Juicing Tips
Keen to get going? Here are a few helpful hints tips and practical suggestions to get you juicing and enjoying it
Citrus fruits - press or juicer?
If you want the highest quantity of clear juice use a citrus press - electrical or hand - rather than a juicer. When you use a juicer you peel the fruit but you leave on some pith. The bioflavonoids in oranges and other citrus fruit are in the pith so if you want that - use a juicer. Citrus juice made in a juicer will be less clear and slightly thicker but just as delicious.
Wash but don’t soak..
Whether organic or not you need to wash the whole fruit or vegetable before you juice. Never leave them to soak because you’ll lose much nutritional content as it seeps out into the water.
Peeling is not necessary..
Most fruit and vegetables don’t need to be peeled for juicing - If you do peel fruit or vegetables, make sure you only take off the minimum amount of peel. Many nutrients and antioxidants lie just under the peel and you will lose them by removing it. Why make work for yourself when you don’t need to?
Don’t let juices hang around..
You probably won’t be able to as they are so delicious but the rule is don’t leave juices to oxidize (go brown). Drink juices immediately or pour them into a jug with a squeeze of lemon or spoonful of vitamin C powder. This prevents the juice from oxidizing when exposed to the air. Even a small amount of oxidization does damages to the nutritional content of the drink and it just doesn’t taste good either.
Dilute most vegetable juices..
Dilute vegetable juices with water if you find the taste overpowering. It is probably better to start with fruit juices as they are easier on the taste buds. In fact most people who juice stick with fruit. The one exception being carrot juice which is naturally delicious and does not need diluting. Try juicing 3 carrots and two apples - a wonderful combination.
Pay attention to teeth..
Fruit juices contain high levels of natural sugar - which is why you get that instant high - and fruit acids. Remember that both can attack teeth but this should not be a problem as long as you maintain normal teeth hygiene - brushing and flossing regularly. You may read about dental risks from juicing but really you are only at risk if you don’t care for your teeth - just as you would be anyway from your normal diet.
Have fun - experiment..
You may want to start off with recipes to get the feel of quantities and combinations that are tried and trusted. But don’t stop there - experiment with your juicing - get creative using the fruit and vegetables that appeal to you most.
Additives - surely not…
Yes additives are allowed - but only the right ones. You can add a range of things to juices to make them even more nutritious and to add zest but you certainly don’t need to. The fresh intense flavor is enough on its own. If you do want an even greater nutritional or taste boost, some of the best additions to consider are:
- grated ginger root - adds a wonderful hot tang to the coolest juices - try with apple, pear, orange
- chopped fresh mint - less is more here
- pumpkin/sunflower seeds - add to smoothies for crunchy taste and texture and essential fatty acids
- Lecithin powder - add to smoothies for healthy brain and nerve cells and to aid digestion of fats
- spirulina/wheatgrass powder - best added to smoothies, rich in cleansing chlorophyll and a favorite of the celebs - whatever you add it to will turn deep powerful green
Washing up..
You do have to wash your juicer and in our experience the best time is right after you use it - leave it and it gets much more difficult. You have been warned!
Don’t put your juicer in a cupboard..
It may not be the prettiest thing in your kitchen (although some are) but if you invest in a juicer then you want to get the most out of it for as long as possible. If you hide it away chances are you’ll forget about it and juicing won’t become a regular part of your day. It’s also much more of an effort to juice if all the equipment isn’t accessible when you want it.
On the same theme, keep the other things you need to hand near the juicer if possible (chopping board, sharp knife) - small practical tip but it helps. Once you get juicing into your blood (literally!) then you won’t want to put the juicer away anyway. Our advice - if looks matter buy a juicer that works and looks good on your work top - there are many to choose from.
