Recently I compared two juicing procedures, i) blending and then filtering through a nutmilk bag and ii) using the Z-Star juicer.
The produce was Golden Delicious Apples only. I prepared two samples, making sure both have parts of the same apples. Each sample was 356g.
Since it was not possible to prepare both juices at the same time, I started with one – the blending and filter. This method produced 282g of juice. After that I used the Z-Star to prepare the other sample. With the first pass the juice yield was 265g, but with passing the pulp a second time it increased to 278g. Passing the pulp through the nutmilk bag added another 4g, equalling the 282g from the blending procedure.
Visually, the juice produced with the blending procedure appears much darker, but has has left foam than the juice from the Z-Star. However, it is difficult to compare since the blended juice was produced first, with an estimated 15 minutes ahead. The blended juice had a very strong taste and reminded me of commercial apple juices, whereas the Z-Star juice tasted very much like the original apple.
To compare their stability over time I took another 3 photos, after 10, 20 and 30 minutes and tasted them at the same time.
Here again the yields in a table:
Z-Star | Blender and filter | |
Apples (Golden Delicious) | 356g | 356g |
Juice yield | 256g | 282g |
2nd pass | 278g | |
Manual filtering | 282g | |
Estimated cost | CHF ~0.50 | CHF ~0.50 |
Conclusions:
Both methods produce reasonable apple juice, although I prefer the Z-Star one that seems fresher and tastes more like the original apple. Maybe the blending added extra oxygen and helped to oxidise, as often described. The Z-Star produced some foam, but maybe this even helped to protect the juice from oxidising. Timewise it didn’t feel like a big differenc to produce the juices, I didn’t take the time though. For another experiment it could be wise to start with the Z-Star first and see if there is still a colour and taste difference in the same direction. The blending procedure can be a bit tricky if not a lot of produce is used, since I usually don’t add water to thelp blending. I also like that for the Z-Star we don’t need electricity and it doesn’t make that loud noise.