With the ongoing summer season, people are just craving cold drinks and beverages. The cold, refreshing drinks are making people go gaga over it. People often opt for ready-made drinks from the commercial stores but nothing like making it at home.
It is best to opt for homemade fruit and vegetable juices. However, for it you need to get hold of a juicer. Unlike blender and grinder, it is a little tricky to handle a juicer. However, using a juicer to extract juice can be an effective way to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Apart from providing essential vitamins and minerals, juices also provide hydration and refreshment in the most convenient form. If you’re struggling on how to make the most out of the juicer, here are some common tips you can follow. Take a look.
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Produce
To achieve delicious and nutritious juice, make the best use of fresh, high-quality produce. You can opt for ripe fruits and vegetables that are free from bruises and blemishes. You’re advisable to choose organic options whenever possible to minimise the exposure to pesticides and chemicals. Fresh produce not only helps to enhance the flavour of the juice but also allows you to get maximum nutritional value from the ingredients.
- Prepare Ingredients Properly
The key to getting optimal juicing results is proper preparation of ingredients. First and foremost, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. It is necessary to peel and remove any inedible parts such as seeds, stems or tough skin before juicing. Also make sure to cut large fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces so that you can have a smooth juicing experience. This helps in preventing clogging or jamming in the juicer. If you prepare your ingredients properly, you’ll achieve better extraction and yield from your juicer.
- Rotate Ingredients For Flavor And Nutrition
You can experiment with a variety of fruits and vegetables to create flavourful and nutrient-rich juices. You can rotate your ingredients regularly to achieve multiple flavour profile and ensure incorporation of diverse vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can include a mix of leafy greens, citrus fruits, root vegetables and herbs to add complexity and depth to your juices. Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore new flavour combinations.
- Juice In Batches For Efficiency
To save time and streamline your juicing process, practice juicing in batches and store excess juice for later consumption. Buy airtight glass containers or bottles to preserve the freshness and quality of your juice. Besides, you can also refrigerate freshly made juice immediately to slow down the oxidation process and extend its shelf life. You can also freeze leftover juice in ice cube trays for convenient portioning and use in smoothies or other recipes. If you juice in batches, then you’ll have a nutritious and delicious readily available juice whenever you need.
- Clean Your Juicer Thoroughly
It is important to properly maintain and clean your juicer to maintain its longevity and performance. After each use, disassemble the juicer and rinse the removable parts with warm soapy water to remove pulp and residue. You can also use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the hard-to-reach areas and ensure thorough cleaning. Dry the parts completely before reassembling the juicer. Regular deep cleaning helps prevent buildup and maintain optimal juicing efficiency. A clean juice operates effectively and also preserves the flavour and quality of your juice.
- Experiment With Pulp Utilization
After using the juicer to juice the fruits and vegetables, don’t discard the leftover pulp. Add these pulps to smoothies, soups, stews, muffins or homemade granola for added fibre and texture. Besides, you can compost this pulp to reduce waste and enrich the garden soil. By using the pulp, you can maximise the nutritional value of your ingredients and minimise food waste.