What fruits can not be mixed together as juice?

Juicing fruits and vegetables is a great way to get important nutrients into your diet. However, some fruit combinations can cause unwanted effects when juiced together. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at what fruit combinations should be avoided when making homemade juices.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes are very acidic. While citrus juices are delicious on their own, combining multiple citrus fruits in one juice can result in an extremely tart, bitter taste. The high acidity can also irritate sensitive stomachs.

Here are some citrus fruit combinations to avoid in juice:

• Orange and grapefruit
• Lemon and lime
• Grapefruit and lemon
• Orange, lemon and lime

If you want to make a citrus juice blend, stick to just one type of citrus, or use small amounts of a secondary citrus fruit. For example, an orange juice with just a squeeze of lemon would work well.

Fruits with Caffeine

Some fruits naturally contain caffeine, like coffee berries, guarana berries and yerba mate. While small amounts of caffeine from fruits are not harmful, combining multiple caffeine-containing fruits into one juice can result in an unpleasant over-caffeinated effect.

Fruits that contain caffeine include:

• Coffee berries
• Guarana berries
• Yerba mate

Avoid combining any of these fruits together in juice. You’ll get the best results by juicing them separately and drinking small amounts.

Melons and Other Fruits

Melons like cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon have very different properties compared to other fruits. Melons are also highly perishable and can harbor more bacteria on their rind.

For food safety reasons, avoid mixing melons with other fruits in juice. Some combinations to steer clear of include:

• Cantaloupe and strawberries
• Honeydew and pineapple
• Watermelon and blueberries

If you want to make a melon juice blend, stick to one type of melon. You can also add lemon or lime juice to melon juices for an extra flavor boost.

Papayas and Other Fruits

Papaya is a tropical fruit that contains the enzyme papain. Papain helps break down proteins, which is beneficial for digestive health when papaya is eaten on its own.

However, papain can cause an unpleasant slimy texture and bitter taste when papaya is combined with certain fruits and vegetables. Avoid mixing papaya with:

• Mango
• Pineapple
• Apples
• Carrots

Papaya works best on its own or blended with water or coconut water if you want to dilute the flavor.

Persimmons and Other Fruits

Persimmons contain tannins, which can cause an astringent, puckering sensation in the mouth when unripe. As persimmons ripen, the tannins diminish.

Blending persimmons with other fruits before they are soft-ripe can result in strong tannic flavors. Avoid mixing persimmons with:

• Apples
• Grapes
• Pineapple
• Pears

For the best results, wait until persimmons are completely ripe and soft before juicing them. Ripe persimmons have a sweet, floral flavor that pairs well with lemon or carrot juice.

Bananas and Other Fruits

Bananas have a very thick, starchy texture compared to other fruits. When combined with the high water content of fruits like watermelon or pineapple, banana can result in a slimy, glue-like consistency.

Avoid blending bananas with:

• Watermelon
• Pineapple
• Berries
• Cucumber

Bananas work best on their own or paired with milk or yogurt in smoothies. If adding banana to juice, use just a small amount along with apple, carrot or orange juice.

Mangoes and Other Fruits

Mangoes contain enzymes called lactones that help ripen and soften the fruit’s flesh. When unripe mangoes are blended with other fruits, these enzymes can cause an unpleasant sensory experience.

Do not mix unripe mangoes with:

• Pineapple
• Kiwi
• Banana
• Apples

Always allow mangoes to ripen until soft before juicing. Ripe mangoes combine deliciously with carrot, orange, pineapple and lemon juice.

Pineapple and Other Fruits

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps break down proteins. This can cause an unpleasant mouthfeel and bitter flavor when pineapple juice is blended with certain fruits and vegetables that are high in proteins.

Do not mix pineapple juice with:

• Apples
• Pears
• Kiwi
• Tomatoes
• Milk

For the best flavor, enjoy pineapple juice on its own or combined with carrot, celery or ginger juice.

Apples and Carrots

Apples and carrots both make excellent juices on their own. However, when combined they can produce a bitter, unpleasant flavor.

The compounds in raw carrots react with the acids present in apples to create a metallic, bitter taste.

For the best results, juice apples and carrots separately. You can still combine them in small amounts if desired, just avoid equal parts apple and carrot juice.

Fruit and Vegetable Combinations to Avoid

Some combinations of fruits and vegetables don’t blend well together due to their differing flavors and textures.

Here are some fruit and vegetable combinations to avoid in juice:

• Cucumber and melon
• Beets and apples
• Cabbage and pineapple
• Celery and mango
• Bell pepper and banana

When making mixed juices, stick to 2-3 ingredients with complementary flavors. For example, carrot, apple and ginger is a classic combo. Berry juices blended with kale or spinach are also delicious.

Tips for Mixing Fruits in Juice

While some fruit combinations don’t work well together, many fruits can be successfully blended if done properly:

• Mix sweeter fruits like grapes and oranges with tart fruits like lemons or limes to balance the flavors.
• Only combine 2-3 types of fruits in one juice for the best results.
• Always wash produce thoroughly before juicing.
• Remove rinds, peels, seeds and pits from fruits when possible.
• Cut larger fruits into small chunks to feed through the juicer.
• If a juice tastes unpleasant, try diluting it with water or coconut water.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or basil to fruit juices for a flavor boost.

The Best Fruit Juice Combinations

While some fruits shouldn’t be mixed, there are many delicious juice combos to try:

Fruit 1	Fruit 2	Optional Additions
Apples	Oranges	Cinnamon, ginger
Grapefruit	Kiwi	Mint
Pears	Grapes	Lemon
Pineapple	Mango	Basil, lime
Blueberries	Pomegranate	Lemon
Peaches	Strawberries	Ginger
Blackberries	Raspberries	Lemon, mint
Cherries	Watermelon	Basil

Get creative and try mixing your favorite fruits to make tasty juice blends. Pay attention to flavor combinations and avoid fruits that don’t complement each other.

Storing Fruit Juices

Freshly made fruit and vegetable juices contain natural enzymes and nutrients that are sensitive to heat and exposure to air. For best quality, drink juices immediately after making them.

If you need to store juice, follow these guidelines:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 24 hours.
• Do not store at room temperature more than 2 hours.
• Pour juice into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Freeze juice in jars, leaving 1 inch at the top for expansion.

To preserve nutrients, minimize exposure to air and light. Dark colored glass bottles are ideal for storage.

Over time, frozen juices will lose some nutrients and flavor quality. For best nutrition and taste, enjoy your juices as fresh as possible.

Safety Tips for Juicing

Juicing can be safe and healthy if done properly. Follow these recommendations:

• Wash all produce thoroughly before juicing.
• Scrub firm produce and remove rinds when appropriate.
• Only use ripe, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• If juicing melons, discard the rind.
• Drink juices immediately or store up to 24 hours.
• If juice smells or tastes unpleasant, discard it.

Children, pregnant women, elderly and those with weakened immune systems should take extra precaution due to higher risk of foodborne illness.

Conclusion

Juicing can pack a powerful nutritional punch and liven up your beverage routine. However, some fruit and vegetable combinations don’t play well together. Avoid mixing highly acidic citrus fruits, fruits with caffeine, unripe fruits high in enzymes, and vegetables with strong flavors.

When making homemade juices, stick to 2-3 complementary produce items and add fresh herbs to enhance flavor. Drink your juices promptly for the best nutrition and taste. Follow proper storage methods and food safety guidelines to get the most benefits and enjoyment out of juicing.