Unable to Juice Bananas (or These Specified Fruits)
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In the realm of fruit juicing, not all fruits are created equal. Some are juicy and yield a generous amount of juice, while others, due to their high fiber content, do not juice well at all. Here's a rundown of some popular fruits and how they fare when it comes to juicing.
First off, bananas, avocados, figs, mangoes, rhubarb, and coconuts are not ideal for juicing. Their high fiber content makes them unsuitable for juicers, resulting in a small amount of liquid and the discarding of the fibrous content. However, this doesn't mean these fruits can't be enjoyed in a different form.
For instance, a banana smoothie can be a delightful alternative. By blending a frozen banana with half an orange, Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, milk or dairy-free milk sub, and honey or agave (optional), you can create a refreshing treat.
Blueberries, while they can be juiced, yield a small amount due to their small size and texture. A better method for enjoying the nutritional benefits of blueberries is to add them to a smoothie. If one chooses to juice blueberries, blending them first and then pouring the blended blueberries through a fine-mesh strainer can improve the juice yield.
Mangoes, rich in vitamins A, C, B6, and plenty of magnesium and potassium, can be juiced, but the process can be challenging due to their texture. Cherries are another fruit that can be juiced, but their texture makes it difficult to get an impressive yield. A bit of cherry juice can add a sweet-tart flavor to other fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, spinach, or to a smoothie.
Coconut meat, full of healthy fats, copper, iron, and antioxidants, can be blended with fruits like bananas, mangoes, and papayas. If a whole coconut is cracked open, the water can be poured into a juice mixture.
Blending these fruits instead of juicing them retains their beneficial dietary fiber. For example, a fig smoothie can be made by blending 4 figs (halved), 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk sub, 1/2 frozen banana, 1-2 dates, and 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter.
A strawberry-rhubarb smoothie can be another interesting option. By blending 1 1/2 cups frozen rhubarb, 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, 1 1/2 cups milk or dairy-free milk sub, 2/3 cup acai or pomegranate juice, and 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or agave, you can create a unique and nutritious blend.
Lastly, for those who prefer their fruits in a more traditional juice form, it's best to thaw frozen fruit slightly before juicing or use a masticating juicer for more solid fruit. Frozen fruit can be juiced, but it's generally better to thaw it slightly before juicing or use a masticating juicer for more solid fruit.
The author of this article on the unjuiceability of certain fruits hails from Germany, adding an international flavour to the discussion. Whether you choose to juice, blend, or simply eat your fruits whole, the important thing is to enjoy them and reap their numerous health benefits. Happy juicing (or blending)!
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