Introduction
Juicing apples is a great way to enjoy their delicious taste and nutrition in liquid form. Apple juice is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber and more. With so many juicer varieties available, choosing the right juicer for apples can ensure you get the most out of this fruit. The key factors when selecting an apple juicer are the type of juicer, juicing method, speed, chute size, ease of use, versatility and price. Read on as we explore the best kinds of juicers for juicing apples.
Types of Juicers
There are four main types of juicers to consider for apple juicing:
Centrifugal Juicers
Centrifugal juicers are the most common and affordable type of juicer. They use a fast spinning metal blade to grind apples into juice. The juice is then strained through a metal mesh filter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very fast juicing | Loud operation |
| Budget friendly prices | Lower juice yields |
| Easy to use and clean | Oxidation prone juices |
Centrifugal juicers are best for apple lovers who want fast, frequent juices and are less concerned about maximizing yields.
Masticating Juicers
Masticating or “cold press” juicers crush apples into juice using a slow churning auger. The slower speed minimizes oxidation for higher nutrient retention.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher juice yields | Slower juicing speed |
| Less oxidation | Higher prices |
| Quieter operation | Trickier to clean |
Masticating juicers are ideal for apple lovers who want maximum nutrition and juice extraction.
Triturating Juicers
Triturating juicers, also called “twin gear” juicers, use two interlocking gears to grind and press juice from apples. This cold press method preserves nutrients.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest juice yields | Most expensive |
| Minimal oxidation | Slowest juicing |
| Versatile for all produce | Trickiest to clean |
Triturating juicers are the top choice for die-hard apple juicing fans focused on maximum extraction.
Manual Juicers
Manual juicers require physical force to crush and press apples into juice. They include hand press and lever style juicers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Very slow juicing |
| Compact size | Lower yields |
| Easy to clean | Requires effort |
Manual juicers are best for occasional apple juicing on a budget.
Juicing Methods
In addition to the main types of juicers, there are two main juicing methods that impact apple juicing:
Centrifugal Juicing
Centrifugal juicers grind apples at high speeds then strain the juice. This is the fastest method but can introduce more air and foam.
Cold Press Juicing
Cold press juicers crush apples into juice at slower speeds while pressing out the liquid. This minimizes oxidation for more nutrient retention. Cold press juicers include masticating, triturating and manual models.
So if you want speed, choose a centrifugal juicer. For maximum nutrition, go for a cold press model. Masticating juicers provide the best balance for most apple juicing needs.
Important Features
Beyond the juicing method, there are several important features to consider for an apple juicer:
Speed
Faster juicer speeds tend to introduce more foam and oxidation. Slower juicing preserves more nutrients. Masticating speeds of 80 RPM or less are ideal for apples.
Chute Size
A larger chute means less pre-chopping of apples required. However, smaller chutes tend to be more efficient when juicing apples. Look for at least a 2-3 inch wide chute.
Yields
The juice yield from apples can vary greatly depending on the juicer. Masticating and triturating juicers extract the highest yields from apple juicing.
Cleaning
Look for removable, dishwasher safe parts. Juicers with more parts can be trickier to clean.
The Best Juicers for Apples
With the key factors and features covered, here are some of the best juicers for apple juicing:
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus
This centrifugal juicer is reasonably priced for fast apple juicing. The extra wide chute minimizes prepping.
Omega J8006HDS Nutrition Center
The Omega masticating juicer efficiently extracts juice from apples. It has a small chute and runs at slow speeds.
Tribest GSE-5050 Greenstar Elite
This cold press twin gear model maximizes apple juice yields. It has the lowest oxidation rates.
Mueller Austria Juicer Ultra 1100W
With two speeds, this centrifugal juicer can juice apples fast or slowly as desired. It has a large chute and is affordably priced.
Hurom HP Slow Juicer
The Hurom masticating juicer utilizes a strong auger and two juicing screens to get high yields from apple juicing.
There are also great manual options like the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer and Lexen GP27 Manual Juicer for simple apple juicing.
Tips for Juicing Apples
Follow these tips to make the most of your apple juicing:
– Always wash apples thoroughly before juicing
– Remove stems, seeds and cores to minimize waste
– Chop apples into smaller pieces to fit your juicer’s chute
– Alternate apple varieties for more complex flavors
– Drink apple juice right away or store in air-tight container in the refrigerator
– Combine apple juice with other fruit and vegetable juices
– Use slightly underripe apples for optimal juice extraction
Nutritional Benefits of Apple Juice
Drinking homemade apple juice from a juicer provides many nutritional benefits. These include:
– Antioxidants like vitamin C and quercetin to support immune health and lower disease risk
– Fiber (in pulp) to promote digestive regularity and heart health
– Vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins, potassium, copper and manganese
– Phytonutrients like polyphenols and flavonoids that may help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation
– Free of added sugars, preservatives and unwanted additives found in store bought juices
When you make apple juice at home, you control what goes in the juice. Apple juicing also allows you to ingest nutrients from several pounds of apples in each glass. This makes it much easier to meet the recommended daily intake of fruits.
The Best Apples for Juicing
Almost any apple variety will juice well, but certain types stand out:
– Granny Smith – Tart and slightly firm for high juice output
– Gala – Sweeter flavor providing a balance to other apples
– Fuji – Soft and watery making it very juicy
– Honeycrisp – Sweet and bursting with juice
– Pink Lady – Unique sweet-tart flavor and sauce
– Golden Delicious – Mild and sweet juice
– McIntosh – Classic apple flavor juicing well
Mixing together sweet, tart and soft apple varieties can create the ultimate fresh pressed apple juice. You can also combine apple juice with other fruits and vegetables like carrots, kale and ginger. Get creative finding your favorite apple juicing blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best juicer for someone new to juicing?
For a beginner, a good centrifugal juicer like the Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus is recommended. Centrifugal juicers are affordable, fast and easy to use for apple juicing.
2. Are cold press juicers better?
Cold press juicers like masticating and triturating models do yield more juice and nutrients from apples compared to centrifugal juicers. However, they have a slower process, higher cost and are trickier to clean.
3. Is a wide or narrow chute better?
For efficient apple juicing, a narrow chute of around 2-3 inches is best. But a wide mouth chute does minimize the need to pre-chop apples before juicing.
4. Can you juice apple cores?
Apple cores contain small amounts of cyanide so it’s best not to juice them. Remove the core and seeds before juicing apples.
5. How long does fresh apple juice last?
For maximum nutrition and flavor, drink apple juice immediately after juicing. If storing, apple juice will last 24-48 hours in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Juicing apples makes enjoying their delicious taste and wealth of nutrition easy. With so many juicers to choose from, focus on key factors like the juicing method, speeds, yields and ease of use to select the best apple juicer for your needs and budget. Masticating juicers provide the top balance of juice quality and convenience. Remember to mix apple varieties, drink juice promptly after making and remove cores when juicing. Follow these tips and the right juicer choice to unlock all the benefits of apple juicing for your health.
