Using a Juicer

A juicing machine can be a wonderful appliance to have in the kitchen. Unfortunately, if you don't know the best way to use a juicer you will not get the full nutritional value possible from it. Here are some basic guidelines that you need to keep in mind the next time you are using your juicer.

• Yield. While it is true that each type of juicer can produce different quantities of juice, you need to keep in mind that there is a pretty rough rule that you can follow: For every cup of juice you will need roughly one pound of raw fruits or vegetables. There is some leeway since each juicer and fruit can provide different amounts, but this is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when purchasing the items that will go into the juice.
• Filter. Usually when the juice comes out of the juicer it will be cloudy and full of pulp. This will not inhibit the taste at all, but if you would like to have clearer juice run it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
• Consume or store. Surprisingly, fresh juice loses its nutrient content and flavor fairly quickly. The best time to drink it is right away as it comes out of the juicer. A great way to judge the content is by the juice's color. The more discolored the juice, the more flavor and nutrients it has lost. If you will not be drinking the juice right off, then you can store the juice for as long as 24 hours by placing it in an airtight container with a couple drops of lemon juice to prevent the discoloration.
• Wash. Since many farmers now use harsh chemicals and pesticides to help reduce the chances of fruit harvest loss, it is a good idea to remove those chemicals. Thoroughly wash the rinds and skins of the fruit and vegetables that you will be using in the juicer. At the same time as this, make sure that you also remove any damaged or moldy portions of the vegetables and fruit. After washing off the chemicals, slice, cut, or dice the fruit and vegetables into the smallest pieces that you can to help the juicer process as much of the matter as possible.
• Know your fruit. Generally speaking, fruit that is soft will produce thicker juice than the fruits and vegetables that are hard. For instance, raspberries produce a thick juice while apples produce a thinner, more transparent juice.
• Prepare your materials. Before juicing, allow the fruit to rise to room temperature as this will allow more fluid and juice to be produced. Finally, before juicing anything make sure that you place a plastic bag into the pulp receptacle for an easier cleaning process.