What fruits should not be mixed when juicing?

Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to get a concentrated dose of nutrients. However, certain combinations can cause digestive issues or negatively impact the absorption of vitamins and minerals. When creating your own juice blends at home, it’s important to know what fruits should and should not be mixed together.

Why You Should Avoid Mixing Certain Fruits

There are a few reasons why some fruit combinations may be problematic:

• Enzyme inhibition – Some fruits contain enzymes that can negatively interact and inhibit each other’s absorption. For example, mixing melons with other fruits can inhibit digestive enzymes.
• Slowed digestion – Pairing fruits with very different densities or acidity levels can slow digestion. For example, blending a thick banana smoothie with orange juice.
• Fermentation – Fruits that ferment easily, like bananas, mixed with sugar-rich fruits can result in fermentation and gas-producing effects.

While not always dangerous, these incompatible combinations can potentially cause GI discomfort, bloating, gas, cramps, etc. Paying attention to fruit compatibility allows you to maximize the nutrient uptake.

Fruit Combinations to Avoid

Here are some of the most problematic fruit combinations that should be avoided when juicing or blending:

Melons and Other Fruits

Melons such as cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon have a distinctive enzyme called pectase lyase. This enzyme helps breakdown the structure of fruit once consumed. However, when melons are mixed with high acidic fruits like lemon or berries, their enzymes get inhibited. As a result, the melon pulp remains undigested in the gut.

To avoid digestive issues, it’s best to juice melons separately from all other fruits and avoid blending them in smoothies.

Bananas and Citrus, Dairy or Green Leafy Veggies

Bananas tend to be digested slowly on their own. When combined with quick-digesting foods like orange juice or spinach, it can lead to the banana fermenting and causing gas and bloating.

Citrus fruit acids can also negatively interact with compounds in bananas, while dairy can cause the protein to bind together and obstruct digestion. Bananas blend best with non-citrus fruits and non-leafy vegetables.

Pineapple and Other Fruits

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which aids protein digestion. But it can also inhibit enzymes that help break down other fruit sugars and starches. Combining pineapple with fruits high in starch like bananas can prevent proper starch digestion.

For best results, juice pineapple by itself or pair with low-sugar vegetables like cucumber, celery or fennel.

Apples/Pears and Carrot/Beet Juice

Apples and pears contain pectin fiber. When blended with fiber-rich root vegetables like carrots and beets, the pectin can bind together and cause a thick gel-like texture that’s difficult to break down.

It’s better to alternate between juicing apples/pears and carrots/beets rather than combining them.

Best Fruit Combinations for Juicing

While some fruits don’t mix well, there are many delicious and nutritious combinations that can be safely juiced together:

Good Fruit Combinations	Benefits
Apples, grapes, pears	Provides fiber, antioxidants, vitmain C
Berries and cherries	High in antioxidants
Citrus fruits	Vitamin C, flavonoids
Apples and carrots	Balances flavor and nutrition
Pineapple and cucumber	Hydrating and enzyme benefits
Tomatoes and celery	savory vegetable juice blend

When mixing fruits, opt for ones that have a similar density and acidity level. Fruits in season together tend to complement each other when juicing.

Some standout combinations include:

• Apples, grapes, pears – Mixing these fruits provides a good dose of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and polyphenols.
• Berries and cherries – The dark rich colors of berries and cherries indicates a high antioxidant content.
• Citrus fruits – Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and tangerines all mix well and provide lots of vitamin C and flavonoids.
• Apples and carrots – This classic combination helps balance the sweetness of apples with earthy carotenoids from carrots.
• Pineapple and cucumber – Pineapple adds a tropical flair while cucumber provides hydration. Both contain beneficial enzymes as well.
• Tomatoes and celery – For a savory vegetable juice, combine tomato juice with celery stalks.

General Tips for Juicing Fruits

Here are some general tips to follow when juicing fruit combinations:

• Always peel oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and other citrus before juicing to avoid bitterness
• Remove pits, stones and cores which can damage blades
• Mix sweeter fruits like grapes and apples with tart fruits like berries or pomegranate to balance flavor
• Alternate between fruits and vegetables in your juicing schedule
• Drink fruit juices shortly after making them to minimize nutrient degradation
• If adding leafy greens, do a 75/25 fruit to veggie ratio for better flavor
• Add fresh ginger or lemon juice to cut bitterness or tartness

What About Smoothies?

The same rules apply when blending fruits together into smoothies. Melons, bananas, and pineapples tend not to mix well with other fruits. Berries, grapes, mangos, peaches and pears blend well together. For a nutrient boost, add some greens like spinach or kale to your favorite fruit smoothie recipe.

Smoothies also give you more flexibility to include healthy fats from nuts, seeds or nut butters. Adding non-dairy milk or yogurt to a fruit smoothie can provide protein, beneficial fats and probiotics.

The Bottom Line

When deciding what fruits to mix in juices and smoothies, go with fruits of similar density and acidity levels. Avoid combining melons, bananas and pineapple with other fruits. Combine fruits that are in season together like berries, citrus, pears and apples. Drink your fruit-based beverages right after making them for best results. With some care taken when selecting ingredients, freshly made juices and smoothies can be a healthy and delicious way to get your daily fruit intake.