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Before you begin making the juices and smoothies in this book you will need to check that you have the right equipment – basically a juicer and a blender. Many different types are available but try not to skimp. The more expensive appliances will last longer than their cheaper counterparts and will produce noticeably better results, which in turn will yield greater health benefits. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that each piece of equipment is cleaned after use. If you don’t, you will regret it – there is nothing worse than dried-on fruit pulp.

Centrifugal juicers

These are the least expensive type of electrical juicers. The fruit and vegetables are ground and then spun. The juice comes out and the pulp dispenses into a separate container. They come in a variety of designs and are perfect for those who are only going to use a juicer on high days and holidays. Centrifugal juicers are not recommended for those who want to drink a high-quality juice as part of their daily routine, however. The end product tends to be thick, cloudy and contains a lot of pulp. An added disadvantage is that enzymes can be destroyed in the juicing process.

Masticating juicers

These are more high-tech than centrifugal juicers and consequently more expensive. They work in a slightly different way to the centrifugal juicers: for example, instead of shredding the ingredients, they chop them finely then force the pulp through a mesh to separate the juice. They also run at a slower speed, which causes less friction and therefore creates less heat. This means the drink will have a fresher taste and be of a higher quality. Masticating juicers produce more juice than centrifugal ones and the juices are clearer and more nutritious as they retain more live enzymes, fibre, vitamins and trace minerals. Some of the more expensive models come with additional attachments which enable you to make baby foods, nut butter, ice creams, sorbets and sauces.

A good-quality blender is indispensable.

A smoothie maker is a fun kitchen gadget to have.

Citrus juicers

There are three main types:

Electronically operated – this extracts the juice into a container.

Manually-operated hydraulic presser – this squeezes the juice into a container.

Hand-operated squeezer – this uses a ridge to hold back the pips and a base to retain the juice. This means that the juice and pips are kept separate.

Although they are perfect for all citrus fruits, you may still prefer to use a juicer or blender in order to retain the fibre and pulp of the fruit.

Blenders

Drinks made in a blender are more nutritious than those made in a juicer as they retain the fibre from the fruit and vegetables. For best results choose soft fruits, such as berries, bananas and peaches, and add a liquid ingredient such as water, milk or fruit juice. It is best to buy quite a high-powered machine because this will produce a smoother drink. Some blenders can cope with ice but others can’t, so you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions first or you risk damaging the blade.

Smoothie makers

These machines are specifically designed to make smoothies. They blend and foam the ingredients into a smooth, frothy drink. Most machines can cope with the addition of frozen fruits, ice cream and ice cubes. (always check manufacturer’s instructions). They are usually fitted with a dispenser tap through which you can pour the drink, rather than having to remove the jug. I prefer to use a blender because they are more durable if you are making smoothies on a regular basis.

Other useful equipment

You may find it helpful to have the following when making your juices and smoothies:

Sharp knives – essential for preparing fruit and vegtables.

Plastic spatula – ideal for scraping thick blends out of your blender.

Chopping boards – useful when preparing fruit and vegetables.

Vegetable scrubbing brush – this can be used to remove dirt from vegetables as an alternative to peeling. This means that the nutrients and minerals found in and just under the skin can be retained.

Cherry stoner – takes the hard work out of pitting cherries.

Apple corer – this little gadget makes coring apples and pears a much easier and quicker job than doing it with a knife.

Zesters – these are useful for grating the rinds of citrus fruits to add to recipes and also to create swirls of rind to use as garnishes.

Sharp knives are essential for preparing fruits and vegetables.

Electronic scales are the most efficient.

Cannelle knife – this works in a similar way to a zester, but you get much longer ribbons of zest.

Ice cream scoops – these will help you scoop ice cream, frozen yogurts and sorbets easily. A tip: dip the ice cream scoop into hot water between each scoop as this will stop the ice cream from sticking.

Measuring jugs and spoons – it is useful to keep a selection of these handy.

Ice-crushing machine – this isn’t an essential piece of equipment, since many blenders and smoothie makers will do the job. To crush ice by hand lay a clean cloth on a work surface. Spread ice cubes over one half of the cloth and fold the other half over to cover the ice. Use a heavy implement, such as a mallet, to crush the ice, striking firmly. Unfold the cloth and, with a spoon, scrape the crushed ice lightly away from the cloth. Transfer the crushed ice to a jug or glasses.

Vegetable peeler – this enables you to peel vegetables neatly and swiftly, and is much easier than using a knife.

Scales – properly calibrated scales will ensure you use exactly the correct quantity stipulated in the recipe.

Sieve – this is useful for thinning down liquids and removing the pips from fruit.

Glass or plastic jars with lids – used for storing and chilling juices in the fridge for short periods of time.

Lemon squeezer – keep one of these in the cupboard. They are invaluable for producing almost instant citrus juice to add to recipes.