Juice Made From Celery

If you've got a bunch of celery on hand, one fantastic way to utilize it is by crafting some refreshing celery juice! This drink is not only hydrating but also alkalizing and packed with nutrition. Plus, it's incredibly simple to prepare in the comfort of your home using either a juicer or a blender.

WHY CELERY JUICE?

Celery juice has a longstanding history as a natural remedy dating back to the early 1960s. Its popularity soared in 2019 with the release of Anthony William's book, "Celery Juice," where he advocated drinking 16 ounces of fresh celery juice each morning on an empty stomach as a means to reclaim one's health.

The juice indeed boasts numerous health benefits, containing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and an abundance of water (about 94%!). However, while celery offers a lot, it's not necessarily superior to other vegetables. As a holistic nutritionist, I advocate for a diverse intake of vegetables and their juices, as each holds a unique blend of nutrients. Focusing solely on one vegetable might mean missing out on the distinct advantages others provide. The key is to embrace vegetables of all hues since different colors signify various nutrients. Neglecting reds, yellows, and purples while indulging in greens could mean missing out on vital nutrients.

Let me be clear: imbibing celery juice—or any vegetable juice—is beneficial! Yet, Anthony William's claims lack scientific support. His assertions derive not from scientific evidence but from information supposedly received from a spiritual entity. While I appreciate the merits of celery juice, I don't subscribe to the belief that it's a "miraculous healing remedy" capable of curing all ailments, as touted by William.

Is it healthy? Absolutely. But is it a panacea for all health issues? Not in my view.

Now, setting aside those claims, let's delve into how to prepare celery juice at home.

Advice on Crafting Celery Juice

Ingredients

01. Celery: When purchasing a whole celery bunch, seek out firm, tightly packed stalks sporting a lively green hue. Ensure the leaves aren't wilted. If opting for pre-cut celery, seek bright green stalks with a crisp texture. Focus on the stalk ends; slight dryness is acceptable, but steer clear if they appear yellow or feel soft. While organic celery is preferred, don't fret if it is unavailable. Simply wash it thoroughly, considering celery's place on the list of heavily pesticide-treated veggies.

Creating Celery Juice with a Juicer

The most straightforward and quickest method to produce fresh juice involves a juicer. Here's the process:

01.  Preparation: If utilizing a whole celery bunch, detach the stalks by cutting off the base and separating them. Retain the leaves. Proceed by thoroughly washing the celery.

02.  Juicing: Feed the celery stalks through the juicer's feeding tube, employing a tamper if required.

Crafting Celery Juice with a Blender

Using a high-speed blender for juicing has gained popularity lately due to its multifunctional nature compared to a single-function juicer. Here's how to prepare celery juice using a blender:

01.  Preparation: Begin by separating the celery stalks. If you have a whole celery bunch, remove the base and separate the stalks while keeping the leaves intact. Thoroughly wash the celery.

02.  Chopping: Cut the celery stalks into smaller thirds. Smaller pieces blend more easily.

03.  Blending: Place the celery pieces into the blender and blend on high until smooth. Use a tamper if available, pushing the celery down into the blades. In some cases, a little water might be necessary to aid the blending process if your blender lacks a tamper. If your blender struggles, start with the pulse function to engage the blades. Celery's fibrous nature means the blend won't be entirely smooth, but there shouldn't be any large pieces. At this stage, the juice will resemble a thick smoothie.

04.  Straining: Pour the blended content into a nut milk bag positioned over a pitcher or bowl. Squeeze the bag with your hands to extract as much juice as possible. Alternatively, use a fine mesh strainer and press the solids with the back of a spoon to strain the juice.

Storing Celery Juice

While fresh celery juice is best consumed immediately after straining, you can preserve any leftovers if you've made an excess amount.

01.  Refrigeration: Pour the celery juice into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Over time, the juice may naturally separate, which is normal. Simply give it a thorough stir before serving.

Variations in Celery Juice

Although celery juice traditionally stands as a single-ingredient beverage, there's room to experiment with additional elements. Consider these suggestions:

01.  Cucumber: Enhance hydration without altering the juice's flavor by including a piece of cucumber.

02.  Leafy greens: Elevate the juice's nutrient profile by incorporating various leafy greens. Lettuce provides a mild addition, followed by spinach with its subtle 'mineral' taste. Beet greens and Swiss chard offer a slightly assertive touch, hinting at a 'salty' undertone. Kale and collards bring a robust, slightly bitter flavor, stepping up the assertiveness.

03.  Apple or Pear: If the greenness of celery juice is overwhelming, balance it with the sweetness of an apple or pear.

04. Lemon or Lime: Introduce a lively brightness and tangy undertones to the celery juice with fresh lemon or lime.

05.  Ginger: Add a touch of spiciness and aromatic essence by including a small piece of ginger for a subtle kick.