Yes, you can put bananas in a Breville juicer, but it’s best to blend them with other fruits for optimal juicing results due to their low water content.
Many juicing enthusiasts wonder whether they can put bananas through their Breville juicer. The short answer is no – bananas don’t juice well in centrifugal juicers like Breville models. However, there are better ways to incorporate bananas into your juicing routine.
Why Bananas Don’t Work Well in Breville Juicers
Breville juicers use centrifugal force to extract juice, which works great for watery fruits and vegetables. However, bananas present unique challenges:
- Texture issues: Bananas are too thick and starchy to juice properly in centrifugal models
- Pulp problems: They create a gummy paste that can clog your juicer
- Low juice yield: Bananas contain very little actual juice to extract
As noted in Breville’s instructions, they specifically recommend peeling bananas before attempting to juice them – a sign that they’re not ideal for these machines.
What Happens When You Try to Juice Bananas?
When users attempt to juice bananas in Breville juicers, they typically experience:
- The banana gets mashed rather than juiced
- Starchy residue builds up in the strainer basket
- Minimal actual juice output
- Potential for machine clogging
Better Alternatives for Banana “Juicing”
While you can’t properly juice bananas in a Breville, there are better ways to incorporate them:
1. Use a Masticating Juicer
Slow masticating juicers like the Omega or Hurom can handle bananas better. These machines:
- Chew through dense produce more effectively
- Produce less heat that breaks down bananas
- Create a smoother consistency
2. Make Banana Ice Cream
An ingenious alternative is making banana “nice cream” using your juicer’s homogenizing function (if available):
- Freeze peeled bananas overnight
- Process through juicer with blank plate
- Enjoy creamy, dairy-free ice cream
This works best with heavy-duty juicers that have strong motors.
3. Blend Instead of Juice
For banana-based drinks, a high-powered blender is often the better choice:
| Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Juicing | Poor yield, messy cleanup |
| Blending | Smooth texture, retains fiber |
Best Practices for Juicing Bananas
If you’re determined to include bananas in your juice, follow these tips:
- Always peel bananas first
- Combine with juicier fruits like oranges or pineapples
- Use small amounts (1/4 to 1/2 banana per serving)
- Clean your juicer immediately after use
As noted by juicing experts at All About Juicing, bananas work better when paired with other fruits rather than juiced alone.
Delicious Banana Juice Combinations
These combinations help bananas work better in juicers:
- Tropical Blend: Banana + pineapple + orange + ginger
- Green Boost: Banana + spinach + apple + lemon
- Berry Banana: Banana + mixed berries + coconut water
Remember that these will be thicker than typical juices and may work better as smoothies in a blender.
Cleaning Tips After Juicing Bananas
Banana residue can be stubborn to clean. Follow these steps:
- Disassemble juicer immediately
- Rinse parts with warm water
- Use a brush for mesh components
- Run citrus peels through to help clean
Proper cleaning is essential to prevent buildup and maintain your juicer’s performance.
Final Verdict on Juicing Bananas
While Breville juicers excel with many fruits and vegetables, bananas simply aren’t ideal for these machines. The starchy texture and low juice content make them better suited for blending or specialized juicing methods. For optimal results with bananas, consider using a blender or masticating juicer instead.
