What fruits and vegetables are best for centrifugal juicer?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more nutrients into your diet. Centrifugal juicers are the most common type of juicer and work well for a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, some produce is better suited for centrifugal juicing than others. This article will discuss the top fruits and vegetables that are best for centrifugal juicers.

How Centrifugal Juicers Work

Centrifugal juicers work by first shredding the produce through a cutting blade. The shredded pieces are then pushed against a mesh filter basket that spins at very high speeds to separate the juice from the pulp. The pulp is ejected into a separate container, while the juice flows through the spout.

The fast spinning action generates heat and introduces air into the juice. This oxidizes and destroys some nutrients, especially heat-sensitive ones like enzymes. However, centrifugal juicers are still an effective way to extract juice and nutrients from produce.

Best Fruits for Centrifugal Juicers

The best fruits for centrifugal juicers are ones that are relatively soft and contain a lot of water. Harder fruits may not break down as well in the shredding blade and yield less juice. Fruits like citrus also contain essential oils that can clog the mesh filter basket. Some of the top fruits for centrifugal juicing include:

• Apples
• Grapes
• Berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
• Cherries
• Melons – cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
• Mangoes
• Pineapples
• Kiwis
• Pears
• Peaches
• Plums

Soft Juicy Fruits

Fruits like grapes, berries, melons, mangoes, pineapples, kiwis, peaches, and plums have high water content and soft fibers. They easily break down in centrifugal juicers to produce smooth, pulp-free juice. Berries should be juiced with their seeds and skins which hold many nutrients.

Apples and Pears

Apples and pears are great for juicing. Be sure to juice them with their skins on. Apple skins contain beneficial compounds like quercetin. The hard cores should be removed first.

Best Vegetables for Centrifugal Juicers

The vegetables that yield the most juice in centrifugal juicers are water-rich produce with softer cell walls. Firmer, dense vegetables may not fully break down. Leafy greens also require a different juicing method to extract their nutrients. Some top vegetable choices include:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Beets
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger

Water-Rich Vegetables

Cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers and celery are full of water and will produce substantial juice volume. Always juice tomatoes with their skins, seeds and juice sacs which hold key nutrients like lycopene.

Hard Root Vegetables

Hard vegetables like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, ginger and garlic should be cut into smaller pieces before juicing to help break down their fiber. You can combine them with softer produce or soak them briefly first to soften them up.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale are rich in nutrients but are low-moisture and high-fiber. Centrifugal juicers can extract juice from broccoli and cauliflower florets. But kale and other leafy greens won’t juice well and are better for smoothies.

Produce to Avoid for Centrifugal Juicers

While most fruits and vegetables can be juiced in a centrifugal machine, some are better to avoid. Produce that is tough, dry or stringy yields little juice and can jam the shredder blade. Very soft produce can also clog the filter basket screen. Types of produce to steer clear of include:

• Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes – high acid and oils
• Avocados – thick and creamy
• Bananas – starchy
• Kale, spinach, chard – leafy greens
• Wheatgrass – tough and fibrous
• Nuts, seeds
• Coconut meat

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes contain acidic juices that can damage the juicer cutter blades over time. Their oils can also clog up the mesh basket. If using citrus fruits, peel them first before juicing.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale and spinach contain important nutrients but their cellular structure doesn’t break down well in centrifugal juicers. They are better juiced slowly or enjoyed in smoothies.

Thick and Fibrous Produce

Bananas, avocados, mangoes and papayas have thicker consistencies that can clog the juicer. Wheatgrass and sprouts are also extremely fibrous. It’s best to avoid putting these through a centrifugal juicer.

Tips for Centrifugal Juicing

Here are some tips to follow when juicing with a centrifugal machine:

• Cut produce into smaller, uniform pieces to feed through the chute easily.
• Alternate soft and hard produce.
• Juice softer fruits/veggies first then harder items.
• Process stems, peels, seeds, etc. to get valuable nutrients.
• Combine produce with high water content with drier produce.
• Don’t overstuff the chute – process modest amounts at a time.
• Let the machine run fully before adding more produce.
• Rinse juicer parts immediately after use.

Following these guidelines will result in optimal juice extraction and minimal jamming or clogging.

Most Nutrient-Dense Produce for Juicing

When selecting fruits and vegetables for juicing, go beyond just high water content. Choosing produce packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients can help maximize the nutritional value of your juice. Some top nutrient-dense options include:

Produce	Key Nutrients
Kale	Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Antioxidants
Spinach	Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin A
Carrots	Beta-Carotene, Vitamin K
Broccoli	Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate
Cabbage	Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Anthocyanins
Beets	Folate, Manganese, Nitrates
Tomatoes	Lycopene, Vitamin C
Bell Peppers	Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6
Oranges	Vitamin C, Folate
Strawberries	Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants
Blueberries	Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants
Apples	Vitamin C, Quercetin

Focus on dark leafy greens, deeply colored fruits and veggies, and produce with peel or skin intact to maximize nutrition. Combining a rainbow of produce can lead to a powerhouse juice!

Sample Juice Recipes

One of the best aspects of juicing is being able to mix and match a wide variety of produce into delicious concoctions. Certain flavor combinations work exceptionally well. Try out some of these tasty centrifugal juicing recipes:

Green Juice

• 4 carrots
• 2 apples
• 1 cucumber
• Handful of kale or spinach
• 1-inch ginger

Fruit Juice

• 1 grapefruit, peeled
• 2 oranges, peeled
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup raspberries

Mixed Produce Juice

• 1 beet, with greens
• 3 carrots
• 1 tomato
• 1 celery stalk
• 1/2 lemon, peeled

Get creative and try various produce combinations. Mix and match fruits and vegetables to create flavorful juices packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Choosing a Centrifugal Juicer

With a wide range of centrifugal juicers available, selecting one that fits your needs is key. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a centrifugal juicer:

Juicing Speed

Faster motor speeds produce juice more quickly. Look for a juicer with at least 12,000 RPM or higher for hard produce.

Feed Chute Size

A wider feed chute means less pre-chopping of fruits and veggies. 3 to 4-inch chutes are most efficient.

Pulp Separation

An internal pulp separation system creates a smoother juice consistency with less foam.

Dishwasher Safe Parts

Choose a model with BPA-free dishwasher safe components for easy cleanup.

Noise Level

Centrifugal juicers are fairly loud. Look for one with a tightly fitted cover and motor to dampen noise.

Warranty

A longer warranty of 5 years or more ensures a quality, durable machine.

Top Centrifugal Juicers

Here are some of the top-rated centrifugal juicers to consider:

Juicer Model	Key Features
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus	850 watts, 12,000 RPM, 3″ wide chute, overload protection, 1-year warranty
Mueller Austria Juicer Ultra 1100W	1100 watts, 18,000 RPM, 3″ chute, stainless steel, dishwasher-safe parts, 2-year warranty
Aicook Juicer Machine, 1000W Wide Mouth	1000 watts, 14,000 RPM, 3.5″ chute, 3 speed settings, reverse function, 2-year warranty
Cuisinart CJE-1000 Die-Cast Juice Extractor	1000 watts, 12,000 RPM, 3″ chute, 5-year warranty
BioChef Savino Slow Juicer	200 watts, 47 RPM, 3.5″ chute, 10-year warranty

Choose a centrifugal model with plenty of power, speed and a large feed chute for efficient juicing. Prioritize easy cleaning and a good warranty too. Using the best juicer for the task can optimize the process.

Conclusion

Centrifugal juicers are great for most types of fruits and vegetables. Produce like grapes, carrots, oranges and apples juice especially well. Avoid dry produce and leafy greens. Cut ingredients into small pieces and alternate soft and hard textures when juicing. Choose a produce variety full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consider key features when selecting a centrifugal juicer model for your needs. With the right techniques and machine, you can whip up nutritious juices to energize your day!