Juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables are a powerful and efficient way to pack in highly nutritious vitamins and minerals. Buying store-bought juices can get expensive, quickly. You can get all of the benefits of these powerful liquids by juicing at home. The following are some tips for getting the most out of your juices. Get creative by combining different types of fruits and vegetables to make tasty and nutritious concoctions.
Juicing At Home
Purchase a Juicer
There are a wide range of juicers available and what you purchase relies heavily on how much you want to spend. There are very basic juicers for as little as $40. However, for the extreme juicers, there are high quality products that sell for up to $2,000. Regardless of how much you want to spend, having a decent juicer is a must. When deciding on a model, consider how often you plan to juice and how much you plan to make at one time.
Use Fresh Produce
The fresher and more high quality the produce you are using to juice, the more nutritious and satisfying the end product is going to be. Use fresh produce to make your juices. Check for local farmers or farmers market in your area and use them as a source. Know where your fruits and vegetables are coming from.
Add the Veggies
It is easy to get hung up on sweet, tasty fruits when juicing and to forget about the vegetables. Certain vegetables can be a great additive, enhancing both the nutritional value and the flavor of the juice. Some of the most popular choices are kale, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. Include one or two of these ingredients in your next recipe.
Clean your Produce
Fruits and vegetables can contain potentially high amounts of bacteria and pesticides. Thoroughly cleaning your produce before juicing is very important. Washing them with just water may not be doing an adequate job of riding your fruits and vegetables from all of their impurities. It is a good idea to wash them with a commercial vegetable wash before juicing.
Get Creative
Think beyond just fruits and vegetables when creating a juice recipe. There are many things that can be added to enhance the flavor. Common additives to consider are cinnamon, ginger, mint, and garlic. Any of these ingredients can add to the enjoyment of your nutritious beverage.
Drink your Juice Fresh
It may be tempting to make large amounts of juice at once to be saved or stored for later use. However, this somewhat defeats the purpose of juicing. Creating your own fresh juice is done to gain all of the benefits of directly consuming the product. Attempting to store your juice omits many of the benefits of fresh juicing. If you must save your juice, put it in an air tight container and do not save it for more than 24 to 48 hours.
Juicing is a great way to boost the nutritional content of your diet. All you need is a juicer and a handful of fresh fruits and vegetables and you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Follow these guidelines to successfully integrate fresh juice into your diet. The benefits are extensive and will have a positive impact on your overall health.
