Sugarcane juice is a popular drink, especially during hot summer days. Many people may think of adding kumquat to sugarcane juice, but what is the purpose? Can other fruits like lemons be used?
What is kumquat used for?
Sugarcane juice helps quench thirst and provides quick energy, refreshment, and relief from fatigue. It is one of the natural and refreshing beverages that helps people recover quickly. Adding kumquat to the juice is because kumquat’s sour taste can balance the sweet taste of sugarcane, which can be overwhelming for some people. The combination of kumquat’s sourness and the sweetness of sugarcane creates a harmonious and more diverse flavor, while also improving the refreshment. Moreover, the essential oil in kumquat peel gives the sugarcane juice a special aroma. The fragrance of kumquat can spread far and creates a more attractive and delicious sensation when selling.
Can lemon or lime be used instead of kumquat?
In practice, vendors usually add 1 kumquat for every 3-4 sugarcane stalks; if they add too many kumquats, the juice will become too sour or bitter due to the peel and seeds of the kumquat, which can ruin the taste of the sugarcane juice. You can add oranges, lemons, or pineapples to the sugarcane juice to create a balanced taste that is both sweet and tangy, making it easier to drink and more aromatic.
However, using kumquat is more convenient for vendors because kumquats are small, and they only use one per serving. If they need more, they can use additional kumquats. On the other hand, using oranges or lemons is more troublesome because they need to be cut into pieces and require extra effort to store. Sweet sugarcane and sliced lemons can attract flies and mosquitoes, making it more difficult for vendors. Additionally, the combination of kumquat and sugarcane creates a more harmonious flavor compared to using lemons or oranges. Therefore, if you are making the juice at home, you can definitely combine pineapple, oranges, lemons, or other fruits to “diversify” the flavor of your juice.
Important Tip: Avoid losing the flavor when adding kumquat to sugarcane juice
You can add kumquat to sugarcane juice, which is a common practice in many juice stalls to create a harmonious flavor and save time for the vendors.
You can also squeeze sugarcane first and then add kumquat. This method can help avoid the bitterness of kumquat seeds, but it cannot extract all the essential oil from the kumquat peel and cannot create the same combination as the previous method. In reality, kumquat seeds are also beneficial for health, and the bitterness is not significant. Therefore, the best way is to add kumquat at the same time as sugarcane juice, which is more delicious and time-saving.
Especially when adding kumquat to sugarcane juice, it is important to note the following for a better taste: If you drink the juice immediately after squeezing, you can combine kumquat with sugarcane juice. However, if you don’t drink it right away, it is not recommended to add kumquat because if the juice sits for too long, it will become more bitter, and the juice will ferment faster.
Is drinking sugarcane juice good for you?
Sugarcane juice is rich in nutrients, including sucrose, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C), phytonutrients, antioxidants, protein, and soluble fiber. Therefore, sugarcane juice is a natural and nutritious beverage with many benefits:
Reduces fatigue: Sugarcane juice provides energy, helps the body recover quickly, and balances electrolytes. Therefore, drinking sugarcane juice helps reduce fatigue.
Regulates blood sugar: Due to its low glycemic index (GI), when consumed in moderation, sugarcane juice helps prevent sudden increases in blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption can increase the overall sugar content in the blood.
Anti-aging and detoxification: Sugarcane juice contains many phenolic antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins, which help neutralize free radicals and support the prevention of cancer cell formation.
Prevents kidney stones and urinary tract infections: Research has shown that drinking sugarcane juice with lemon and coconut water can reduce the burning sensation in the urinary tract caused by urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate inflammations, or sexually transmitted diseases. This type of beverage also boosts the immune system and reduces morning sickness.
