So...do you want to start juicing? Are you feeling clueless as to what juicer is the best for you?
There are so many misconceptions around juicing and buying the right juicer. I am going to help explain the difference between the two types of juicers that are available today - the centrifugal juicer and the slow masticating juicer. It is important to focus on quality and yield if you want to get the most out of your juicer.
The Centrifugal Juicer
These juicers, commonly available in retail outlets, are the most affordable to purchase. Juice is extracted by pulverizing fruit and vegetables against a round cutting blade that spins very fast against a metal strainer. The centrifugal force generated by the spinning motion of the cutting surface separates the juice from the pulp.These juicers generate more heat than slow masticating juicer. There is the misconception that centrifugal destroys the enzymes in the food, however, the truth is that enzymes are destroyed at 118 degrees and the centrifugal does not reach anywhere near that high. And...considering that you are throwing in cold fruit and veg from your fridge, the blade is actually keeping a lot cooler than expected.
Unfortunately, this juicer does speed up the oxidation process, which means the juice cannot be stored, you need to drink the juice immediately if you wish to benefit from the nutrients.
PROS | CONS | ||
Fast juicing | Not well-suited to juicing leafy greens, grasses, sprouts and herbs | ||
Affordable | Yields less juice (produces a wet pulp) | ||
Easy to use | Fast spinning blades produce heat, affecting quality of taste and speeding up oxidation process | ||
Reduces food preparation time as many accept larger fruit and vegetable pieces | Higher juice separation and foaming | ||
Noisy due to grinding and cutting action | |||
Not very strong or durable and short warranty | |||
of normally 1 year | |||
Cold Press Juicers
These operate via a masticating (chewing), cold press method. It operates at a lower speed and gently compresses the fruit and vegetables to 'squeeze' the juice out. Although costly, the slower and thorough extraction rates produce a high quality great tasting juice, with higher yield, helping you get the most out of your produce.
Although these juicers cost more, they are durable and use less fruit and veg since it extracts more juice. The juice can store in the fridge in an airtight jar, for best quality, drink in 24 hours.
While some are concerned that not getting fiber through juicing is not healthy, I would suggest simply taking a tablespoon or two of pulp and mixing it in your glass. Do try to source organic produce.
PROS | CONS | ||
Excellent extraction of juice from leafy greens, grasses, sprouts and herbs | Higher initial cost | ||
Higher juice yield of up to 14 to 30% | Longer food preparation, as smaller food pieces are required for their narrow chutes | ||
Juice lasts longer with enzyme integrity keeping for up to 72 hours if stored in airtight jar | |||
Lower speeds means less heat, preserving more nutrients and enzymes | |||
Minimal juice separation and foaming | |||
Some models offer other food processing functions, such as being able to make nut milk, nut butter, sorbet, pasta and ice cream | |||
Pressing action is quiet. | |||
Slightly higher pulp in juice | |||
High durability and long warranty often 10 years | |||
So...if you are looking for a quality juicer...look on the right hand toolbar of my blog and click on the juicer and you will be directed via my affiliate link to Ecohub. I do earn a small commission for referrals, however, this does not affect the pricing for you.
I am going to be starting short courses in 'Juicing for Health' in Durban soon. Click on the link below to see the brochure. Contact me on 081 046 7079 or durban@collegeofnaturalhealth.co.za.
Yours In Good Health
Jess
2 comments:
Great piece Jess. I have been looking at starting to do juicing. You have helped me decide on what to get. Will be looking at some of your juicing suggestions.
Yay! I needed this sort of information,thank you so much.
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