Juicing at home: Tips for beginners
What's the story
Juicing at home can be an easy way to up your daily nutrition and energy levels. When you extract fresh juice from fruits and vegetables, you get a concentrated form of vitamins and minerals. This not only proves to be easy on the pocket but also lets you customize things according to your taste. For newbies, here's what you should know about juicing.
Tip 1
Choosing the right equipment
Selecting the right juicer is important for successful juicing. There are essentially two types: centrifugal and masticating juicers. Centrifugal juicers are usually cheaper and quicker, which makes them ideal for beginners. Masticating juicers, though costlier, yield more juice and retain nutrients better because of their slow processing speed. When picking equipment, consider your budget, kitchen space, and how frequently you'll be juicing.
Tip 2
Selecting fresh ingredients
The quality of ingredients largely determines the nutrition value of your juice. Choose fresh, organic produce whenever you can to skip pesticides and get maximum nutrients. Leafy greens like spinach or kale offer vitamins, while fruits like apples or oranges bring in natural sweetness without added sugars. Try different combinations to discover flavors that your palate would love.
Tip 3
Balancing flavors in your juice
Achieving a balanced flavor profile is the key to enjoying homemade juices regularly. Start by combining sweet fruits with leafy greens or other vegetables like cucumber or celery for a refreshing taste without the overpowering bitterness. Adding herbs such as mint or ginger can enhance flavor complexity while providing additional health benefits like improved digestion.
Tip 4
Storing juice properly
Proper storage plays an important role in keeping homemade juice fresh and nutritious. Ideally, juice should be consumed immediately. In case it needs to be stored, use airtight glass containers and fill them up close to the top to reduce oxidation. Store in the refrigerator for not more than 24 hours to ensure quality and safety.