HOW TO USE A CITRUS JUICER

Freshly-squeezed citrus juice is delicious on its own and can enhance the flavor of a variety of drinks and dishes. Using a citrus juicer can make food prep easier and help you add the juice of fresh lemons, limes, oranges and more to your favorite recipes without having to squeeze ingredients by hand. 

With the Citrus Juicer Attachment for your KitchenAid® stand mixer1, you can enjoy freshly-squeezed juice with less manual effort. This guide will help you learn how to use a citrus juicer to start incorporating fresh citrus juice into your favorite recipes, from homemade lemonade and margaritas to flavored baked goods.

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Fresh juice in serving cups with fruit pieces, straws and spoons Fresh juice in serving cups with fruit pieces, straws and spoons

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EXTRACT JUICE FROM CITRUS FRUITS?

You have several options for extracting juice from citrus fruits, such as manual juicing or using handheld or electric juicers. You can also use the KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Citrus Juicer Attachment to juice ingredients, which helps to keep the pulp, seeds and skin separate from the juice.

The manual method of extracting juice involves cutting the fruit into halves before squeezing in one hand while catching seeds with the other, letting the juice run through your fingers. With a handheld juicer, the halved fruit is crushed between the two plates of the tool as you squeeze it with your hand. An electric citrus juicer makes this process even simpler, rotating a ridged, cone-shaped reamer against the fruit while you simply hold it in place.

SHOULD I PEEL CITRUS FRUITS BEFORE JUICING?

If you're using an electric citrus juicer, you don't need to peel before extracting the juice. Citrus juicers work in a similar way to full-sized juicers. Simply bring the sliced fruit in contact with the rotating reamer, moving the fruit piece in all directions while applying inward and downward pressure.

If you’re using another method like manual juicing or using a handheld juicer, you can use the peel of your citrus fruit to hold as you squeeze the juice into a container or over your ingredients. Before juicing, check to see if your recipe calls for citrus zest or shavings, which you can remove from the peel using a grater.

Sliced fruits next to a red KitchenAid® stand mixer with Citrus Juicer Attachment Sliced fruits next to a red KitchenAid® stand mixer with Citrus Juicer Attachment

HOW TO USE A KITCHENAID® STAND MIXER JUICER ATTACHMENT

The KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Citrus Juicer Attachment allows you to use the power of your KitchenAid® stand mixer1 to juice citrus fruits quickly and easily. Ideal for working with large quantities of citrus fruits, this attachment rapidly extracts juice from handheld fruits directly into a bowl, pitcher, or measuring cup, catching seeds in a built-in strainer. Learn how to use it so you can incorporate the fresh juice of limes, lemons, oranges and more into your favorite dishes and beverages.

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Orange juice made with a black KitchenAid® stand mixer with Citrus Juicer Attachment

STEP 1: ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH THE CITRUS JUICER ATTACHMENT

To assemble the Citrus Juicer Attachment, insert the round end of the attachment’s metal shaft into its housing, making sure the strainer is situated properly in place on the shield. Then, insert the metal shaft into the hub of the stand mixer and tighten the attachment screw to secure it.

Freshly squeezed orange juice next to a bowl of fruit

STEP 2: PREPARE THE FRUITS FOR JUICING

Before working with fresh ingredients, prepare your fruits for juicing by starting off with clean, freshly-washed produce. If your recipe calls for it, you can also zest your citrus fruits before juicing. Without peeling, cut the fruit into halves.

A person using the Citrus Juicer Attachment on a white KitchenAid® stand mixer

STEP 3: JUICE THE FRUITS

To juice your chosen fruit, place a glass or pitcher under the Citrus Juicer Attachment to catch the liquid and turn the stand mixer speed to 6. Holding the fruit firmly cupped in your hand, bring the fruit into contact with the spinning reamer. Move the fruit in all directions, exerting inward and downward pressure to fully extract the juice.

SHOP KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS AND ATTACHMENTS

A bowl of fruit next to a glass of kale juice A bowl of fruit next to a glass of kale juice

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER USES FOR A JUICER?

While the Citrus Juicer Attachment for a KitchenAid® stand mixer is designed to juice lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, a full-size juicer can give you the ability to juice larger ingredients like vegetables.

The Juicer and Sauce Attachment, for example, works as a masticating juicer to help you use your KitchenAid® stand mixer to process all kinds of leafy greens, soft and sturdier fruits and vegetables.

HOW LONG CAN I STORE FRESH CITRUS JUICE?

You can get the most out of fresh-squeezed citrus juice by storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Fresh-squeezed juices should be stored on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator for optimal preservation and to maintain their delicious fresh flavor.

Storing your citrus juice in the refrigerator is also a great way to incorporate fresh juice into your meal prep. Keep fresh lemon juice on hand to add to dressings, dips or soups or use a dash of squeezed orange juice to add a touch of brightness to meat marinades. Experiment with different fruits for recipe inspiration for exciting cocktails, glazes and sauces.

Glasses of fresh juice next to assorted fruit pieces Glasses of fresh juice next to assorted fruit pieces

CAN I FREEZE FRESH CITRUS JUICE?

By filling an ice tray with your fresh citrus juice, you can freeze the liquid to create delicate fruit ice cubes to add to a refreshing glass of water or lemonade. Experimenting with frozen citrus juice is a great way to explore the many possibilities for your culinary creations.

With the KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Shaved Ice Attachment, you can combine your fresh citrus juice with iconic desserts like Hawaiian shave ice for a simple and delicious treat at home.

HOW CAN I USE FRESH CITRUS JUICE IN RECIPES?

Fresh citrus juice can be enjoyed on its own or used to add acidity and sweetness to a variety of recipes like meat marinades, citrus vinaigrettes, as a final ingredient in soups, or serve as the star flavor in desserts ranging from delicate mousses to cakes. Freshly juiced citrus also makes the perfect base for refreshing summer cocktails and mocktails.

By using a blender like these models by KitchenAid brand, you can use your fresh citrus juice to create delicious smoothies with fruit flavors of your choice. Using the KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Shaved Ice Attachment, you can also use citrus juice to make refreshing Italian ice desserts at home.

DISCOVER KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS, ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Customize the way you make with the versatility of KitchenAid® stand mixers. Explore the full collection of KitchenAid® stand mixer attachments1 to open up endless possibilities for your recipes and get your creative juices flowing.

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