Fruit Punch is a thirst-quenching drink packed with nutrients like Vitamins A and C. This drink originated in India but gradually spread across the globe, including Guyana. The ultimate Fruit Punch is made with the juice of local fruits like, pineapples, watermelons, passion fruit, oranges grown right here in Guyana. Like they say, the best food is homemade, similarly the best drink is homemade. The store bought versions fruit juices are packed with a high sugar content, almost as high as sodas, perhaps even more in some cases. To get the most nutritious and refreshing Fruit Punch it is best to make your own juices the combine them into one big glass!
Fruit Punch – Photo By public domain – https://pixabay.com/, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79453705
What is Fruit Punch?
Fruit Punch is a drink made primarily made with fruit juices, water and sometimes soda water. It is a powerful combination of about five different fruit juices. Some of the top picks of fruits that are used in Fruit Punch are apples, watermelons, bananas, oranges, pineapples. Sometimes store bought fruit juices, concentrate or natural fruits are used to make Fruit Punch. This nutritious beverage can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, depending on your needs. The non-alcoholic varieties are usually made for children and adults who don’t drink alcohol. This beverage would normally fruit juices, water and sugar. The alcoholic Fruit Punch is typically made for adults and contains varying amounts of alcohol or rum. Sometimes carbonated, fruit flavoured drinks are added. You can often spy little chunks of fruits floating in your Fruit Punch. Sprigs of mints and slices of oranges and limes often adorn the glasses in which Fruit Punch is served.
Interesting Tip
- The word punch” may have originated from the Hindi word “panc” meaning five, and referring to the five ingredients of punch; alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices.
- The Barbadian (Bajan) rum punch is the oldest known and its recipe was made into a rhyme. It goes like “One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak.”
Nutritional Value Of Fruit Punch
The nutritional value of Fruit Punch will vary according to its ingredients.
Amount of Calories per serving: 114
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 28.80 g
- Protein: 0.15 g
Health Benefits of Fruit Punch
While we cannot benefit much from the punch itself, we received lots of nutrients from the juices of the fruits that are combined to make Fruit Punch. For a healthier natural Fruit Punch, you can use fruits to instead of the fruit concentrates.
- Oranges – This is one of the main ingredients of Fruit Punch but can be substituted. Oranges, as well as orange juice are packed with Vitamin C, a nutrient which helps wounds to heal and assists in the absorption of calcium and iron.
- Apples– Apple juice provide us with tons of vitamins like Vitamins B and C, and minerals, like phosphorus, iron, chlorine, silicon, potassium, carotene, riboflavin, thiamine and calcium. Pectin in apples soothes the intestines and aids in digestion, combating constipation.
- Ginger – Ginger is rich in antioxidants and minerals that help to boost the body’s immune system. Using ginger can help in the treatment of colds and coughs.
- Carrots – Carrot juice is known as a goldmine of nutrients. Plain carrot juice contains Vitamins A, B6, C and K, thiamine, dietary fibre and potassium, so think of what wonders this could do when combined with other fruits! Carrots strengthen the eyes, protects the heart and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
- Pineapples – Like ginger, pineapples helps to fight off coughs and colds. But they have many other benefits including combating wrinkles, protecting against inflammation and promoting healthier skin,
- Watermelon – Watermelon relieves muscle soreness, lowers blood pressure, and can even lower the chances of macular degeneration and eye problems.
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- Pineapples, Watermelon, Guava Slices and Bananas – Photo by Girendra Persaud
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- Sliced Fruits – Photo by Girendra Persaud
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- Sliced Fruits Platter – Photo by Girendra Persaud
How to make Fruit Punch – Guyanese Style
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped watermelon
- 1/2 chopped pineapple
- 1/3 chopped papaya
- 2 chopped bananas
- orange juice (from 7 very juicy oranges or store bought juice)
- water
- orange slices
Method
- Add fruits and orange juice to a blender and and blend until pieces of fruits are made into a thick liquid.
- Strain and stir to combine thoroughly. (Add a little water if mixture is thick.)
- Garnish with citrus slices and mint. Serve immediately.
How to make Citrus Fruit Punch – Guyanese Style
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple juice or sweet cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 6-ounce frozen lemonade or limeade concentrate quarts ginger ale
- 4 cups ice cubes
- Thinly sliced oranges, lemons, or limes, and mint leaves, for garnish and serve cold.
Method
- In a large bowl, combine apple, orange, and pineapple juices and frozen lemonade or limeade.
- Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Stir in ginger ale and add ice cubes.
- Garnish with citrus slices and mint. Serve cold.
About Fruit Punch
Fruit Punch is a great beverage to make if you have tons of fruits on your hands, or lots of fruit juices. For parties and similar gatherings, some local Fruit Punch can be added to a classy punch bowl and keep your guests coming back for more!
Article Reference
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punch_(drink)
- https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Come-Y-Bebe-Tropical-Fruit-Punch-1193437
- https://caribbeanpot.com/non-alcholic-citrus-punch/
- https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/food/fruit-punch
- https://www.vahrehvah.com/indianfood/healthy-fruit-punch
Last Updated: 2020-06-28
