Types of Juicers
A juicer is a mechanical device that can be operated, either manually or electrically, to extract juice from vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens. There are different types, depending on the fruit or the vegetable.
Centrifugal Versus Masticating Juicers
Centrifugal juicers are one of the oldest types and have a simple design with a shredder and a strainer. A spinning basket shreds the produce and then forces the juice through a fine strainer by centrifugal force. This process adds oxygen to the juices and makes them a little frothy.
In masticating juicers, the produce is squeezed through gears that crush the produce and force it through a fine strainer. The pulp is continuously extracted, and because the machine doesn't generate heat or friction, nutrients are preserved.
Both types of juicers work efficiently, so the best type is the one that works best for your needs. Although few stores will let you test-run a juicer before purchasing to ensure it's a good fit, you can find video demos and information online to help you make a decision.
Don't confuse a blender with a juicer; they are two different animals. You'll need a juicer for the recipes in this book. A juicer has a mechanism that will separate the pulp from the juice, whereas a blender grinds the produce and the pulp has to be manually strained.
