Juicy Creations: How to Make Juice in a Blender

Juicing is a fun and healthy way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and ensures you know exactly what ingredients are in your juice. Making juice at home is easier with a Vitamix blender. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making juice in a blender. Get ready to explore delicious, nutritious, and creative juice combinations!

Benefits of Blender Juicing

Using a blender for juicing offers several advantages over traditional juicers. Here's why blender juicing is the way to go:

Affordability: Blenders are generally more affordable than juicers, making them an excellent option for those on a budget.
Convenience: Blenders are versatile kitchen tools that can be used for more than just juicing. You can use your Vitamix for smoothies, soups, and more.
Retention of Fibre: Unlike traditional juicers, blenders retain the fibre from fruits and vegetables, providing a more nutritious drink.

Whole Fruit vs. Juicing

Consuming whole fruits and vegetables is incredibly beneficial due to their high fibre content. However, juicing can be a great way to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. When you juice with a blender, you get the best of both worlds – the convenience and speed of juicing plus the nutritional benefits of fibre.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

Before you start juicing, make sure you have the following tools and ingredients:

Vitamix Blender: A powerful blender like the Vitamix is essential for smooth and efficient juicing.
Strainer or Nut Milk Bag: If you prefer juice without pulp, you’ll need a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag to separate the juice from the pulp.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Choose your favourite fruits and vegetables. Popular choices include apples, beets, oranges, carrots, and spinach.
Water or Coconut Water: Adding a liquid base helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

How to Make Juice in a Blender

Making juice in a blender is simple. Follow these steps for delicious, fresh juice:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash and chop your fruits and vegetables into manageable pieces.

2. Add Ingredients to the Blender

Add a cup of water or coconut water to help blend the ingredients. Place your chopped fruits and vegetables into the Vitamix blender.

3. Blend Until Smooth

Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Strain the Juice

Pour the blended mixture through a strainer or nut milk bag to separate the juice from the pulp.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Pour your fresh juice into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavour and nutritional benefits.

For blending, add your smoothie ingredients — roughly chopped is fine — to your Vitamix machine. Turn it on and gradually work up to the highest speed, blending until the drink takes on a smooth, creamy texture. Play around with adding more liquid for a thinner smoothie, or more fruit for a thicker smoothie, until you get the right consistency.

Juicing starts the same way but requires additional time and makes a little extra mess. After you've blended your juicing ingredients using the directions above, run the mixture through a filtration bag, cheesecloth or mesh strainer to separate the juice from the pulp. Squeeze the bag gently to extract as much juice as possible. If choosing to juice, try a refreshing Apple Juice, or sip on a medley of flavours in the Carrot Juice Plus. To maintain the highest nutritional value, leave the juice unstrained.

How to Make Apple Juice Using a Blender

Creating fresh apple juice is a breeze with your Vitamix. Here's how:

Ingredients: 4-5 apples, 1 cup of water.
Instructions: Core and chop the apples, then blend with water until smooth. Strain and serve chilled.

How to Make Beet Juice in a Blender

Beet juice is packed with nutrients and has a vibrant colour. Follow these steps:

Ingredients: 2 medium beets, 1 apple, 1 carrot, 1 cup of water.
Instructions: Peel and chop the beets, apple, and carrot. Blend with water until smooth. Strain and enjoy.

How to Make Orange Juice in a Blender

Fresh orange juice is a refreshing treat. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients: 4-5 oranges, 1/2 cup of water.
Instructions: Peel and segment the oranges, removing any seeds. Blend with water until smooth. Strain and serve over ice.

How to Make Ginger Greens Juice

A delicate mix of cucumbers, celery, apples, and kale will give you a little extra pick-me-up that will keep you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) water
1 cucumber, quartered
1½ stalks celery, diced
2 apples, seeded, cored, quartered
2 cups (60 g) kale, chopped
1 inch (3 cm) fresh ginger root

Directions

Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
Select Variable 1.
Turn machine on and slowly increase to the highest speed.
Blend for 30-45 seconds, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.
Strain through a filtration bag.
Store in refrigerator. Use within 2 days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruits for making juice in a blender?

Yes, you can use frozen fruits to make juice in a blender. Add enough liquid (water or coconut water) to help blend the ingredients smoothly.

Do I need to peel fruits and vegetables before blending?

It depends on the fruit or vegetable. For example, peeling oranges and beets is best, but you can leave the skin on apples and cucumbers. Always wash your produce thoroughly.

What can I do with the leftover pulp?

The leftover pulp can be used in various ways. Add it to smoothies, soups, or baked goods for added fibre. Some people even use it as compost for their gardens.

Conclusion

Juicing with your Vitamix blender is a fantastic way to boost your health and enjoy delicious, nutrient-packed drinks. You can get creative and enjoy experimenting with different juice combinations for endless flavour possibilities. Start your juicing journey today and discover how easy and enjoyable it is to make fresh juice at home!