National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day is celebrated on January 15. It is an ode to the restorative properties of fresh and natural fruit and vegetable juices, and a reminder for us to include it more often in our diet. Fresh-squeezed juice can be more delicious, and for some of us, an easier way of consuming vitamins and minerals.
History of National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day
The first occurrence of this holiday and its advocates are unknown. The word ‘juice’ itself comes from Old French. The words ‘jus,’ ‘juis,’ or ‘jouis’ refer to the liquid obtained from boiling herbs. In many other cultures and civilizations, it referred to other liquids such as broths, soups, or even sauces. In the 14th century, juice was recorded as “the watery part of fruits or vegetables,” bringing it into alignment with the current meaning of the word. However, the meaning further changed through the ages, coming to mean liquor in the 19th century. It was even recorded as being used as a term for electricity in the same period.
The term reverted to meaning the liquid extracted from fruits and vegetables when the juicer was invented in the 1930s by Norman Walker. Walker was born in Italy and moved to New York in 1910. Upon becoming seriously ill, he consulted William Baum, a chiropractor and physical therapist, who recommended he switch to a raw vegetarian diet. This is when he invented an innovatively engineered juicer that is still in demand today. He even founded the Norwalk Laboratory of Nutritional Chemistry and Scientific Research and conducted research on the nutritional qualities of juices.
Today, juices are part of diets across the world, with orange being a staple in American breakfasts. There are many kinds of juicers that are able to extract vital nutrients from fruits and vegetables without losing them to heat. The hydraulic ‘triturator’ juicer developed by Walker does a great job of this. Others include twin-gear juicers and slow juicers.
National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day timeline
Pomegranates and figs are mashed, according to some of the earliest records that can be found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Juice is described as the “watery part of fruits and vegetables.”
Mr. Stephen Poplawski invents the blender with the objective of making soda fountain drinks.
Raw food and juice advocate, Norman Walker, invents a machine capable of extracting the nutrients of fruits and vegetables in liquid form.
National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day FAQs
Is cold-pressed juice the same as fresh squeezed?
No, there are juice presses available in the market that retain the best elements of fruits and vegetables by cold-pressing them, but beware of juicers that kill essential nutrients by overheating.
Is this the same as National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week?
National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week is celebrated a little after the day set aside for the same theme. It starts on the third Sunday in January.
Which fruit and vegetables are best for squeezing?
Research shows that fruits like pomegranates are especially good for juicing as well as kale, spinach, and other greens. A lot, however, depends on the kind of juicer you have, so it’s worthwhile to do your research and buy something that can offer quality in the long run.
How To Celebrate National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day
Make yourself a fresh-squeezed drink
If you have a juicer at home, and unused fruits and veggies, it’s great to start the day with a healthy mix of your choice and get those neglected vitamins and minerals into your system in a digestible, satisfying way. Just remember to go easy on the sugar.
Say “no” to packaged and aerated drinks
We have been pampered by too many packaged juices that contain preservatives and sweeteners that are bad for our health. Drinking a freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable in a good juicer is the smartest way to obtain nutrients without all the chemicals and sugars we want to avoid anyway. Carbonated drinks are even worse as they can be addictive and add very little nutritional value.
Try a new blend
There are so many interesting recipes out there that you may never have tried because of your preference for certain vegetables and fruit. There are recipes that mix green apples, with ginger, and parsnip, and oranges, with cucumber, and oregano. Intrigued? Check out various suggestions and see what you like.
5 Interesting Facts About Juicing
Juices can lower the risk of cancer
Carotenoids found in carrots and lycopene found in tomatoes can reduce the risk of cancers, according to studies.
Juicers leave out fiber
The pulpy part of fruits and vegetables that contain fiber are left out by juicers, but they are also an important part of wholesome eating.
Juicers can be like washing machines
Juicers that work on centrifugal technology to spin objects and separate particles have this in common with washing machines.
Diet drinks can increase weight
Research has shown that the artificial sweeteners in diet sodas can actually upset metabolism and lead to weight gain.
Drinking juice increases with income
New Zealand and Colombia are the world’s biggest juice drinkers but, on average, juice is said to be consumed more in higher-income countries.
Why We Love National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day
We should eat and drink healthier
Contemporary diets are increasingly composed of processed foods as well as drinks. This day reminds us to be more conscious of eating natural, unprocessed food that is good for us. Vitamins and minerals are important for a host of brain and bodily functions, and fruits and vegetables are the natural way to meet our daily recommended intake.
It is a delicious way to consume fruits and veggies
Fresh-squeezed juice is convenient and tasty enough for all of us to try as an alternative to eating cooked or raw fruits and vegetables. We can moderate our sugar intake when we prepare our juices and avoid some packaged juices that carry excessive sweeteners and chemicals.
It’s a reminder that natural is best
The rise of packaged drinks and other fruit- or vegetable-based beverages has made us believe that we can get our nutritional intake from these sources. However, these sources contain ingredients that are harmful to our health and increase our consumption of unhealthy sugars or sweeteners. It is, therefore, important that we make and drink our juice fresh.
National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 15 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 15 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 15 | Monday |
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