Cucumber Juice (No Juicer Needed)

Why I started Juicing

A couple of months ago for our anniversary, we went to a predominantly vegan resort called Palmaia House of Aia. Before you ask, no, neither one of us is vegan, but we do love food, so we went in with an open mind. For the record, the food was not just vegan but 5-star vegan, so we were in foodie heaven. I think more people would adopt a vegan lifestyle if someone was cooking the way they were.

More importantly, I discovered that my Hashimoto’s flare ups were very low. I drank fresh juice daily and have really begun to miss it at home. The problem is that I do not own a juicer so I have been working through other anti-inflammatory recipes like Acai smoothie bowls, but I miss morning juice!

While I do intend to get one, in the meantime, I’ve found that you don’t need a fancy juicer to enjoy fresh juice. Let’s get started! 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. cucumbers (about three medium-sized cucumbers)
• You will also need a blender and a cheesecloth or nut milk bag.

How to Make Cucumber Juice Without a Juicer

***I haven’t tried this with different hard fruits, but for softer and more watery vegetables like celery and cucumber, this method for juicing works quite well. 

Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by cutting off the ends of the cucumbers and discarding them. Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and then cut each half into quarters. Finally, chop these quarters into 1-inch pieces.

Blend the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber pieces into a blender. Blend until the cucumbers turn into a smooth pulp. You may need to use a spoon to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all the cucumber pieces are thoroughly blended.

Strain the cucumber juice. Line a large measuring cup or bowl with two layers of cheesecloth. Pour the cucumber pulp into the cheesecloth or a nut milk bag.

Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together and squeeze tightly to extract the juice. Continue squeezing until all the liquid has been extracted into the bowl.

Serve Immediately: Pour the freshly squeezed cucumber juice into a glass, add other blended juices, cold water, or drink as is.

• If you have any leftover veggies, there are still so many refreshing cucumber recipes to use them in. My favorite is hands down this cucumber salad recipe.

Tips for Making the Best Cucumber Juice

• Use Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best taste.
• Chill Before Blending: Refrigerate the cucumbers before blending to make your juice extra refreshing and already cold.
• Add Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon, lime, or ginger for an extra zing.

Variations and Additions

• Fruity Twist: Add fruits like apples, pineapples, or mint leaves to your cucumber juice for a unique flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Include celery, spinach, or kale to enhance the nutritional value. Typically, when making your own juice at home, you want to maintain about 80% vegetables and 20% fruit. This keeps sugar content down while still adding sweetness, and you get as many healthy benefits as possible. Plus, vegetables tend to be less expensive than fruits, so they’re a lot easier to maintain on a budget. 

FAQs

What are the benefits of cucumber juice?

Cucumber juice is hydrating and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss and detoxification. It’s rich in vitamins K and C, which support healthy skin and bones.

Are there any side effects of cucumber juice?

While cucumber juice is generally safe, consuming it in large amounts may cause bloating or digestive discomfort due to its high water content. As with all things, moderation is key.

What other fruits go well with cucumber juice?

Fruits like apple, pineapple, and mango pair wonderfully with cucumber juice, adding natural sweetness and extra nutrients.