Fresh celery juice has a crisp, lightly savory taste, and a squeeze of lemon gives it a bright finish. This easy celery juice recipe takes about 10 minutes. Use a juicer for a smooth glass or make it with a regular blender and a fine-mesh strainer.
Celery Juice with Lemon
Prep time 10 minutes Yield 1 glass
Ingredients
- 6 medium celery stalks (about 8 ounces or 225 g), trimmed
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water, for the blender method
Blender Method
- Wash and chop. Rinse the celery and lemon under running water. Cut the celery into 1-inch pieces and squeeze the lemon.
- Blend. Pour the cold water into the blender first, then add the celery. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds, until the celery is finely broken down. If the blades struggle, add cold water a tablespoon at a time until the mixture moves freely.
- Strain and serve. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl, pressing the pulp with the back of a spoon. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and pour into a glass.
Juicer Method
Rinse the celery and lemon under running water. Cut the celery to fit your juicer's feed chute, then run the stalks through the machine. Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the celery juice and serve.
Tips for Better Celery Juice
- Use tender inner stalks. The paler stalks near the center of a bunch have a milder flavor. Rinse between the ribs before chopping.
- Adjust the lemon to taste. Start with half the lemon juice if you prefer a softer citrus flavor, then add more a little at a time.
- Pick your texture. Use a fine-mesh strainer for a smooth juice. For a thicker drink with the pulp, blend thoroughly and pour it straight into the glass.
Flavor Variations
Blend one of these additions with the celery or run it through the juicer with the stalks.
- Green apple. Add half a cored green apple for a slightly sweeter, tart drink.
- Cucumber. Add a quarter of an English cucumber for a milder celery flavor.
- Fresh ginger. Add a peeled ¼-inch piece of ginger for a gentle kick.
Can You Prep It Ahead?
For a head start, wash and dry the celery, then refrigerate the stalks in a covered container. Chop and juice enough for one glass just before serving.
Nutrition
The basic recipe has no added sugar. Straining removes the pulp and much of the fiber, so leave the pulp in if you want to keep the fiber from the celery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make celery juice without lemon?
Yes. Leave out the lemon for a plain celery juice with a stronger vegetable flavor.
What about the “liquid gold” health claims?
The viral post describes one person feeling more energetic and having less joint pain after drinking celery juice. A personal testimonial alone cannot tell us whether the juice caused those changes. Evidence from human studies is too limited to say that celery juice relieves joint pain or treats inflammation. Research also offers little support for juice cleanses as a way to remove toxins from the body.
For a thicker, fruitier drink, try this banana lemon ginger smoothie.
