Nicole Loomis
When you decide to invest in juicing equipment, you’ll need to be sure you’ll put these products to good use. Since orange juice was the most popular juice for Americans in 2015, with the average person drinking 2.7 gallons that year, this is the perfect choice to include in a variety of menu items. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to simple fresh fruit juice orders at breakfast. Here are six surprising ways you can include fresh OJ on your menu.
- Flavorful Ice Cubes: Your restaurant readily relies on ice to keep drinks cool and refreshing, but there’s so much more you can do than merely frozen water. You can easily use your fresh orange juice machineto create OJ ice cubes, which will be ideal for smoothies and fruity alcoholic beverages alike. Not only do they look appealing and chill drinks nicely, but they’ll also keep those beverages from becoming watered-down. Your customers can enjoy their order until the very last drop when you incorporate these iced juice cubes into your juice bar recipes!
- House-Made Dressings: Looking for a welcome alternative to a conventional caesar or a boring balsamic? Just add OJ. Orange juice can act as a replacement for olive oil or become a delicious complement to nuttier ingredients. It’s a bright twist on a dressing that can be used for salads or side accompaniments. And if you want a way to enjoy orange juice over other meals, throw some in the pan and combine with ginger, honey, garlic, or herbs to create a bold sauce that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
- Marinades and Marmalades: Citrus makes an excellent accompaniment to almost anything, which is why a fresh orange juice machine is such a sound investment. If you want to add a zingy flavor to the meats on your menu, swap out a traditional vinegar-based marinade for one made with orange juice. The acid in the OJ will tenderize the protein, just like other marinades will, and it can easily be combined with all kinds of herbs and spices to create a delectable flavor. Want something to serve with homemade breads besides butter? Orange marmalade can be a sweet choice. Simply combine juice, pectin, and sugar in a boiling pot and place into small jars that can be served table side.
- Baked Good Glaze: If your establishment is renowned for your house-made baked goods, you’ve got to try using your fresh orange juice machine to create a delectable glaze. By combining the juice with powdered sugar, you can drizzle over breads, cakes, cookies, scones, and much more. It’s an easy and effective way to make sure that customers crave what’s available in the display case. And if you’re always dealing with a breakfast rush, having fresh-squeezed orange juice ready to go in take-out containers can be a great way to ensure OJ demand is consistent.
- Signature Drinks: There’s no better way to brand your business as a local favorite than to create a signature drink that patrons can’t find anywhere else. Sure, there are mimosas and screwdrivers, but you can get even more innovative with your unique menu offering at the bar. OJ makes a great flavor for cocktails (which is why it’s used in so many recipes), so don’t be afraid to experiment and put your spin on what already exists. You might even branch out to other citrus fruits, like grapefruit and blood orange, to keep customers engaged.
- Pickled Veggies: Pickling was once seen as a down-home tradition, but it’s now included on every hip menu in major metropolises. Pickle some red onion, jicama, baby carrots, cucumbers, or beets in some orange juice, herbs, and spices to use as sides or garnishes. It may not seem like a major way to use your fresh orange juice machine, but your customers will go crazy over these small details — and will keep coming back to try them.
Now that you see how versatile and desirable orange juice really is, you might need to invest in a juicer to include these items on your menu with regularity. For more information on our juicing products and how they can help your business, please contact us today.
