What is Cold Pressed Juice?

As we become more selective of the food & beverages we consume, we start to learn about the small words on the label that make a massive difference to the quality of the product. When we buy the best olive oil, we look for extra virgin. When we buy the best meats, we look for grass fed. And when we buy the best juice, we look for cold-pressed.

But what is cold-pressed juice? At Raw Juicery, we define it as the art of extracting the juice in a manner that it maintains its exact integrity as it was inside of the fruit. Currently, the best and only known way of achieving this is by the cold-press method. In other words, extraction by slow moving presses that squeeze the juice, sans the use of excessive friction or aeration of traditional juicing methods. Cold-pressing is the best known way of keeping the essence of the juice intact. 

By using a hydraulic press, we extract the juice in a way that maintains its nutritional integrity. The result is a vibrant, nutrient-rich drink that stands in stark contrast to the pasteurized options that line store shelves. It's not just juice; it's the raw, unadulterated vitality of fruits and vegetables in a bottle.

What is Cold Pressed Juice?

Cold pressed juice is a type of juice that is made by using a hydraulic press to extract the juice from fruits and vegetables. Unlike traditional juice extraction methods that use high-speed blades or centrifugal force, cold pressing utilizes a slow and gentle process to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients and enzymes in the juice.

And at Raw Juicery, we’re nutrient & enzyme maximalists – we choose cold-pressed. 

The defining feature in the cold pressing process is the equipment itself. The hydraulic presses slowly apply pressure to the fruits and vegetables, extracting every last drop of juice without generating excessive heat. This method yields a raw, unpasteurized juice that’s nearly identical to its original fruit form. And compared to pasteurized juicing methods, where fruits are subjected to intense heat, cold pressed juices retain far more of the vital nutrients and enzymes present in the produce.

The Cold Pressing Process

Cold pressing is the physical process that extracts the juice from fruits and vegetables to produce cold pressed juice. The end product is a higher-quality and nutrient-rich juice. But if you’re going to make the switch to cold pressed, we know you need more information than that. So let’s break down the entire process, starting with the equipment we use. 

The Equipment: Hydraulic Presses

At the heart of the cold pressing process are hydraulic presses. These powerful machines apply immense pressure to the fruits and vegetables, squeezing out the juice without heat or oxidation, preserving the raw state of the produce. Hydraulic presses consist of two components: a grinding or grinding wheel, and a hydraulic piston that exerts force on the produce. The produce is placed between the grinding wheel and the piston, and as the piston is activated, it slowly presses down on the produce, extracting the juice.

Hydraulic presses operate at low speeds and without heat, preserving the natural integrity of the nutrients and enzymes in the raw fruit. This gentle extraction method ensures that the juice retains its natural flavor and nutritional value. It’s more expensive and less “efficient” than heat treatments used by mass manufacturers, but the end result is a healthier, higher-quality juice. 

Less Waste

Traditional juicers generate a substantial amount of pulp that is simply thrown to waste, while also yielding a lesser volume amount of juice. The cold pressed method utilizes the entire fruit or vegetable, leaving little to no waste behind. 

And though we produce less waste than other brands, we make sure that no produce goes to waste. We sort roughly 20% of the leftover pulp and sell it to other businesses so they can use it for their food products. The remaining 80% is composted to minimize our footprint. 

More Juice

Due to the slow and steady pressure applied by hydraulic presses, cold pressing yields a higher quantity of juice compared to other juicing methods. Every single drop of juice is captured from the produce, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run. But it’s not just “more” juice, it’s higher quality juice. It’s richer in nutrients because the chemical structure is relatively unchanged, meaning the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are still intact and your bottle is packed with health benefits.

The cold pressing process is a game-changer in the juice world, despite many manufacturers dragging their feet in the name of corporate greed. But the facts are simple: cold-pressed juice yields more juice with a greater nutritional integrity that is healthier for you to drink, 

Nutritional Advantages of Cold Pressed Juice

Cold pressed juice is a healthier version of the bottles you’ll find on the grocery store shelves. But why is it so much better for you? Let’s take a deep dive into what makes it so special. 

Preservation of Nutrients

The gentle extraction process of cold pressing minimizes heat and oxidation, which are known to degrade the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in the fruit. Without any heat involved in the juicing process, these essential nutrients are preserved, ensuring that you get the maximum health benefits with every sip.

Enzyme Integrity

Enzymes play a crucial role in the body's digestion and absorption of nutrients. Cold pressed juice preserves the natural enzymes present in fruits and vegetables, enhancing their bioavailability and aiding in digestion. Again, heat destroys these enzymes, rendering them useless. So while a pasteurized juice from the store may seem like the option, it’s full of empty health benefits and loads of artificial sugars. On the contrary, cold pressed juices maintain the full integrity of these enzymes, enabling them to be readily absorbed by the body so that they can support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

No Heat & No Oxidation

Heat generated during traditional juicing methods can destroy heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes, diminishing the nutritional value of the juice. Oxidation, which occurs when juice comes into contact with air, can also cause nutrient degradation. Cold pressed juice avoids both of these issues, ensuring that the juice remains packed with nutrients and enzymes that support overall health and well-being.

Extended Freshness

Thanks to the lack of heat and oxidation, cold pressed juice has an extended shelf life compared to other types of juice. Because the nutrients & enzymes are preserved, the degradation process is significantly slowed down, giving the juice a few extra weeks of shelf life. You can store cold pressed juice in the refrigerator and enjoy its nutritional benefits for 30-70 days worrying about it losing its potency.

Better Taste

We’re of course biased, but cold pressed juice simply tastes better. The slow extraction process and the preservation of nutrients produce a liquid that’s vibrant, flavorful, and true to its natural taste. Cold pressed juice is often described as refreshing, smooth, and well-balanced in flavor. By avoiding the use of additives and artificial flavors, cold pressed juice is as close as you can get to a pure, raw fruit.

Should You Switch to Drinking Cold Pressed Juices?

If you're considering making a switch to cold pressed juices, you might be wondering if it's the right choice for you. As with anything you put into your body, you should spend time researching what’s best for you and consult with your trusted healthcare provider if necessary.

Cold pressed juices are packed with nutrients, making them a convenient way to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you struggle to consume enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, cold pressed juices are a healthy & convenient way to bridge that nutritional gap.