Fresh celery juice is a simple, refreshing drink made from crisp celery stalks and water. It has a clean, slightly salty flavor and is an easy way to enjoy celery in a different form.
While celery juice is often promoted online as a “detox” drink or a cure for various conditions, there isn’t good evidence that it detoxes the body or treats disease. Still, celery is a nutritious vegetable, and its juice can be part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of fresh celery
- ½–1 cup cold water, as needed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
- Small piece of fresh ginger, optional
How to Make Fresh Celery Juice
1. Wash the Celery
Separate the celery stalks and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water.
Trim off the leafy ends and any damaged portions.
2. Cut the Celery
Cut the stalks into smaller pieces that will fit easily into your juicer or blender.
3. Juice It
Using a juicer:
Feed the celery pieces through the juicer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Using a blender:
Add the celery to a blender with about ½ cup of cold water. Blend until smooth, adding a little more water if necessary.
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and gently press to extract the liquid.
4. Add Extra Flavor
For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
A small piece of ginger can also add a pleasant spicy note.
5. Serve
Pour the fresh celery juice into a glass and serve chilled.
For the best flavor, drink it soon after preparing it.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
Celery provides water, fiber, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and various plant compounds. However, juicing removes most of the fiber, so whole celery generally provides more fiber and may be more filling.
Celery also naturally contains sodium, so celery juice isn’t necessarily a good choice for someone who has been advised to follow a low-sodium diet.
Can You Drink Celery Juice Every Day?
For most healthy adults, a moderate serving can fit into a balanced diet. However, there is no established requirement to drink celery juice every morning, and drinking more isn’t necessarily better.
If you enjoy it, think of it as a vegetable-based beverage rather than a medicinal treatment.
Important Tips
Drink it fresh. Fresh juice generally tastes best immediately after preparation.
Don’t rely on juice instead of whole vegetables. Whole celery provides fiber that is largely lost during juicing.
Wash celery thoroughly. Proper washing helps remove dirt and surface contaminants.
Start with a small serving if you’re not used to vegetable juice. Large amounts may cause digestive discomfort for some people.
Simple Flavor Combinations
You can experiment with celery alongside:
- Celery + lemon
- Celery + cucumber
- Celery + green apple
- Celery + ginger
- Celery + cucumber + lemon
- Celery + parsley + lemon
Frequently Asked Questions
Does celery juice detox your body?
There is no strong scientific evidence that celery juice “detoxes” the body. Your liver and kidneys already perform the body’s major detoxification functions.
Is celery juice better than eating celery?
Not necessarily. Juicing makes celery easier to consume as a drink but removes much of its fiber. Eating whole celery provides more fiber and may be more filling.
Can I prepare it the night before?
You can, but fresh juice generally tastes best shortly after preparation. If you store it, keep it refrigerated in a clean, sealed container and consume it promptly.
Can I add fruit?
Yes. Green apple, lemon, or cucumber can make celery juice more pleasant and naturally sweet.
Final Thoughts
Fresh Celery Juice is an easy way to enjoy the refreshing flavor and nutrients of celery. It can be a nice addition to a balanced diet, especially when combined with other nutritious foods.