If you have ever been awake at 3:00 AM watching TV, then you’ve probably seen a juicer commercial that looks like something so magical, like pulled out of a fairy world. Maybe that’s how you got yourself your new juicer.
Maybe you just did plenty of research and decided to grab the very best machine available on the market. I mean, who could blame you, these are wonderful devices that literally transform veggies and fruits into a liquid gold of tasty vitamins.
But have you ever wondered how exactly is the juice made? What is the process and science behind it?
So, How Does a Juicer Work?
We all know the basics, you put fruit into a juicer, press a button, and voila, in a few seconds, you can drink your favorite juice. The process is called extraction and can be divided into three sub-processes, called: chopping, squeezing, and separation.
- The Chopping: The chopping starts with the juicer’s blades. They slice and dice fruits and veggies with the precision of a master chef, breaking down cell walls to release the precious nectar within.
- The Squeezing: Once your ingredients have been reduced to a mere pulp, it’s time for the juicer to flex its muscles. The machine exerts pressure on the pulp, like a wrestler going in for a killer bear hug, and squeezes out every last drop of juice. Now we’re talking.
- The Separation: The juice and pulp are having a wild party, but it’s time for the bouncer to step in. The juicer’s strainer catches the pulp while allowing the nutrient-rich juice to flow through. Like a magician’s trick, the solids are separated from the liquids, and you’re left with a vibrant and nutrient-packed elixir.
Types of Juicers: Because One Size Does Not Fit All
The process above is general and can be applied as a general rule of thumb. However, one juicer is not like the other and there are three main types of juicers that produce their liquid a bit different way:
- Centrifugal Juicers: These bad boys spin your fruits and veggies around at breakneck speeds, creating a vortex of juice extraction. They’re fast and furious, but the heat and friction generated can degrade some of the nutrients in your juice.
- Masticating Juicers: Also known as slow juicers, these machines crush and grind ingredients like a boa constrictor taking down its prey. They’re a bit slower (hence the name), but they deliver a more nutritious juice with less oxidation.
- Twin-Gear Juicers: The Ferrari of juicers. Two gears interlock to pulverize your ingredients, maximizing juice yield and nutrient extraction. If you’re serious about juicing and have the budget to back it up, this is the one for you.
Masticating juicers are generally quieter than centrifugal juicers, although even with the latter you can find some models with state-of-the-art sound insulation technologies.
Are You Ready to Get Juiced?
Boy, do I love puns. Now that you are familiar with the science behind juicing and you know how a juicer works, you have one more thing to talk about at a trivia party. It’s always good to have knowledge about something you use on a daily basis, we take way too many things for granted.
Now, if you will excuse me, it’s time for a glass of freshly juiced orange juice. Peace out, people.