immunity
100% orange juice isn’t just a tasty drink; it’s also packed with essential nutrients that support your immune system. An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, plus it provides key nutrients such as folate, potassium and thiamin, as well as vitamin D and calcium (in fortified juices), that help support the immune system all year long.

Add Healthy Flavor to Meals
Fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium-free with no added sugar, 100% orange juice is a healthy addition to any diet, adding a burst of flavor to favorite dishes. Consider using Florida Orange Juice as part of the marinade in these Orange Juice Citrus Chicken Kebabs or as a base for salad dressings to create a perfect balance that will delight your taste buds.

Electrolyte and Hydration Support
With many kids participating in summer sports and other outdoor demands on families during the warmer months, it can be difficult to provide your family with healthy, hydrating beverages. However, an option like this On-the-Go Orange Juice Sports Drink helps to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes during and after physical activity, such as running, biking, exercising or playing sports.

Find more nutritious and delicious recipes to keep your family energized during summer activities at FloridaJuice.com.

Orange Juice Citrus Chicken Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of Aaron Himrod on behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus
Servings: 8 (2 kebabs per serving)

• 1 large Florida Orange, zest only
• 1 lime, zest only
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• white pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda
• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• 8 wooden skewers

1. To make marinade: In medium mixing bowl, combine orange zest; lime zest; thyme; oil; garlic; salt; white pepper, to taste; orange juice; and soda.
2. Add chicken and completely coat with marinade. Cover bowl and place in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water 20-30 minutes.
4. To make kebabs: Remove chicken from fridge and lace through each skewer using weaving motion. Repeat for all chicken tenders and set aside.
5. When skewers are prepared, drizzle extra marinade over chicken.
6. Heat grill to medium. Place chicken on grill. Cover and cook 3 minutes per side, or until center of meat reaches internal temperature of 170 F.
7. Remove from grill and serve immediately, or cover with foil and serve later.

Tips: Cover kebabs with foil for at least 20 minutes after cooking to trap in flavor and juices.

Add vegetables to kebabs, if desired, to increase flavor

On-the-Go Orange Juice Sports Drink

Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus
Servings: 1

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• 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice
• 8 ounces water
• 1 pinch salt

1. Mix orange juice and water.
2. Add pinch of salt.
3. Pour into small bottle or reusable pouch.

SOURCE:

Florida Department of Citrus

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(Family Features) Setting the stage for success in the classroom starts with reliable morning routines the whole family can depend on. Establishing a plan for each day before heading off for work or school is beneficial for staying on time and organized, and many families’ mornings start with a nutritious breakfast.

This school year, add better-for-you breakfast recipes like Orange Oatmeal or an Orangeberry Smoothie to the menu. These morning meals are powered by 100% orange juice, a delicious option that helps fuel the body with essential nutrients that support a healthy immune system and overall diet quality with no added sugar.

“A growing number of research studies has revealed children who regularly drink 100% orange juice have higher intakes of key nutrients, higher quality diets and may have healthier lifestyle habits, like greater physical activity levels, than children who do not drink OJ,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “Study after study confirms that 100% orange juice not only has a place in the diets of children, but it can also serve as an easy way for parents to provide key nutrients without fear of adverse effects on body weight when served in moderation.”

Consider these nutritional benefits of Florida Orange Juice, “The Original Wellness Drink.”

Diet Quality
Because 1 cup of 100% orange juice counts as 1 cup of fruit, it’s an easy way to contribute to your children’s fruit intake. As a kid-favorite, it’s a nutrient-dense beverage that helps increase the intake of key nutrients including vitamin C, folate, thiamin, magnesium, potassium and, in fortified juices, vitamin D and calcium.

Immune Support
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, Florida Orange Juice has vitamin C, vitamin D (in fortified juices) and phytonutrients (naturally occurring plant compounds) and may help support a strong immune system.

• Vitamin C – Commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen a healthy immune system by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of cells. One 6-8-ounce glass of OJ is an excellent source.
• Vitamin D – Plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body. One 6-8-ounce glass of fortified OJ is a good source.
• Plant Compounds, Flavonoids and Colorful Carotenoids – Work to support the immune system by helping to fight inflammation and helping cells communicate with each other, which can help strengthen immune response when encountering infection.

No Added Sugar
Unlike foods and beverages that contain added sugars, the natural sugar in 100% orange juice contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. As one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, OJ is a convenient way to enhance whole fruit intake and reach daily recommendations. Plus, it can be used as a substitute for nutrient-poor foods and beverages, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, in the diets of children and adults.

Find more information and recipe inspiration at FloridaCitrus.org/OJ.

Orange Oatmeal

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 cup quick cooking steel-cut oats
• 1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In medium saucepan over high heat, bring water and orange juice to boil.
2. Add oats to boiling liquids.
3. Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Mix in orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.

Orangeberry Smoothie

Servings: 1

• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 4 ounces strawberry Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• ice cubes
• 1 Florida Orange, sliced

1. In blender, blend orange juice, strawberries, yogurt, milk and ice, as needed to reach desired consistency, until smooth.
2. Pour into glass and garnish with orange slice.

SOURCE:
Florida Department of Citrus

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy

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Convenient, Crave-Worthy School Day Recipes to Get Kids Eating Healthy

(Feature Impact) During the rush of back-to-school season, parents need quick, efficient options to encourage healthy foods for their families without fielding moans and groans. That means choosing simple recipes that feature nourishing fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats while still boasting kid-approved textures and flavors.

Keeping high-quality fresh produce in your kitchen, like Dandy Celery from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, means you’ll be ready to whip up nutritious yet convenient lunches, after-school snacks and dinners at a moment’s notice.

This Ants on a Log Salad recipe is a deconstructed mix-and-eat twist on a classic childhood favorite, while the Quick-Pickled Celery and Egg Salad elevates traditional egg salad into a fresh, tangy filling for sandwiches and wraps. Both recipes are creamy, crunchy and craveable with a well-balanced mix of nutrients to satisfy the appetites of busy families.

“Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Nichole Towell, senior director of marketing and new product development at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “During the busy back-to-school season, simple choices like keeping fresh celery on hand can make it easier to build wholesome snacks and meals throughout the week. Its crisp texture, refreshing taste and versatility make it a favorite for families looking for easy ways to add more vegetables to their day.”

Find more easy school-day recipe ideas at DudaFresh.com.

Ants on a Log Salad

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

• 1          apple, chopped
  
• 2          stalks Dandy Celery, chopped
  
• 3/4       cup non-dairy yogurt
  
• 2          tablespoons raisins
  
• 1          tablespoon peanut butter

1. Chop apple and celery into small, evenly shaped, bite-sized pieces. Add apple and celery pieces, yogurt, raisins and peanut butter to jar and shake well to combine or mix together in bowl. Serve.

Quick-Pickled Celery and Egg Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 3

Quick-Pickled Celery:

• 1/3       cup hot water
  
• 2/3       cup white vinegar
  
• 1          tablespoon granulated sugar
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2       teaspoon whole peppercorns
  
• 1 1/2    cups sliced Dandy Celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 3 celery ribs)
  
• 1          sprig fresh dill

Egg Salad:

• 6          large eggs
  
•             cold water
  
• 1/3       cup mayonnaise
• 1/3       cup chopped pickled celery
  
• 1          green onion, thinly sliced
  
• 1          teaspoon yellow mustard
  
• 1          teaspoon hot sauce
  
• 1          tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
  
• 1/4       teaspoon celery salt seasoning

1. To make pickled celery: Use microwave or kettle to bring water to boil. Pour into large mason jar; add white vinegar, sugar, salt and peppercorns. Stir well to dissolve salt and sugar.
2. Add celery and dill. Cover with lid and chill 1 hour to overnight.
3. To make egg salad: Add eggs to medium saucepan and fill with cold water until eggs are covered. Over medium-high heat on stovetop, bring to boil. Turn off heat and cover with lid. Let sit 10 minutes. Drain and add eggs to bowl full of ice-cold water. Chill at least 10 minutes before peeling.
4. Chop hardboiled eggs and add to mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, pickled celery, green onion, mustard, hot sauce, tarragon and celery salt then stir to combine. Serve in sandwich or wrap, or with crackers.

SOURCE:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

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