What is Noni Juice?
If you’ve explored the world of exotic superfoods, you’ve likely heard about the wonders of noni juice. This potent tropical drink is made from the fruits of the noni plant (Morinda citrifolia), an evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia and Australasia.
While noni may not look like your typical fruit with its bumpy green exterior and aroma that’s been politely described as “unique,” this ancient Polynesian plant medicine has been revered for centuries.
Noni juice packs a serious nutritional punch with a distinctive, tangy flavor unlike anything else.
So what makes this funky fruit juice so special? For starters, noni is absolutely loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytochemicals that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune-boosting properties in research studies.
A quick look at the nutritional breakdown shows why noni juice has earned such a stellar reputation as a superfood in recent years:
Key takeaways on how to make Noni Juice
- Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a nutrient-dense tropical fruit with a long history of use in Hawaiian and Polynesian traditional medicine and cuisine.
- Despite its pungent aroma, noni is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds that may provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immune-boosting, and other health benefits.
- Every part of the noni plant has cultural value – the fruits, leaves, bark, wood, and even roots and seeds were utilized by indigenous people
- Incorporating noni into your diet is easy through juices, smoothies, teas, baked goods, and adding the puree or powder to various dishes and recipes.
- With proper climate and soil conditions, noni plants can be grown at home for an endless supply of fresh fruits to use.
- Noni’s funky flavor may take some getting used to, but its impressive nutrient profile more than makes up for its unique taste once you acquire it.
- From its ancient roots to modern-day superfood status, noni stands out as a true gift from nature worthy of embracing and celebrating.
Making noni juice
How to make noni juice, by following these steps:
- how to make noni juice, by following these steps:
- First, Choose ripe fruit: Pick a hard, white, fully ripe noni fruit that is soft and translucent yellow in color.
- Wash and prepare: Rinse the fruit with cool water to remove dirt and debris. You can also sterilize your equipment.
- Blend: Put the fruit in a blender or food processor and blend on low speed until it’s completely mashed into a smooth pulp.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the fruit by hand in a strainer over a bowl with a wooden spoon.
- Strain: Pour the blended mixture into a sieve or strainer lined with a clean cloth or paint strainer set over a bowl. You can sterilize the strainer in boiling water before using it.
- Remove seeds: Remove any seeds from the pulp.
- Add flavorings: To taste, you can add cinnamon, lemon juice, honey, sugar, or fruit juice.
- Pour the juice into a clean container with a lid and refrigerate. Noni juice can be similar to thick apple sauce and can be pureed or thinned with water
“Look to nature for the nutrients that nourish life.” – Sylvia Earle
While commercial noni juices have grown popular, there’s really no substitute for fresh, homemade noni juice when it comes to vibrancy, flavor, and nutrient density. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make your own delicious noni juice right at home.
How to Choose the Right Noni Fruit
The first step to amazing homemade noni juice is selecting the perfect, ripe noni fruit. You’ll often find noni for sale at ethnic grocers, farmer’s markets, or even in the backyards of Homestead Lotropical locals! Here’s what to look for.
How to Pick Ripe Noni Fruit
- Color: Ripe noni transitions from a green, semi-translucent color when under ripe to an opaque, off-white or yellow hue when ready to juice.
- Texture: The soft, malleable feel of a ripe noni is key. It should give just a bit when gently squeezed, but avoid any rotten, mushy fruits.
- Aroma: Yes, ripe noni has a quite…distinctive aroma that’s often compared to aged cheese or dirty socks! This funky smell is totally normal and actually indicates ideal ripeness.
- Taste: Do a taste test if possible. Ripe noni has a pleasant, slightly bitter tartness. Under ripe fruits taste unpleasantly sour or bitter.
While that infamous noni aroma may take some getting used to, it’s a small price to pay for juicing this nutritional powerhouse when it’s at peak ripeness and flavor.
Unless you have your own noni plant, purchasing from a reputable grower or specialty store is recommended to ensure you’re starting with high-quality, fresh noni fruits. Many online retailers like Noni Source and Starwest Botanicals also ship noni if it’s unavailable l
Preparing the Noni Fruit
With your ripe noni fruit selected, it’s time to get it prepped and ready for juicing. A little bit of cleaning and preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth juicing process.
Cleaning and Sanitizing the Noni Fruit
Even if your noni looks clean, giving it a quick wash is recommended to remove any dirt, debris, or potential contamination. Here’s how:
- Soak: Mix together warm water and a few drops of fruit/veggie wash or diluted vinegar. Let the noni fruits soak for 5-10 minutes to loosen grime.
- Scrub: Use a soft-bristle brush or clean cloth to gently scrub the surface of each noni, removing any lingering dirt or stuck-on material.
- Rinse: Thoroughly rinse off all the noni under cool running water.
- Dry: Pat the noni dry with a clean towel or let them air dry before juicing.
The key thing to avoid is soaking the noni too long, as the water can dilute the flavor and nutrients you want in your fresh juice.
To Deseed or Not to Deseed?
One hotly debated topic is whether or not to deseed your noni fruits before juicing. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Deseeding Pros:
- Removes the sharp little seeds that can clog certain juicers
- Creates a smoother, more uniform juice texture
- Seeds are slightly bitter so deseeding makes juice taste sweeter
Deseeding Cons:
- It’s a tedious, time-consuming process for each individual noni
- You lose some of the fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants in the seeds
- More prep work creates potential for nutrient loss if not careful
If you have a high-quality juicer that can easily handle seeds, keeping them in may be preferable for maximum nutrition. But for certain types of juicers or a smoother, sweeter juice, deseeding first could be worthwhile.
Other Preparation Steps
Once your noni is washed and you’ve decided on deseeding, a few other quick prep steps can make juicing easier:
- Cut into quarters or chunks: Using a sharp knife, slice the noni fruits into wedges or rough chunks to help feed them into the juicer easier.
- Mash or blend first: For certain juicing methods, lightly mashing the noni with a potato masher or blending into a rough puree first aids extraction.
- Freeze firm noni: If your noni is especially hard and underripe, pop it in the freezer for 30-60 minutes to soften up before juicing.
With your noni all cleaned and prepped, you’re ready to move on to the fun part – extracting that fresh, nutrient-dense juice!
Extracting the Juice
There are a few different methods you can use to make delicious noni juice at home, ranging from low-tech to high-powered juicing machines. The “best” option really depends on your personal preferences and equipment.
Using a Juicer
For most people, using an electric juicer is the quickest, most efficient way to extract every drop of juice from ripe noni fruits. Pretty much any juicer can technically handle noni, but some models work better than others:
Masticating Juicers
Slow-grinding masticating juicers like those made by Hurom, Omega, and Tribest are ideal for juicing noni. Their slow augers crush and squeeze out every drop while preserving nutrients.
Hydraulic Press Juicers
High-end twin-gear hydraulic presses like Greenstar juicers are considered the cream of the crop for maximizing juice yield and nutrient retention from dense noni.
Centrifugal Juicers
Basic centrifugal juicers can handle noni as well, though their high RPMs may oxidize more of the nutrients. Models with wide feed chutes work best.
No matter which juicer you use, the basic process is:
- Wash and prep the noni fruit as described earlier
- Feed the noni chunks into the juicer hopper/chute
- Alternate soft/hard produce for best extraction if desired
- Pour off and enjoy the fresh noni juice!
Cleanup is a breeze if you line the pulp catcher with a reusable or compostable bag first. Having a bottle brush handy also makes cleaning juicer parts easy.
Blending and Straining
Don’t have a dedicated juicer? No problem! With a basic blender and some inexpensive straining tools, you can still extract flavorful noni juice right in your kitchen.
Here’s the blend and strain method:
- Add the prepared noni chunks to a blender along with a splash of water or juice to help it blend
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely pureed into a smooth liquid
- Line a mesh strainer or nut milk bag with cheesecloth
- Pour the noni puree over the lined strainer
- Use a spoon or rubber spatula to press and squeeze all the juice through
This simple technique allows you to control exactly how much pulp makes it into the final juice. For an extra smooth juice, you can even double strain the blended noni through a finer mesh.
Traditional Hawaiian Hand-Pressing
If you really want to get back to noni’s ancient roots, try the old-school Hawaiian method of hand-pressing or pounding the juice out!
This involves carefully rinsing the noni fruits, placing them in a sturdy cloth sack, and then literally squeezing and pressing the juice out by hand over a bowl. You can also use a traditional Hawaiian poi pounder to gently mash and extract juice.
While labor-intensive, hand-pressing allows you to extract every drop of noni goodness with no machinery required. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how native Hawaiians have been juicing noni for centuries.
Customize Your Noni Juice
One of the biggest joys of making noni juice at home is being able to customize it exactly to your taste preferences. Straight noni juice definitely has a bold, tangy, slightly bitter flavor profile that takes some getting used to.
Luckily, there are endless delicious ways to tweak and blend your fresh noni juice into a potent yet tasty tropical treat! Here are some tasty ideas to try:
Add Other Juices Balance noni’s tartness by blending it with sweet juices like pineapple, orange, mango, apple, or cranberry. A 50/50 blend is a good starting ratio.
Use Natural Sweeteners A drizzle of honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or monk fruit sweetener can mellow out the noni delightfully.
Make It a “Green” Juice Noni plays well with veggie juices too! Blend it with greens like spinach and kale along with ginger and lemon for a nutrient powerhouse.
Create Fun Flavor Combos Get creative with additions like vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne, cilantro, mint, and other herbs and spices.
Noni Lemonade Refreshing noni lemonade is made by mixing noni juice with fresh lemon juice and a sweetener like stevia. Add sparkling water for a fizzy treat!
Noni Smoothies Combine noni juice with your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk along with frozen fruit, nut butters, protein powder, and other boosts.
Noni Cocktails and Mocktails Feeling festive? Mix noni into cocktails with rum, vodka, or tequila. Or try non-alcoholic “mocktails” with juice and sparkling water.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting your own signature noni juice blends tailored to your unique taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Storing and Using Noni Juice
With your fresh, homemade noni juice ready to go, it’s important to store and use it properly to preserve all those incredible nutrients. Here are some tips:
How Long Does Noni Juice Last?
Noni juice has a relatively short shelf life due to its lack of preservatives, but proper chilling helps it keep:
- Refrigerated: 5-7 days when stored air-tight in the refrigerator
- Frozen: Up to 6-12 months when frozen in airtight containers or ice cube trays
For maximum freshness and nutrient density, it’s best to drink your homemade noni juice within 3-4 days of juicing if refrigerated.
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Noni Juice
This superfruit juice is shockingly versatile! In addition to drinking it straight or creating smoothies/juice blends, you can also use noni juice for:
- Cocktails and mocktails: Adds a fun, unique twist to boozy or virgin drinks
- Salad dressings and marinades: Gives salads and proteins a tangy, tropical flair
- Cooking and baking: Adds moisture and nutrition to things like pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, etc.
- Popsicles: Freeze into nutritious icy treats for kids and adults!
You can even combine noni juice with apple cider vinegar and honey for a refreshing tonic drink packed with potential health benefits.
Other Noni Juice Tips
A few more quick tips to ensure you get maximum goodness from your freshly juiced noni:
- Add citrus: A squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange juice helps preserve noni’s vitamin C content
- Consider pasteurization: Very gently heating the juice to 180°F for 30-60 seconds can extend fridge life while protecting nutrients
- Use opaque containers: Light can degrade some of noni’s beneficial phytochemicals over time
- Freeze juice into cubes or pops: This allows you to thaw smaller portions as needed
With some basic storage smarts, your homemade noni juice can provide a constant stream of antioxidants, vitamins, and rejuvenating nourishment.
Buying vs Making Noni Juice
For those short on time or equipment, store-bought noni juice seems like an appealing option. While convenient, there are some pros and cons to consider versus making your own at home:
Store-Bought Noni Juice Pros:
- Extremely convenient and time-saving
- Some premium brands do minimal processing
- May have longer fridge life due to pasteurization/preservatives
Store-Bought Noni Juice Cons:
- Typically more expensive than homemade
- Processing diminishes nutritional value
- Added sugars, flavorings in some brands
- You lose the ultra-fresh taste of raw noni
Many good store-bought options like Tahitian Noni Juice, Advance Physician Formulas Noni, and Hawaiian Organic Noni are available. Just be sure to check labels for pasteurization, added sweeteners, etc.
Ultimately, if you want complete control over the ingredients and freshness, making homemade noni juice is tough to beat. With the right techniques, you can effortlessly create superior tasting, supremely nutritious noni juice at home.
Conclusion
There’s a reason noni juice has transcended its ancient Hawaiian roots to become a celebrated superfood beverage around the globe.
This tangy, tropical treat packs a seriously impressive nutritional payload of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds like few other fruits can match.
While its unique aroma and bold flavor may take some getting used to, making your own fresh noni juice at home is incredibly rewarding.
Not only does it allow you full control over the quality of your ingredients, but it gives you the freedom to customize the taste exactly to your liking.
Whether you prefer your noni juice straight up or blended into smoothies, cocktails, salad dressings, or other culinary delights, drinking it fresh simply can’t be beaten.
The pungent perfume and potent flavors are a true mark of its raw, unadulterated nutrition and healing potential.
So don’t be intimidated by this funky little fruit! Embrace the fresh noni juicing process with some patience and an adventurous palate.
Your taste buds – and your body – will be thanking you for unlocking the abundance of antioxidants, minerals, and revitalizing phytochemicals that Mother Nature provides in every sip
Frequently Asked Question
Table Of Contents
