Best Produce Bets for Your Juicer or Blender
Have you tried some of the yummy juice and smoothie recipes we have posted this month? Hopefully, you are excited about the possibilities and benefits of both. Now that you have some ideas about what to try, you may be wondering what the best fruits and veggies are to use, and if there are differences between juicers and blenders. Rest easy- we are here to help! In short, you can blend just about anything, but when juicing you need to use ingredients that have a high water content, since the fiber and pulp are separated out in the juicing process. For example, using broccoli in a smoothie may be a good choice, but you will get very little liquid if you try to juice it. On the other hand, running some citrus fruits or berries through your juicer will provide good results.
Here are some suggestions for fruits and veggies that have a high water content:
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Strawberries, and other berries
- Lettuces
- Cucumber
- Green peas
- Tomatoes
- Beets
- carrots
When making smoothies, it is still a good idea to use produce with a high water content, but you can also use the following:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Peaches
- Mangos
- Apples
- Plums
- Avocado
- Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint
The possibilities really are endless, but to get your juices (or smoothies) going, here are two more recipes for you to try.
Jicama-Carrot-Apple Juice
compliments of the Complete Book of Juicing, by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
- 1-inch slice of jicama
- 4 carrots
- 1 apple, cut into wedges
Alternate feeding the ingredients into the juicer.
Mineral Rich Green Smoothie
compliments of Simple Health
- 2 ribs celery
- ½ cucumber
- 1 handful cilantro
- 1 banana
- ½ lemon
- 1 cup coconut water or regular water
Add ingredients to the blender in the order listed, and blend to your desired level of consistency.
The one thing to avoid using in a juicer or blender is coconut. It is too hard and may damage your equipment. Instead, try coconut milk or coconut water, which is available in most stores. Also, remember to think about sugar content in the ingredients you use. Beets and carrots are high in sugar, so use them sparingly.
Creativity is key in whatever you do. If you keep using the same things over and over again, it’s easy to get bored and fall out of favor with making your own drinks. There are lots of ideas on line for both juicing and making smoothies, so mix it up and keep your drinks fresh and fun!
Next time we will share ideas on how to maximize the amount of fruits and veggies you consume through juicing and making smoothies, and we will give you some recipe ideas to try.
And don’t forget celebrate a very special holiday on July 22nd: National Hammock Day! So dig yours out of the closet and get ready to swing!