Celery juice has surged in popularity among health enthusiasts and wellness circles, claimed to offer a myriad of benefits ranging from improved digestion to anti-inflammatory properties. Critics aside, believers have made it a cornerstone of their morning routines. If you’re looking to incorporate this verdant drink into your diet, knowing how to make celery. This beginner’s guide will walk you through making celery juice using two common kitchen appliances: a blender and a juicer.
First and foremost, select your celery. Organic is preferred due to the high pesticide use on conventional celery crops. One bunch should yield about 16 ounces of juice— a common serving size recommended for health benefits. Rinse the stalks thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris and dirt.
If you’re using a juicer, the process is quite straightforward. Cut the celery stalks to fit your juicer’s feed chute. Gradually feed the celery through the juicer and watch as the machine separates the pulp from the juice. In moments, you’ll have a clear, vibrant liquid ready to be savored. Juicers are especially handy for making a quick, pulp-free juice with minimal fuss.
However, juicers can be expensive and not everyone has one at their disposal. Here’s where blenders step in—a common kitchen gadget in most homes. Start by roughly chopping the celery into chunks that your blender can manage. You don’t need the finesse of a professional chef; just make sure the pieces are small enough to blend easily.
Before hitting the blend button, add just a touch of cold water to the blender—about a quarter to a half cup, depending on the blender’s power and the quantity of celery. The water helps the blades glide through the celery, creating a smoother blend without overheating the motor. Too much water could dilute the potency and flavor, so it’s best to use only as much as needed to facilitate blending.
Once your celery is in the blender, blitz it until you achieve a smooth consistency. Patience is key here; you might need to stop the blender occasionally and push the celery down toward the blades. After blending, it’s time to separate the juice from the fiber. Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a nut milk bag over a large bowl. Use the back of a spoon or your clean hands to press and squeeze out all the juice.
Some might wonder about the discarded pulp. While the focus is on the juice, the pulp doesn’t have to go to waste. It can be added to compost bins, mixed with other ingredients in baking, or even used in homemade veggie broth. It’s a wonderful way to ensure you’re utilizing the entire vegetable and honoring a no-waste philosophy.
Now, let the freshly made celery juice dazzle your taste buds. It’s generally recommended to drink celery juice immediately after pressing, on an empty stomach, to maximize its health benefits. Some may find the taste a bit overpowering; if that’s the case, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a small slice of green apple to the mix before blending. These additions could make the juice more palatable without steering too far from the original goal.
Whether you opt for a blender or a juicer, making celery juice at home is a simple and rewarding process. As you become accustomed to the routine, you might find room for creativity—perhaps adding other hydrating vegetables or incorporating herbs for additional flavor profiles and nutritional boosts. Just remember, the core ingredient—celery—should remain the superhero of your green concoction.
Ultimately, integrating celery juice into your morning ritual could be a step towards embracing a healthier lifestyle. While it’s important to keep in mind that no single food or beverage is a magic elixir, incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables like celery in your diet can contribute to a balanced and health-conscious way of living. Listen to your body and consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Now, with this knowledge at hand and perhaps a celery stalk, you’re ready to squeeze the green and revel in the fresh, invigorating taste of homemade celery juice.
