Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Unboxing a new juicer for your home can be a fun experience. You get to think about all of the juice recipes you are going to make and plan what vegetable juices or fruit juices you want to create first. However, when it comes to actually using a juicer, it is not uncommon to have some questions and need a little bit of guidance. That’s why we created this article explaining how to use a juicer in a simple step by step instructions. We also added some helpful juicer tips so that when the time comes, you’ll be juicing fruits and vegetables like a pro.
Before You Begin the Juicing Process
The following steps should be executed before you plug in your juicer. They will help make the juicing process more efficient by making sure you have everything you need ready before you begin using your device. These steps should be the same whether you are using a cold press juicer or a masticating juicer, but always consult your manual if you are unsure.
Familiarise Yourself With Your Juicing Machine
If this is your first time using a new juicing machine, we always recommend reading through the user manual before you do anything else. This will help you become acquainted with the specific parts, settings, and buttons on your appliance which can vary slightly from one model to the next.
In addition, the user manual often has a section aimed at troubleshooting common issues that may arise with their device. Always refer to this in case you run into any problems.
Gather Your Supplies
You will need a few supplies to execute your juicing recipe with ease. Collect them in one place before proceeding to the next step in the preparation process.
Supplies Needed:
- Assorted fruit and other produce, according to your recipe
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Juice collection container
- And of course, the juicer
Gather and Prep the Ingredients
Once you establish what kind of juice you are going to make, you want to gather your ingredients together in one place, whether this requires going to the grocery store, or just walking over to the refrigerator.
Next, carefully wash each of the ingredients to remove any dirt or pesticides that may be remaining. after this, remove any stems, seeds, or large pits. While it is okay to put some citrus fruits in the juicer halved, it is best not to put whole fruits into your juicer, unless of course, they are small berries.
Some fruits and vegetables will also need to be skinned to expose the flesh below, like with avocados, pineapples, or bananas. However, if you are making apple juice or a type of juice that uses other thinner skinned fruit, like peaches or pears it is unnecessary to skin or peel them before juicing.
If you are making a green juice with vegetables like leafy greens, to prep them you will want to compress them into small to medium-sized balls. Try rolling a small bunch up before inserting it into the juicer and you will find it helps you to extract more juice from the plant fibres.
Step by Step Juicing Directions
1. Set up Your Space
Start by placing your juicer in a convenient space on your countertop that allows you to easily access the collection container and the feeding chute, and is also close to a mains outlet. Plug-in your machine once the appliance is situated.
2. Position the Collection Container
Next place a collection glass or jar of your choosing in front of and underneath the exit chute to catch the finished juice product.
3. Power up Your Juicing Device
Turn on your juicer and select the appropriate setting for the type of juice you are making. The settings should be outlined in the instruction manual if you are unsure.
4. Add the Ingredients to the Feeding Tube
Gently push your fruits and vegetables into the machine one by one. Take care not to push too hard or fast as it could overwork the motor, damage the blades, and lead to your juice having a more uneven texture. If you try to rush this step it could also lower the overall juice yield.
5. Replace the Lid or Cover
Replace the feeding tube lid. Depending on the model of juicer you have, you may also have to press another button to initiate the chopping and juice extraction step.
6. Give the Juicer Time to Extract Juice From the Pulp
Wait for the juicer to chop the produce, similar to a blender, and then proceed to spin and separate the juice from the fruits and vegetables, at least with a centrifugal juicer. With a masticating juicer, the machine will chew and crush the produce and then force it through a sharp filter.
7. Periodically Check the Collection Container to Prevent Overflow
Occasionally monitor the collection jar to ensure it does not overflow and replace it with an empty container or clean glass as needed. If you are making more juice than you plan on drinking in one sitting we recommend using a container that comes with an airtight lid.
8. Enjoy Your Fresh Juice
After the machine is done processing and all of your fruits and vegetables have been juiced, turn off the machine and enjoy your fresh juice. If you want, you can always chill your juice for a bit in the fridge or freezer before you drink it as well.
9. Clean up Your Mess and Wash Your Juicer
The final step involves cleaning up the inevitable mess that appeared on your counter, emptying the pulp catcher, and washing each part of your juicer. The sooner you get to this step the better because it can prevent stains from setting in and also make the cleaning process easier overall.
A lot of people choose to discard the pulp produced during the juicer process but it is still edible and there are many things you can still use it for, like cooking and baking.
Other Things to Consider: Juicing Tips
Now that you already know how to use a juicer and conduct the juicing process, there are a few more things you should know that will help improve the quality of the juice you make. The following sections will give you some juicing tips that aim to increase your juicing skill level but are not necessary for completing the physical process.
Should I Use Cold or Room Temperature Foods?
You can use either cold or room temperature produce in your juicer. If you prefer a cold juice drink, use fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens that have been refrigerated. Many people find cold juice to be more refreshing, however, it won’t change the flavour or the taste.
Keep in mind that depending on the type of juicer you are using, the temperature could increase by as much as 10 degrees while the juicer extracts juice from the produce. Centrifugal juicers add the most heat because they work at a rapid speed.
Can I Save Juice I Don’t Drink Right Away?
Making a batch of juice, instead of a single glass is a good idea if you want easy quick access to fresh juice without having to clean your juicer each time. So, how long does fresh juice last before oxidising or turning sour? With a centrifugal juicer, your juice could last for up to 24 hours if stored correctly. With a masticating juicer, your juice could last for as many as 36-48 hours. Always store excess juice in a covered, airtight container in the fridge. This will ensure you attain the maximum shelf life your machine can provide.
Also, you may want to stir juice that has been in the fridge before you drink it as the juice tends to separate when left sitting undisturbed for an extended period of time. Stirring will restore the original, smooth, and even body of your juices.
Conclusion
Some people want to start juicing because it is a great way to add extra vitamins and nutrients to your diet. Others just like the way fresh juice taste. Regardless of why you wanted to know how to use a juicer, you now have all the information you need to start your hands-on juicing research.
Which juices will you make first? A fruit juice or citrus juice packed with vitamin C? A vegetable juice or green juice full of A and B vitamins? Either way, you’re ready, so what are you waiting for? Ditch your blender and upgrade to using a juicer right away.
Emily is a woman of many talents. She has a B.A. in English and enjoys writing. Emily loves accessorising her home with quality products that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall convenience and tranquillity of her living space; there’s nothing like coming home to your own personal sanctuary after a long day! She loves anything that can make life easier or more comfortable—from dishware to furniture to lighting fixtures.