Celery juice has taken the wellness world by storm, and for good reason! This green elixir is packed with an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a go-to for anyone looking to add a health boost to their daily routine. Known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, celery juice is said to aid digestion, promote hydration, and even support clear skin. Its light, crisp taste makes it refreshing to drink, especially when freshly cold-pressed.
Cold-pressing celery juice preserves the natural enzymes and nutrients found in celery stalks, as this process uses slow hydraulic pressure rather than heat. Traditional juicing methods, which often involve high-speed blades, can cause nutrient loss due to oxidation and heat exposure. With a cold-press juicer, you get a pure, nutrient-dense juice that’s as fresh and potent as possible.
This recipe will show you how to make pure celery juice in a way that’s efficient, easy, and optimized for both taste and nutrition. We’ll also discuss the potential health benefits of regular celery juice consumption and offer tips for storing and using it creatively. Whether you’re just starting with celery juice or are looking to perfect your routine, this guide will provide everything you need to know to enjoy celery juice at its best.
Ingredients
Making cold-pressed celery juice is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Celery is, of course, the main ingredient, but you may choose to add a few optional items to enhance the flavor or boost certain health benefits. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make a clean, refreshing glass of cold-pressed celery juice.
- 1 large bunch of organic celery: Look for fresh, crisp, and vibrant green celery stalks. Organic celery is preferable, as it minimizes exposure to pesticides and ensures a cleaner juice. A single bunch usually yields about 16 ounces (or two cups) of juice, depending on the size and juiciness of the stalks.
- 1/2 lemon (optional): Lemon is optional, but it can add a refreshing citrus note and increase the vitamin C content of your juice. It’s a good choice if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor profile, or if you want an extra immune-boosting kick.
- 1 small green apple (optional): Adding a green apple can bring a hint of natural sweetness to your celery juice. This is optional, especially if you prefer the taste of pure celery juice, but it’s an excellent addition if you’re new to celery juice and want to soften the taste a bit.
- 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger (optional): Ginger adds a spicy warmth and provides additional health benefits, including digestive support and anti-inflammatory properties. A small piece goes a long way, so start with just half an inch if you decide to include it.
Supplies
- Cold-press juicer: A cold-press (masticating) juicer is ideal for preserving the nutrients and enzymes in celery. This type of juicer extracts juice slowly and at a lower temperature, yielding a clean, crisp juice that is high in nutrients.
- Glass storage bottle or jar: Glass containers are best for storing cold-pressed juice, as they help maintain the juice’s freshness and prevent chemical leaching, which can occur with plastic containers. A jar with an airtight lid is recommended for optimal freshness.
- Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag (optional): If you prefer pulp-free juice, you may want to strain it using a fine mesh strainer or a nut milk bag. This step is optional and based on your texture preference.
These ingredients and supplies are all you need for a refreshing batch of cold-pressed celery juice. You can adjust the quantities to make more or less, depending on your daily needs or storage plans. Adding lemon, green apple, or ginger is a great way to change up the flavor if you want variety in your celery juice routine..
How To Prepare
Preparing cold-pressed celery juice is straightforward, but following these steps will ensure you get the best flavor and maximum nutritional benefits. Let's walk through each step of the process, from preparing the celery to storing your juice for maximum freshness.
Step 1: Wash and Prep the Celery
First, thoroughly wash your celery to remove any dirt or impurities, especially if it's organic. Rinse each stalk under cool water, scrubbing lightly with your fingers to remove any hidden grit. After washing, trim off any damaged or wilted leaves, as these can add a bitter taste. Pat the stalks dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Chop the Celery
Next, chop the celery into smaller pieces, about 2–3 inches in length. Smaller pieces are easier to feed into the juicer and help to prevent clogging, especially with fibrous vegetables like celery. This step also makes the cold-press juicing process quicker and more efficient.
Step 3: Begin Juicing
Turn on your cold-press juicer and begin feeding the celery pieces through the chute, pressing gently but firmly. Take your time to ensure each piece is fully juiced, maximizing the yield from each stalk. If you're using lemon, green apple, or ginger, add these items intermittently with the celery to help blend the flavors evenly.
Step 4: Strain for a Smoother Texture (Optional)
Once the juicing is complete, you may notice a bit of pulp in the juice. If you prefer a smoother consistency, strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer or a nut milk bag into a clean bowl or pitcher. This step is optional, as some people enjoy the natural fiber in their juice. Straining, however, gives a clearer, pulp-free juice if you’re looking for a more refined finish.
Step 5: Pour and Store
Pour the juice into a glass storage bottle or jar, filling it as close to the top as possible to reduce air exposure, which can speed up oxidation. Seal the container tightly with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. Cold-pressed celery juice is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. For optimal taste and nutrients, aim to drink it within the first 24–48 hours.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your cold-pressed celery juice is now ready to drink! You can enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, a refreshing midday drink, or part of your pre-workout hydration. Since celery juice is naturally hydrating and rich in electrolytes, it’s a great choice any time you need a nourishing boost. If you added lemon, apple, or ginger, you’ll enjoy a unique twist on the classic celery flavor.
Following these steps will give you a fresh, nutrient-packed celery juice with all the benefits and flavor intact. Up next, let’s look at a few ideas for other cold-pressed juice combinations that include celery as a key ingredient.
Ideas For Other Cold-Pressed Juices
Celery juice can stand on its own, but it also makes a fantastic base for a wide variety of juice combinations. Adding other fruits, vegetables, or herbs can create unique flavors and boost the health benefits of your juice. Here are some creative cold-pressed juice recipes that feature celery as a primary ingredient, ideal for anyone looking to mix up their daily juice routine.
1. Celery-Cucumber Hydration Juice
This refreshing combination of celery and cucumber is light, crisp, and exceptionally hydrating. Cucumber is high in water content, which pairs well with the naturally hydrating properties of celery, making this juice perfect for hot days or after a workout. Add a touch of lemon for brightness and a few fresh mint leaves for a cooling effect.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 1 cucumber, 1/2 lemon, a handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Flavor Profile: Crisp, cool, and subtly sweet, with a hint of citrus and mint
2. Green Goodness Juice
For a nutrient-dense, green powerhouse juice, blend celery with kale, spinach, and green apple. This combination provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great choice for an energy boost. The green apple adds a hint of natural sweetness to balance the earthy greens, and a small piece of ginger can give it an added kick.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 1 green apple, 1 cup kale, 1 cup spinach, 1/2-inch piece of ginger (optional)
- Flavor Profile: Fresh and slightly sweet, with earthy notes from the leafy greens
3. Celery-Beet Detox Juice
This vibrant juice combines celery with beetroot, carrot, and apple for a delicious detox drink. Beets and carrots are rich in antioxidants, while celery provides hydration and essential electrolytes. The apple adds a hint of sweetness, and a squeeze of lemon helps brighten the flavors. This juice is ideal for cleansing and providing a gentle energy boost.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 1 medium beet, 1 carrot, 1 apple, 1/2 lemon
- Flavor Profile: Earthy and slightly sweet, with a tart finish from the lemon
4. Celery-Apple-Ginger Immunity Juice
This combination is excellent for immune support and digestive health. Celery’s hydration properties blend beautifully with the crisp sweetness of apple and the warmth of ginger, creating a juice that’s perfect for colder months. Ginger provides anti-inflammatory benefits and adds a spicy, invigorating flavor.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 2 apples, 1-inch piece of ginger
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly spicy, and refreshing, with a smooth finish
5. Celery-Pineapple Tropical Juice
For a tropical twist, pair celery with pineapple, which adds a natural sweetness and a dose of vitamin C. This juice is refreshing and lightly sweet, with a hint of tang. Pineapple’s enzymes, such as bromelain, can aid digestion and work well with celery’s detoxifying properties. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a surprising herbal note.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 1 cup pineapple chunks, a few fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Flavor Profile: Tropical, sweet, and slightly herbaceous
6. Celery-Citrus Revitalizer Juice
Combine celery with orange and lemon for a vibrant citrus juice that’s rich in vitamin C and perfect for a refreshing morning drink. The citrus notes add natural sweetness and tanginess, which balances the celery’s mild taste. This juice is an excellent option for boosting immunity and promoting hydration.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 1 large orange, 1/2 lemon
- Flavor Profile: Bright, tangy, and citrusy
7. Celery-Green Grape Antioxidant Juice
This juice blends celery with green grapes for a mild sweetness and additional antioxidants. Grapes provide vitamin C and beneficial polyphenols, while celery keeps it hydrating and light. Add a small handful of parsley or cilantro for an herbal edge and extra detox benefits.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 1 cup green grapes, a small handful of parsley or cilantro
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly tart, with fresh, herbal notes
8. Spicy Celery-Tomato Juice
For a savory juice, combine celery with tomato, red bell pepper, and a hint of jalapeño for a flavorful, Bloody Mary-style drink. The addition of tomato provides antioxidants like lycopene, while celery and bell pepper add hydration and vitamin C. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce can intensify the flavor, making it a great alternative to traditional vegetable juice.
- Ingredients: 1 bunch of celery, 2 medium tomatoes, 1/2 red bell pepper, a small slice of jalapeño, black pepper or hot sauce to taste
- Flavor Profile: Savory, mildly spicy, with a peppery undertone
These cold-pressed juice recipes are designed to take your celery juice to the next level by blending it with complementary ingredients that enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or even savory juices, these combinations provide a variety of tastes and health benefits. Feel free to experiment with quantities and flavors to create a blend that suits your preferences.
Cold-pressed celery juice is a fantastic choice for those seeking a hydrating, nutrient-rich addition to their daily wellness routine. Not only does it offer an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, but its light, refreshing taste also makes it incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed as a pure, single-ingredient juice or blended with other fruits, vegetables, and herbs, celery juice can help support hydration, digestion, and immune health. Its simple, clean flavor is easy to customize, making it a great base for many juice recipes.