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What is a Manual Juicer?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Manual juicers are devices that are used to extract liquid from fruits and vegetables. The design for most juicers of this type involve a body that includes a lever, crank, or press in order to exert pressure on the fruit or vegetable and force the juice into a holding compartment. An advantage of the manual juicer is that most models are relatively inexpensive and require no power source other than a little exertion on the part of the operator.

The manual juicer has been a staple in kitchens for a number of years. Simple glass models have been used for decades to extract juice from fruits such as lemons or oranges. These examples of a manual juicer are essentially a low-lipped container constructed with a rounded and upraised area in the middle. Pieces of fruit are halved and then pressed and turned on this middle area to force the juice from the pulp of the fruit. As the juice is freed by the combination of pressing down and turning the body of the fruit, it runs down into the lipped area. A pouring spout makes it possible to pour the juice into a strainer to remove any residue of the pulp or to transfer the fruit juice directly into a serving glass.

Juicers can often be used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.
Juicers can often be used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.

Other examples of the manual juicer are constructed to work well with a wider variety of fruits as well as many vegetables. These devices normally have a body constructed with metal of some type, often stainless steel. Larger pieces of fruit are placed into a chamber and compressed with the use of a lever that exerts pressure on the top of the fruit. As the body of the fruit or vegetable collapsed under the pressure, the extracted juice flows into a holding chamber. The pulp can then be set aside for use in various cooking recipes while the juice is prepared for consumption. Because of the metal construction, these larger examples of a manual juicer are easily cleaned by washing with soapy water in the sink. Many of the juicers can also be safely cleaned in an automatic dishwasher.

Grapefruit juice, which can be made from a manual juicer, is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Grapefruit juice, which can be made from a manual juicer, is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

There are some examples of the manual juicer that are more specialized. Some many be constructed to work mainly with fruits, while others may focus on use with a wide range of vegetables, including asparagus, wheatgrass, and turnip roots. These specialized manual juicers tend to be more costly than the simpler and more general use manual versions, but are still often very cost-effective.

Because a manual juicer requires no electricity in order to function, the device can easily be taken along on camping trips or lakeside cabins that do not have electricity. The simplicity of most designs means that this type of juicer does not intimidate people who do not consider themselves to be mechanically minded. Juicers of this type are routinely found in such settings as health food supermarkets, discount retail stores, and any type of shop where organic vegetables are sold.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Juicers can often be used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Juicers can often be used to extract the liquid from plants, like wheatgrass.
    • Grapefruit juice, which can be made from a manual juicer, is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
      By: tashka2000
      Grapefruit juice, which can be made from a manual juicer, is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.