Juices are great to have and are well worth all the health benefits they come with. There is a vast variety to choose from also. You might want a juice of a specific type of fruit like the orange or pineapple kind, a combination of fruits, and even vegetables. An issue may arise though, especially with the unavailability of a juicer. The good news is you can get the right blend and taste without one. All you have to do is learn how to juice without a juicer. This also goes for those who are skeptical about the state of their kitchen after using a juicer. Well, you can get a lot done with easy tools already at your fingertips.
How to Make Green Juice Without a Juicer
Let’s get straight to it then with all the things you need to get your own custom-made, fresh and fine juice.
Things You Need
Some of the equipment for a great blend of juice includes:
- A good blender – it doesn’t have to be new. Just strong enough to go through any type of fruit or vegetable you want to use.
- A spatula – you’ll have to fetch, press and steer things up at some point in time.
- A mesh (fine) strainer.
- A bowl – to contain your juice and one that your strainer sits on well enough.
- The fruit or vegetable you want to use
- Flavor
- A bit of water – even with a Juicer you’d need one. Water also helps create some form of balance.
Steps to Follow
-
1. Clean the Fruits and Vegetables
It’s great to get your juice blend right but what’s the point if it’s not going to be healthy enough? Whether you decide to use organic fruits or vegetables, make sure they are well washed and free of sediments or particles. This is important especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. Use a bowl of clean water to wash them properly for at least 2-3 times.
-
2. Get the Fruits and/or Vegetables Prepared
By now your choice of fruits and/or vegetables to use should be clear. Since you’ve already washed them clean, it’s time to peel them and get to work. For citrus fruits like oranges and lemons peel and pith them properly. The same goes for pineapple, carrots, ginger and others. Do well to cut off the tops and bottoms especially with such areas being hardest to grind. In addition, chop the fruits or vegetables into pieces for ease of blending.
-
3. Get the Fruit or Vegetables into the Blender
Get your fruits into the blender or a juicing machine one after the other. For vegetables, you can insert them in leaves. Some fruits and vegetables naturally produce more juice than others. They include pears, cucumber, tomatoes, and almost all citrus fruits. With these, you’ll want to have them placed at the bottom of your blender. The top is a better fit for stronger items. The juice from the milder fruits will help make blending the stronger items easier.
-
4. Pour the Juice
With your fruits/vegetables blended, pour through the strainer and into your bowl. This is where the spatula comes in handy as you’ll have to exert some pressure particularly if the blend is not as smooth. Harder particles are put back into the blender and run again. You can add sugar and per boiled water for a less concentrated taste.
There you go! Your juice is ready to be served or poured into a bottle or container for storage or preservation in your refrigerator.
Using a Grater
If you don’t have a juicer and a blender, you can still enjoy a homemade juice. A grater isn’t expensive and is a regular feature in most homes. It’s definitely going to take more time but it’s worth the wait since you get the same end product. For this particular means of making juices, it would be less stressful with a fruit that’s rather easy to use. A good example is apple or any citrus fruit.
For apples, do well to observe the following…
- Metals and similar materials should be avoided. Enameled dishes are a huge no because organic acids can react with metals to lace your juice with contaminants.
- Sour apples work a treat because they are rather straightforward and easy to juice. On the flip side, other kinds, including the hard varieties will prove almost difficult. No wonder they don’t quite make the mark industrially.
- Try not to juice your apples at an overwhelming pace. In the same vein, don’t be too slow. There should be a balance to avoid your juice getting muddy and pudgy. Too slow and the liquid will react with oxygen which means storing the juice for a while will be impossible without it getting a sour taste.
To the main business now…
- Get your apples ready by carefully picking the best for your attempt at juicing with a grater. Wash them properly. Some people opt to peel off the skin. It’s still advisable to have them washed in that state.
- A gauze to go along with your grater and some dishes are a necessity.
- Cut your apples into equal halves or quarters. The main thing is to cut them into pieces you can handle at a time. Get the seeds and the core out too.
- Run the pieces of apples against the grater. One with small cells do a great job.
- A bowl should be one of the dishes you use. Use a deep one that covers up to your gauze.
- With your gauze spread and in place over the bowl, spread the apple paste over it gently. You don’t want to be too fast or slow here.
- With the ends of the gauze connected, you’ll have a pouch-like shape with applesauce waiting to be juiced. Give it a good squeeze so that the juice goes gently into the bowl.
- Take out the pulp and pour your apple juice into a fresh bowl. Depending on what you like, you can add some flavors and water for varying tastes.
Not bad right? It’s a simple process you can use so that you have a fresh glass of apple juice when it’s mealtime. Don’t forget though, it takes time. So, you have to be patient and careful so that you get a fresh, healthy and natural apple fruit juice.
The process also goes for other fruits. With citrus fruit like lemon and orange, you can use a grater. Some people also go as far as adding carrots and some nuts to the mix. Just observe the procedure outlined above and you’ll be good to go.
Final Thoughts
A juicer is a piece of great equipment to have but it’s not the be-all and end-all. When you crave a healthy glass of fruit or vegetable juice, a blender and a grater can come in handy. What’s more, you can mix in different ingredients, try new flavors and simply enjoy making your own blend. A little olive oil, chickpeas, garlic, and even salt can give you the edge you need. Remember to give the fruits and vegetables a good wash before slicing them and inserting them into your blender. Using a grater means your hands have to be busy. Find a balance without being in a rush or slowing down the process.