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Can you recommend some traditional Dominican drinks, such as juices or alcoholic beverages?

Introduction: Exploring the Dominican drink culture

The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise that offers visitors more than just stunning beaches and picturesque scenery. The country’s drink culture is equally impressive, with a range of traditional and exotic juices, alcoholic drinks, and other beverages that locals and tourists alike enjoy. From refreshing fruit juices to strong and flavorful alcoholic drinks, the Dominican Republic has something to offer everyone.

A taste of tradition: Popular Dominican juices

One of the most popular traditional drinks in the Dominican Republic is the refreshing and delicious jugo de chinola, or passion fruit juice. Made from the sweet and tangy passion fruit that grows abundantly in the country, this juice is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Other popular Dominican juices include jugo de guanábana (soursop juice) and jugo de tamarindo (tamarind juice), both of which offer a unique and refreshing taste.

Mamajuana: The Dominican aphrodisiac

Mamajuana is a traditional Dominican drink that is rumored to have aphrodisiac properties. Made by soaking a mixture of herbs, bark, and roots in rum, wine, and honey, this drink has a complex taste and aroma that is unlike anything else. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that mamajuana is an aphrodisiac, many Dominicans swear by its powers.

Presidente: The iconic Dominican beer

No discussion of Dominican drinks is complete without mentioning Presidente, the country’s iconic beer. Made from high-quality malted barley and hops, this light and refreshing beer has a crisp and clean taste that is perfect for hot and humid days. Whether you’re enjoying a game of dominoes with friends or simply lounging on the beach, a cold bottle of Presidente is always a good choice.

Ron Dominicano: The Dominican rum experience

Rum is an integral part of the Dominican drink culture, and Ron Dominicano is the country’s most famous brand. Made from sugar cane grown in the country’s lush valleys, this rum has a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for sipping straight or mixing into a cocktail. Whether you prefer dark or light rum, Ron Dominicano is a must-try for anyone visiting the Dominican Republic.

Morir Soñando: A refreshing Dominican drink

Morir Soñando, which translates to “to die dreaming,” is a refreshing and sweet drink that is perfect for hot days. Made from orange juice, milk, sugar, and ice, this drink has a creamy and dreamy texture that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny terrace or enjoying it at a family gathering, Morir Soñando is a beloved Dominican classic.

Chacá: The lesser-known Dominican drink

While not as well-known as other traditional Dominican drinks, chacá is a unique and flavorful beverage that is worth trying. Made from boiled corn kernels and spices like cinnamon and cloves, this drink has a thick and creamy texture that is reminiscent of a smoothie. Chacá is a popular drink during the Christmas season but is available year-round in some parts of the country.

Conclusion: Savoring the flavors of the Dominican Republic

From refreshing juices to strong and flavorful alcoholic drinks, the Dominican Republic’s drink culture is diverse and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and refreshing or bold and flavorful, there is a traditional Dominican drink that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not take a sip and savor the flavors of this tropical paradise?

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Food

Vegetable Juices Full of Sugar

Store-bought vegetable juices are super healthy. Indeed? Unfortunately, this is not always the case and it is worth taking a look at the nutritional value tables – especially with regard to the sugar content! Öko-Test tested various vegetable juices from the supermarket shelf – with interesting results.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has been advising for several years that more vegetables and fruit should be included in the daily menu. It should be three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day if possible.

In order to do something good for themselves every now and then, many people reach for fruit or vegetable juices. Per capita consumption is currently less than two liters per year, but the trend is rising sharply. This development is positive because vegetables and fruit provide the body with vitamins, roughage, minerals, and secondary plant substances. For example, the risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced.

But are juices really a suitable substitute for freshly prepared vegetables and fruit? Nutrients are lost when the juice ingredients are processed. However, vegetable juices are mostly not-from-concentrate juices that are produced gently. However, the juices are pasteurized to preserve them, i.e. heated.

Therefore, especially heat-sensitive vitamins, especially vitamin C with about 50 to 70 percent, can be lost. Dietary fiber also largely disappears in the process. Potassium, on the other hand, is relatively insensitive to heat and beta-carotene becomes more readily available to humans.

Juices as a vegetable substitute?

Vegetable juices are therefore not a full substitute for daily vegetable portions – especially not in the store-bought version. Freshly prepared juices or smoothies, on the other hand, contain significantly more healthy ingredients. According to the DGE, a glass of vegetable or fruit juice can replace one of the five servings of fruit and vegetables from time to time.

But here, too, it is important to check the sugar content more closely. Most people now know that too much sugar is not exactly healthy, but can even be harmful. Some juices are additionally sweetened, about which the nutritional value table provides information at the latest.

Sugar in vegetable juices

All juices tested by Ökotest are free of pesticide residues, most of them achieve an overall rating of “good”, some even “very good”. However, some juices are surprisingly sweet – some vegetable juices contain up to 100 grams of sugar and thus almost reach the sugar content of fruit juices. However, the sugar content depends heavily on the type of vegetable: beetroot juice has the most sugar, and sauerkraut juice has the least.

Such high values ​​are also often the result of the fact that vegetable juices can be sweetened. However, since the desire for a healthy diet is often behind the consumption of vegetable juices, the additional sweetness should be viewed critically.

The test winners

A total of 20 vegetable juices were tested – pure juices made from carrots, beetroot, and sauerkraut from supermarkets, organic shops, and discounters. Three of the juices scored “very good” overall.

On average, the products cost 1 euro per pack and scored best in terms of ingredients. Only the carrot juice has a fairly high sugar content, which is still low compared to other juices tested. These are the top 3 rankings:

  • Jacoby organic sauerkraut juice, fermented with lactic acid, with sea salt, 1.19 euros per pack
  • K-Bio carrot juice, Kaufland, 0.59 euros per pack
  • Voelkel sauerkraut juice, with sea salt, Demeter, 1.59 euros per pack

Beetroot juices should also not be drunk too often, as they are often contaminated with nitrate.

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Juices, Kiwis, Cabbage and Co. – 15 foods that prevent and relieve digestive problems

Almost everyone has had stomach pains and problems with the intestines – be it nausea, cramps, flatulence or other complaints. Diet itself is not always the reason, but if you eat right, you can counteract and prevent this.

For a healthy gut: These foods help with digestive problems

To support your intestinal flora and protect yourself from intestinal problems, you can use some foods:

1. Leaven against harmful bacteria

Sourdough contains a bacterium called “Lactobacillus reuteri” that has a probiotic effect. According to physician and best-selling author William Li, sourdough bread can help fight, inhibit, or kill harmful bacteria in the gut. It is also said to help against salmonella infections and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers, for example.

2. Dark chocolate for good nerves and muscles

Dark chocolate is already known to have a high magnesium content. So it is good for nerves and muscles, helps with stress and tastes great on top of that. Even iron and zinc are present in cocoa. But the digestion also benefits from the snack, because in moderation it has an anti-inflammatory effect and boosts the metabolism.

3. Cabbage for detoxification of the intestines

Although many types of cabbage are not always popular, they have a very positive effect on the intestinal flora. They reduce bad or toxin-producing gut bacteria. It doesn’t matter which type of cabbage is eaten – from broccoli or sauerkraut to Brussels sprouts and pak choi. Red cabbage made from red cabbage is often found on the plate in Franconia.

4. Juices stabilize your intestines

Juices are already known to play into the hands of the intestine: cranberry juice, pomegranate juice or grape juice can be used to stabilize and improve the intestinal wall. But beware: They contain a lot of sugar – so enjoy them in moderation.

5. Walnuts help blood vessels

The nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the inner walls of our blood vessels. They can also inhibit so-called Clostridium bacteria.

6. Kiwis aid in the digestive process

They also help with the digestive process and have an antibacterial effect thanks to their many vitamins and antioxidants.

7. Artichokes really boost digestion

They feed the friendly intestinal bacteria and, as a natural prebiotic, have a nurturing effect on the intestinal flora. The daisy family is particularly rich in fiber.

8. Onions fight inflammation in the gut

The leek plant is bursting with antioxidants and stimulates your bacteria in the colon to produce healthy short-chain fatty acids.

9. Black coffee stimulates intestinal motility

With coffee you train the muscles of your small and large intestine. As a result, food pulp is transported faster. As a result, you experience less gas and constipation. And best of all: the bitter substances in the drink reduce cravings for sweets.

10. Flaxseed keeps you full for a long time and promotes regular bowel movements

The dietary fibers in flaxseed swell up in the stomach and intestines and thus keep you full for a long time. In addition, the seeds make the stool bulky and soft, thus promoting regularity.

11. Yogurt helps fight inflammatory bowel disease

Yogurt contains friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics, which can help fight inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and diarrhea.

12. Turmeric prevents the formation of cancer cells in the intestine

The ginger plant has a preventive effect against the formation of cancer cells, which has already been proven in the laboratory. The risk of colon cancer is therefore demonstrably reduced.

13. Jerusalem artichoke stabilizes blood sugar levels

The root vegetable contains the important dietary fiber inulin (not to be confused with insulin), which stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents cravings and diabetes.

14. Flea seed husks as a proven home remedy for constipation

The Indian flea seeds are a natural swelling agent and make the stool softer. This promotes digestion and reduces intestinal transit time.

15. Buttermilk and kefir soothe and strengthen the intestinal flora

Buttermilk and kefir contain probiotic microorganisms that can have a positive effect on your intestinal health.

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Mother Juices: What’s Behind It – And How Healthy Are They?

Fruit juices are known to provide you with many healthy nutrients. This also includes the so-called mother juices: They are made from acidic fruit varieties.

Worth knowing about mother juices

In principle, all fruit and not-from-concentrate juices, including mother juice, have a fruit content of 100%. This is even regulated by law: apart from the fruit, there must be no other ingredients in a fruit juice.

This type of juice is called mother juice because it comes from the first pressing. It is therefore often referred to as pure direct juice. The fruits are pressed once and briefly and gently pasteurized so that most of the natural, healthy ingredients are retained. The same applies to fruit juices and other not-from-concentrate juices: These too are only pasteurized gently and briefly, so that the loss of nutrients is minimised.

The advantage of this production method is that you can benefit from all the nutrients and vitamins of the fruit to the maximum. Depending on the variety, the fruits contain numerous antioxidants, secondary plant substances, vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2 and B6 as well as the minerals phosphorus, magnesium and iron. These ingredients strengthen your immune system, can prevent nutrient deficiencies, have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect against free radicals. Currently there are no studies that prove this effect of the mother juices; however, you can be sure of the many healthy ingredients.

Mother Juices – derived from acidic fruit varieties

Mother juices are derived from acidic fruit varieties. These include, for example, cranberries, cranberries, elderberries, pomegranates, sea buckthorn or black currants. Not everyone likes the taste of pure mother juices: They usually taste a bit more sour and bitter than well-known fruit juices. It is a good idea to dilute the juices slightly with water or process them in a smoothie or jelly.

A mother juice is also often the basis for a fruit nectar, often with the addition of water, sugar or honey for a sweeter taste. Due to the positive effect on health, it makes sense to integrate fruit juices and thus also mother juices into your diet and to enjoy them from time to time.

Tip: When buying, you should pay attention to organic quality; This is the only way you can be sure that no chemical plant products were used during cultivation.

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Juice Cures – Fasting with Juices as a Cure for the Body

Fasting allows you to get to know your body better. Fasting can also be the start of a healthy diet. If your garden provides you with an abundance of fruit and vegetables, an exciting processing alternative is to use a juicer to conjure up delicious juice creations. The convenient alternative to this are ready-made juice cures that you can buy. Natalie from the meine ernte team has discovered the topic for herself and has repeatedly noticed positive effects. After she has tested both methods several times, she can report on her experiences and has tips on what you should consider.

Fasting does not mean starvation!

Classic fasting describes the renunciation of solid food and calories. Only water or herbal teas are drunk. In addition to classic fasting, many other methods are known: base fasting, therapeutic fasting, interval fasting, Schroth cure.

These fasting regimens do not forego 100 percent of the intake of food, but limit certain foods or certain times at which they are eaten.

Tip for fasting beginners: Guided therapeutic fasting provides security

There are guided therapeutic fasting courses (usually during Lent, i.e. in the 2-5 weeks before Easter). Here you will get instructions on which foods you can eat and which you should avoid. There you will be checked by a doctor every day and you can adapt the treatment individually to your body.

Juice fasting with fruit and vegetable juices

Juice fasting is also a suitable method for beginners. Here, only liquids are consumed over a certain period of time. This gives your digestive system a break. These include freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, water, herbal teas or clear vegetable broths. Solid foods are not consumed during this time. The juices provide important vitamins and minerals. Although more calories are consumed with juice fasting than with other forms of fasting, the basal metabolic rate cannot be covered. That is why the fasting metabolism also occurs during the juice cleanse, in which the body has to fall back on its inner values ​​due to a lack of calories.

Start slowly – three days is enough

If you are doing a juice fast for the first time, a maximum period of three days is recommended. Anyone who has developed a taste and tolerates the fasting cure well can extend the period to a week next time. As a rule, you should not fast for more than three weeks.

Fasting Rules

Nutritionist Ina from the meine ernte team advises:

The proportion of vegetables in your juice should always be greater than the proportion of fruit. This is how you reduce a high intake of fructose from fruit.
Take as much time drinking juice as you would eating solid food. Otherwise, the digestion step through the contact of the food with the saliva is missed.
listen to your body There is a risk that your body will not tolerate the high intake of raw fruits and vegetables well. If you get stomach problems, stop the fasting cure.
The juice fast is perfect for all healthy vegetable gardeners. We have compiled a list of the best vegetables and fruits for juice fasting:

Vegetables for juicing:

Leafy greens like chard, spinach, and kale
carrots
Beetroot
tomatoes
cucumbers
paprika
zucchini
Kohlrabi
Leek
celery
parsnip

Fruit for juicing:

Oranges and lemons without peel
apples
pineapple
blueberries
pears
blackberries
apricots
plums
raspberries
grapes

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