Juicer facts for kids

An electric juicer making carrot juice.

A juicer is a special kitchen tool. It helps you get juice from fruits, vegetables, and even herbs! This process is called juicing. A juicer works by crushing, grinding, or squeezing. It separates the yummy juice from the solid parts, which are called pulp.

Some juicers can do more than just make juice! They might have special parts. These parts can help you crush herbs, make pasta, or even create nut butter.

Types of Juicers

There are different kinds of juicers. Each one works a bit differently to get the juice out.

Reamers

A manual lemon squeezer.

Reamers are simple juicers, usually for citrus fruits. Think of fruits like grapefruits, lemons, limes, and oranges. You cut the fruit in half. Then, you press or grind it onto a ridged cone. This separates the juice from the peel and pulp. Some reamers are manual, meaning you do all the work. Others are electric and spin the cone for you!

Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers are very common. They have a flat blade that cuts up fruits and vegetables. After cutting, they spin the produce very fast. This high speed separates the juice from the pulp. It's a quick way to get your juice!

Masticating Juicers

Masticating juicers are also known as "cold press" or "slow" juicers. They work differently from centrifugal ones. These juicers use a single screw-like part, called an auger. The auger slowly crushes and presses the produce. It squeezes the juice out through a screen. The dry pulp comes out from a different opening. This slow process helps keep more nutrients in the juice.

Triturating Juicers

Triturating juicers are similar to masticating juicers. But instead of one auger, they have two! These "twin gear" juicers crush and press produce even more thoroughly. They are very good at getting out as much juice as possible.

Steam Juice Extractors

A steam juice extractor uses heat to get juice. It's usually a pot you put on a stove. Steam from the bottom pot heats berries or other fruits. The fruit sits in a special pot with holes. The juice drips down into a collecting container. This method makes very clear juice. The steam also helps to pasteurize the juice. This means it can be stored for a long time.

See also

In Spanish: Licuadora (centrifugación) para niños