How to Use Celery for Juice: A Nutritional Guide

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

Celery is composed of approximately 95% water and is an excellent source of hydration. Learning how to use celery for juice is a popular method to get a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet. This guide explores the simple steps to create this vibrant green drink, with options for both juicers and blenders.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to make fresh celery juice using either a juicer or a blender with a strainer. It details the preparation process, benefits like improved digestion and hydration, potential risks, and flavor enhancements using complementary ingredients. The guide also provides tips on when and how to drink celery juice for optimal results.

Key Points

Choose fresh celery: Opt for organic celery when possible to minimize pesticide exposure.
Thoroughly wash: Ensure celery is cleaned well to remove all dirt before juicing or blending.
Use a juicer for clarity: A juicer produces a clear, pulp-free juice with a higher nutrient concentration.
Blend for accessibility: A blender with a nut milk bag or strainer is an effective alternative for making celery juice.
Enhance taste naturally: Add lemon, ginger, or green apple to improve the flavor of pure celery juice.
Consider timing: Many drink celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
Hydrate, don't cleanse: Celery juice supports hydration, but extreme juice cleanses are not scientifically backed and can be risky.
Listen to your body: If you experience digestive issues or are on medication, consult a healthcare provider before adding celery juice to your routine.

Preparing Your Celery for Juicing

Proper preparation is the key to creating a high-quality, delicious celery juice. It ensures you're starting with the freshest ingredients and that your equipment can handle the fibrous stalks. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to prepare your celery for juicing.

Choose the Right Celery: Select a fresh bunch with firm, crisp stalks and vibrant green color. If possible, opt for organic, as celery is often on the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list of produce with high pesticide levels.
Wash Thoroughly: Wash the celery stalks under running water, scrubbing them gently to remove any dirt or debris. Since you're juicing the whole stalk, including the leaves (if you choose to use them), a thorough cleaning is important.
Trim and Chop: Trim the base and the ends of the stalks. If you're using a standard or masticating juicer, you can feed the stalks in whole. For a blender, it's best to chop the celery into 1-inch pieces to help the blades break it down more easily.

Methods for Making Celery Juice: Juicer vs. Blender

When it comes to making fresh celery juice at home, you have two primary options, each with its own advantages. Your choice will depend on the equipment you have available and your preference for pulp and fiber content.

Using a Juicer (Optimal for Clarity)

For the clearest juice with the least amount of pulp, a juicer is the ideal choice.

Feed: Push the prepared celery stalks through the feeding chute of your juicer. For manual-feed models, it's best to feed them one at a time to prevent clogging due to the fibrous nature of celery.
Collect and Serve: Catch the fresh, separated juice in a glass or container. Serve immediately for maximum nutrient retention, or store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Using a Blender (Great for Accessibility)

If you don't have a juicer, a high-speed blender can produce excellent results with the help of a strainer.

Blend: Place the chopped celery pieces into the blender. Add a small amount of water (around 1/2 cup for two bunches of celery) to help it blend smoothly. Blend until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
Strain: Pour the blended celery through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag placed over a wide-mouthed jug.
Extract: Press down on the pulp with the back of a spoon or squeeze the bag to extract all the liquid. Discard the remaining pulp.

Enhancing the Flavor of Your Celery Juice

For those who find the taste of pure celery juice too strong or earthy, adding complementary ingredients can make the drink more palatable and even boost its nutritional profile.

Green Apple: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the celery flavor.
Lemon or Lime: A squeeze of citrus juice provides a bright, refreshing tang that cuts through the earthy taste.
Ginger: A small piece of fresh, peeled ginger adds a zesty, anti-inflammatory kick.
Cucumber: Enhances the hydration properties and creates a milder, more cooling flavor profile.
Fresh Mint: A few leaves of mint can add a fresh, aromatic finish.

How and When to Incorporate Celery Juice

There are several ways to make celery juice a part of your daily nutrition diet for maximum benefit.

Morning Ritual: The most popular approach is to drink 16 ounces (approx. 475 ml) of pure celery juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This is said to enhance nutrient absorption and kickstart digestion. Wait 15-30 minutes before eating breakfast.
Before Meals: If a morning routine isn't possible, drinking celery juice 15-30 minutes before a meal can still help prime your digestive system and aid in smoother digestion.
Post-Workout: As a natural source of electrolytes like potassium and sodium, celery juice is an excellent post-workout beverage for rehydration and recovery.
As a Blend: For a more balanced nutritional profile, incorporate celery juice into a larger smoothie with other fruits and vegetables, and even protein sources like nut butter.

Juicing Methods: Pros and Cons


Feature	Juicer Method	Blender with Strainer	Whole Celery Stalks
Equipment Required	A dedicated juicer (slow masticating or centrifugal)	A high-speed blender and a strainer/nut milk bag	A good set of teeth and a crisp bunch of celery.
Yield	Higher juice yield due to efficient pulp extraction	Lower juice yield, some liquid remains in the pulp	No juice, just a crunchy snack with all the fiber
Nutrient Concentration	Concentrated nutrients without the bulk of fiber	Includes some nutrients but also some liquid, not as concentrated	All nutrients (including fiber) are retained
Taste/Texture	Clean, pulp-free liquid with a strong flavor	Can be slightly thicker, depending on how well you strain it	Crunchy, fibrous texture, can be less palatable to some
Speed & Effort	Faster and more hands-off, especially with hands-free models	More time-consuming due to the straining process	Quick and easy, no preparation beyond washing

Conclusion

Learning how to use celery for juice is a simple and effective way to boost your daily nutrient intake, promote hydration, and support digestive health. Whether you choose a juicer for a crisp, pulp-free experience or a blender for a more accessible method, consistency is key to reaping the benefits. By incorporating celery juice into a balanced nutrition diet, you can enjoy this refreshing elixir and take a proactive step towards better overall health. Remember to listen to your body, start slowly, and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medication.

Key Takeaways

Method Matters: Use a juicer for a pulp-free juice or a blender and strainer for an accessible, low-tech option.
Drink Fresh: Consume your celery juice immediately for optimal nutrient retention.
Enhance Flavor: Add complementary ingredients like lemon, ginger, or green apple to improve the taste.
Morning Routine: Drinking 16 oz on an empty stomach is the most common way to maximize potential benefits.
Start Slowly: If you're new to celery juice, begin with a smaller amount and gradually increase your intake.
Know the Risks: While beneficial, consuming excessive amounts can cause digestive issues or sun sensitivity in some individuals.
Balance is Best: Celery juice should supplement, not replace, a well-rounded and balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way depends on your equipment. A juicer will give you a clear, pulp-free juice. If you don't have a juicer, you can use a high-speed blender and then strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine-mesh sieve to remove the pulp.

The typical recommendation is around 16 ounces (approx. 475 ml) per day. If you are new to it, start with a smaller amount (around 4 ounces) to see how your body reacts and gradually increase.

Celery juice is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and can aid in hydration, digestion, and potentially reduce inflammation. Some people also find it helps with bloating and skin clarity.

Yes, you can add ingredients like lemon, ginger, green apple, or cucumber to enhance the flavor. For maximum benefits, some enthusiasts suggest drinking pure celery juice, but adding other ingredients is a good option if you find the taste overpowering.

Yes, potential side effects can include digestive issues like diarrhea due to the compound mannitol, and increased sun sensitivity from psoralens, especially if consumed in large quantities. People on blood thinners or with kidney issues should consult a doctor.

Juicing concentrates the vitamins and minerals for quicker absorption, but it removes most of the beneficial fiber. Eating whole celery provides the added benefit of fiber, which is important for digestive health and satiety.

Drinking celery juice on an empty stomach in the morning is a common practice to maximize nutrient absorption. However, you can also drink it before meals or after a workout to aid in digestion and rehydration.