Seasoning a juicer auger means running a few batches of produce through the juicer to remove any manufacturing residues and to slightly lubricate the moving parts. This process is especially recommended for new masticating and twin-gear juicers with stainless steel or plastic augers. You simply juice a few non-edible items like celery or carrot pulp, then wipe the auger clean before first use.
Seasoning a juicer auger is a quick break-in procedure that removes factory residues, reduces metallic taste, and helps the auger mesh smoothly with the screen. It takes about 10 minutes and uses common produce like celery or carrots.
- What is seasoning?: Running produce through a new juicer to remove residues and smooth the parts.
- Why do it?: Reduces metallic taste, improves juice yield, and extends auger life.
- How long does it take?: About 5 to 10 minutes, using 2 to 3 stalks of celery or a carrot.
- Is it necessary?: Recommended for stainless steel and some plastic augers to remove manufacturing oils.
Why Season a Juicer Auger?
New juicer augers, especially stainless steel ones, can have microscopic metal particles or residual machining oils left from manufacturing. Seasoning helps remove these, preventing a metallic taste in your first few juices. It also slightly lubricates the auger, allowing it to spin more freely against the juicing screen, which can improve juice yield and reduce wear over time.
Many manufacturers, including Omega, Tribest, and Hurom, recommend a simple seasoning step in their manuals. Skipping it may void the warranty or result in poor performance initially. Even plastic augers can benefit from a quick rinse and a dry run with produce to ensure the parts seat properly.
What You Need
- A new juicer with its auger installed
- 2 to 3 stalks of celery or 1 large carrot (or other fibrous, non-staining produce like apple cores or lemon ends)
- A clean dish towel or paper towels
- Optional: a soft brush for cleaning
Avoid using beets or berries first, as their pigments can stain a new plastic auger. Celery is ideal because it is fibrous and helps scrub internal parts without strong flavor.
Step-by-Step Seasoning Process
- Wash all juicer parts with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Rinse the auger well to remove any loose debris.
- Assemble the juicer according to the manual. Make sure the auger is properly seated.
- Run the juicer without any produce for 10 seconds to check for unusual noises or vibration.
- Feed the celery stalks or carrot pieces through the chute one at a time, using the pusher. Collect the pulp and juice (discard both; do not drink).
- Repeat with a second or third piece if desired. Stop when the auger looks clean and the juice runs clear.
- Disassemble the juicer and wash all parts again with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly before first use.
Seasoning Specific Juicer Types
Masticating juicers (single auger): The process is straightforward as described. For horizontal models like the Omega NC900, feed celery stalks whole. For vertical models like the Hurom H-AA, cut celery into inch-long pieces to avoid jamming.
Twin-gear juicers: These have two interlocking augers. Seasoning is critical because the gears are precision-machined. Run a few handfuls of leafy greens or celery through to ensure both gears are coated. Some users recommend a drop of food-grade mineral oil on the gears before first use, but check your manual first.
Centrifugal juicers: These do not have an auger; seasoning is not needed. Simply wash and use.
After Seasoning: First Use Tips
After seasoning, you can start juicing for consumption. Your first batch might still have a slight metallic taste if the auger is stainless steel, but it will diminish after a few uses. If you notice a persistent taste, repeat the seasoning process with a lemon half (juice and rind) to help neutralize odors.
Some users find that running a small piece of ginger through after seasoning adds a pleasant freshness and helps remove any residual flavors. Always clean the juicer immediately after use to prevent pulp from drying on the auger, which can cause friction and reduce efficiency.
Pro Tips
- Use celery or carrot for seasoning; avoid beets or berries to prevent staining a new plastic auger.
- Run the juicer for a few seconds empty before feeding produce to check for proper assembly.
- After seasoning, wipe the auger with a paper towel to confirm no dark residues appear.
- For twin-gear juicers, alternate feeding leafy greens and firm produce to clean both gears evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the initial wash before seasoning, which can leave manufacturing oils on the auger.
- Using produce with strong flavors like garlic or onion, which can linger in the plastic parts.
- Forgetting to disassemble and clean after seasoning, leaving pulp to dry and clog the screen.
- Applying oil directly to the auger without checking the manual; some juicers require dry assembly.
FAQ
Can I season a juicer auger with water only?
Water alone won’t remove manufacturing residues effectively. The friction and fibers from produce help scrub the auger and screen. Always use a fibrous vegetable like celery.
How often should I season my juicer auger?
Only when the juicer is new. If you notice a metallic taste returning after deep cleaning or replacing the auger, you can repeat the process once.
Is seasoning necessary for a plastic auger?
It’s less critical but still recommended. Plastic augers may have mold release agents from manufacturing that can affect taste. A quick celery run ensures they’re clean.
The Bottom Line
Seasoning your juicer auger is a simple five-minute step that ensures your first juices taste clean and your machine operates smoothly. By following this guide, you’ll extend the life of your auger and enjoy better results from the very first glass. Remember to always consult your specific juicer’s manual for any manufacturer-specific recommendations.
