However, if you’re finding it difficult at first, add a little more fruit. It’s more important to me that you love juicing, so if fruit is vital to your enjoying your juice, then adjust the recipes accordingly.
Given all the versatility you get with juicing, there are still some parts of fruits and vegetables that you shouldn’t juice. It might be due to water content or consistency, or just for safety reasons. Let’s take a closer look at which produce makes great juice and which does not!
Can I Juice That?
A common question you’ll hear in my house is “Can I juice that?” I love experimenting with a different vegetable blend and creating a new favorite juice. For me, most of the produce I eat cooked can also be juiced. This may not be the case in your house, as it really depends on your diet. Most produce that has a high water content can be juiced. I would not juice bananas, avocado, or eggplant, for example.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can eat it cooked, you can probably juice it with a few notable exceptions.
Seeds and Pits
The seeds in lemons, limes, grapes and some melons may be run through the juicer, but not the large pits from plums, apricots or peaches. Apples should always be cored before juicing as the seeds can be toxic and should not be juiced.
Skin and Peels
If you’re not using organic produce, then you should remove the skin and peels to reduce your exposure to pesticide residue. With organic produce you have a little more flexibility, but most fruits and vegetables (especially apples and cucumbers) have tons of nutrition in the peels! Oftentimes it comes down to personal preference.
Juice the following fruits and vegetables with the skin and peel ON:
- Apples
- Beets
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Ginger
- Grapes
- Honeydew (skin may be too hard for some juicers)
- Jicama
- Kiwi (you can also peel these)
- Lemon and lime (you can also peel these down to the white pith)
- Mangos
- Nectarines
- Parsnips
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
Juice these with the peels OFF:
- Cantaloupe
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Pineapple
- Pomegranate arils
- Watermelon
And now the very short list of what you just shouldn’t juice, whether due to consistency, water content, or safety:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Carrot greens and rhubarb greens (can be toxic)
- Eggplant
Let’s Juice - The Recipes
When using the recipes that follow, refer to the list above to determine what to peel and what not to peel. My recipes assume you are not peeling lemons, limes, or ginger, but feel free to do so if you prefer. Items that should be peeled before juicing are noted. All of the recipes make one to two servings, depending on your appetite!
Moji-cama
This mojito-inspired juice is my favorite treat on a warm summer day. Jicama and cucumber are both high in water and low in calories and sugar, making this juice a perfect complement to eating light.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 jicama, sliced
- 1 cucumber
- 3–5 collard leaves
- 1 handful mint
- ½ lime
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 90, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrate: 35g, Sugar: 8g, Sodium: 29mg
SUPER NUTRIENTS
Vitamin C: 82%, Vitamin K: 122%
Tickled Pink
Get a blast of immune-boosting vitamin C and beta-carotene in this tasty pink drink.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pink grapefruit
- 4 carrots
- 1-inch piece ginger
- ½ lemon
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 79, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrate: 24g, Sugar: 12g, Sodium: 99mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin A: 133%
O2 Builder
Beets are the star in this ruby-red juice rich in antioxidants and naturally occurring nitrates. Nitrates help improve blood flow throughout the body and increase nitric oxide, which increases oxygen flow to your cells and lowers blood pressure. Try this delicious tonic before your morning workout for a boost of oxygen.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 beets
- 1 carrot
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 apple, cored
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 99, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrate: 32g, Sugar: 16g, Sodium: 139mg
Kiwi Kooler
This low-sugar drink is juice full of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other immune-boosting compounds. Get your juice on for very little calories with this tasty treat!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 kiwi
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup strawberries
- ½ lime
- 1 handful mint, plus more for garnish
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 86, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrate: 27g, Sugar: 14g, Sodium: 106mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin C: 137%
Red Fresca
This is a natural energy drink! It has tons of antioxidant and anti-aging properties and the chia seeds pack an additional nutritious punch. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and essential omega-3 fats that will help keep you full!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lemon
- 1 red apple, cored
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons chia seeds
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 133, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrate: 30g, Sugar: 15g, Sodium: 6mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin C: 147%
Green Machine
This low-calorie green juice is simple, yet satisfying. Great for a midmorning pick-me-up!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 Swiss chard leaves
- 3 celery stalks
- 1 cucumber
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 lime
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 99, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrate: 32g, Sugar: 17g, Sodium: 249mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin K: 737%
Baby, I’m Amazed
This spicy green juice—with a little help from cayenne pepper—will get your metabolism humming!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 handful watercress
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 kiwi
- ½ grapefruit
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 1 lemon
- Dash cayenne pepper
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 58, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrate: 18g, Sugar: 9g, Sodium: 28mg
Mint Extravaganza
This minty, low-calorie juice has just the right amount of sweet to satisfy any sugar cravings!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large handful mint
- 2 cups chopped watermelon (peeled and seeded)
- 5–6 kale leaves
- 1 handful parsley
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 128, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 7g, Carbohydrate: 29g, Sugar: 13g, Sodium: 64mg
SUPER NUTRIENTS
Vitamin C: 224%, Vitamin K: 1102%, Copper: 219%, Iron: 51%
Natural Born Pain Killer
This turmeric-spiked juice is a natural pain killer! Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it will ease the pain of that intense workout and provide a natural energy boost, too!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 celery stalks
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 1 handful spinach
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 1-inch piece turmeric root, or a pinch turmeric powder
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 106, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrate: 59g, Sugar: 18g, Sodium: 172mg
Got Broccoli?
Broccoli is the new milk. Loaded with vitamin C and just as much calcium per ounce as milk, this juice is good for your bones and your waistline.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large head broccoli
- 1 cucumber
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 red bell pepper
- ½ lemon
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 95, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 9g, Carbohydrate: 30g, Sugar: 12g, Sodium: 54mg
SUPER NUTRIENTS
Vitamin A: 224%, Vitamin C: 150%, Vitamin K: 438%, Calcium: 40%, Folate: 165%, Iron: 68%
Cucumber Cooler
The popular duo of watermelon and cucumber is perfect for rehydrating on a hot summer day. High in water and electrolytes, this juice balances the fluid levels in your body and keeps you cool . . . as a cucumber.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups chopped watermelon (peeled and seeded)
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 handful mint leaves
- 1–2 limes
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 98, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrate: 29g, Sugar: 18g, Sodium: 7mg
You Say Tomato
This savory juice is a great midday snack. Chock-full of antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds, it’s also a nutrition powerhouse. I like to serve it with chopped avocado.
INGREDIENTS
- 2–3 Roma tomatoes
- 2 zucchini
- 4 carrots
- 5–6 asparagus stalks
- 1 garlic clove
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 91, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrate: 26g, Sugar: 15g, Sodium: 117mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin A: 139%
Energize Tea
This simple juice-tea is great for a quick afternoon energy boost! Matcha is cleansing and adds extra antioxidants, fiber, and chlorophyll.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 fennel bulb
- ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 92, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrate: 21g, Sugar: 13g, Sodium: 87mg
Pom Power
This combination of romaine lettuce and fruit is refreshing and light. The pomegranate seeds provide antioxidant power and zing!
INGREDIENTS
- ½ head romaine lettuce
- 1 pink grapefruit
- 5–6 mint leaves
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 73, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrate: 22g, Sugar: 15g, Sodium: 20mg
SUPER NUTRIENTS
Vitamin A: 116%, Vitamin K: 187%, Folate: 80%
Green Applesauce
This is one of my favorite juice drinks for when I need a boost of energy in the afternoon. It tastes just like applesauce in a glass, and I love the added texture from the chia seeds!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 big handful spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Dash cinnamon
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 120, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrate: 25g, Sugar: 13g, Sodium: 17mg
Jicama Fiesta
This gazpacho-inspired juice is light, refreshing, and delicious! Jicama is a sweet root vegetable with a clean, sweet flavor that makes a wonderful base for this savory juice. Garnish with chopped avocado for a balanced snack.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 small jicama
- 1 lime
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ avocado, chopped
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 183, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrate: 40g, Sugar: 10g, Sodium: 28mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin C: 108%
Naturalizer
This refreshing dose of delicious natural energy will get you through that afternoon slump. Pear and strawberry combine with spinach to provide antioxidant-rich energy you need to feel revitalized!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pear, cored
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 handful spinach
- Pinch cayenne pepper
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 90, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrate: 28g, Sugar: 17g, Sodium: 17mg
Green and Red
I love a simple, two-ingredient powerhouse juice. This combination will leave you feeling super-hydrated and vitalized!
INGREDIENTS
- 2–3 cups chopped watermelon (peeled and seeded)
- 1 large cucumber
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 89, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 0g, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrate: 24g, Sugar: 17g, Sodium: 6mg
Summer Sun
This unique juice is a perfect hydrator in the summertime—when tomatoes and watermelon are both in season. High in lycopene from the tomatoes, this juice contains natural cancer-fighting antioxidants plus a healthy dose of vitamin C and potassium.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups chopped watermelon (peeled and seeded)
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 1 lime
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 88, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 3g, Carbohydrate: 26g, Sugar: 17g, Sodium: 9mg
Green Recovery
This green juice gets a tropical flair from coconut water and is the perfect electrolyte replacer after a sweaty workout.
INGREDIENTS
- 5 celery stalks
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 handful mint
- 1 lime
- 1–2 ounces unsweetened coconut water
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 40, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrate: 13g, Sugar: 6g, Sodium: 214mg
Fuzzy Navel
This sweet juice is a delight! Simple yet nutrient-rich, it’s a great low-calorie energy boost that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 peach
- 1 handful spinach
- 2 zucchini
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 75, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrate: 19g, Sugar: 16g, Sodium: 36mg
Wicked Watermelon
This light and hydrating drink will quench your thirst for something sweet and delicious!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 handful parsley
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 cup chopped watermelon (peeled and seeded)
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 92, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrate: 27g, Sugar: 18g, Sodium: 68mg
SUPER NUTRIENT
Vitamin K: 638%
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