Ask George: What’s the difference between cold-pressed and centrifugal juicers, and which juice product is better for you? Lauren F, Crestwood, Mo.
As the holiday calories begin appear on our collective middles, we seek solutions to reverse the process. So if you haven’t heard the words “juicing,” "juice diet," or “juice cleanse” yet this season, you will soon. Before you embark on such a journey, however, there are a few things you need to know.
Most of us don’t get take in enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis and converting them into juice form is quick, nutritious, and—swear to V8—can taste better than the individual components. People use juices to lose weight, to quick start a diet, for a quick blast of nutrients, or to detox from a weekend (or season) of indulgence.
To this end, franchised and independent juice bars are springing up all over the country, a trend showing no signs of slowing down. Some use traditional (centrifugal) juicers, others use cold press (masticating) juicers, while still others offer juices using both methods.
Which machine is best and which juice product is best for you? It depends.
Centrifugal juicers use fast-spinning rotary blades to tear apart fruit and produce, a process that adds heat and oxidizes the contents, both of which reduce the level of nutrients (some say up to 30%). Centifugal machines are fast and inexpensive (under $200), but noisy (think smoothie machines).
Cold press juicers use hydraulic pressure to extract juice without adding heat, hence the term “cold-pressed.” Somewhat newer and trendier, these machines produce more juice, less pulp, and since no heat is involved, provide more nutrients. Cold press machines are slow and expensive (over $200), but they are efficient, quiet, and carry far longer warranties than traditional juicers.
Which one is best depends on the user. If you’re new to juicing, or not as concerned about saving nutrients, or on a budget or short on time, a centrifugal machine is the way to go. If you’re serious about juicing (or think that you might be) and willing to make a larger initial investment, consider a cold press machine. Remember that over time, the higher yield and durability could easily negate the difference in price.
If you have a question for George, email him at gmahe@stlmag.com.
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