Test Kitchen: Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500

I have really enjoyed my latest collaboration with Panasonic, this time trialling the Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500. I love making fresh juices and have owned quite a few juicers over the years. Still, I have to admit that until two weeks ago, I was not really sure what slow juicers were. A fortnight later, I am puzzled on how and why I have been missing out for so long on such a fabulous kitchen appliance.

Centrifugal vs masticating
Before we look further into the Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500 it is important to understand that there are two types of juicers on the market: centrifugal and masticating. Centrifugal juicers are the most common. They grind fruits and vegetables at high speed (creating heat), extracting juice from the pulp. In contrast, slow juicers crush and extract at a slow pace, and are typical referred to as masticating juicers.

How it works
The Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500 is a masticating juicer that has a low-speed extraction in order to reduce oxidisation thus retaining maximum vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Inside the juicing bowl fits a giant squeezing screw which is responsible for extracting all the goodness. The pulp is discarded on one end, while the juice comes out from another spout conveniently fitted with a cap.

The Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500 is a tall and slim appliance (13 cm width x 15cm depth), more compact than other juicers I have come across before. It comes with two removable containers: one for the pulp and one for the juice.

I put the Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500 to the test by juicing some tough greens like kale as well as some soft fruits like mango. I was really impressed by the amount of juice extracted. I made many juices and noticed that the pulp extracted was noticeably drier which makes sense if more liquid is removed. Another difference with my centrifugal juicer is that the juices made with this slow juicer did not seem to separate as quickly. My guess is that they are probably smoother.

Practicality
The Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500 is very easy to use. The two removable containers can easily be cleaned. The juicing bowl and squeezing screw dismantle quickly for washing up and a complimentary brush comes very handily for stubborn bits. There is even an attachment to make frozen desserts.

Beyond juices
The biggest surprise came at how versatile this appliance is. You can not only grind nuts to make velvety nut milk but can also use this slow juicer to make soups (hot & cold), tofu, cocktails, salsa, tomato sauce etc…

Best of all, the Panasonic Slow Juicer MJ-L500 makes the most delicious frozen desserts such as sorbets, ice creams, frozen yoghurts or ice lollies. Soft fruits or berries, nothing is too difficult. You can even play around by adding some vegetables. The superior extraction process harnesses the natural sweetness of the fruits (and vegetables) so you can make desserts with low to no added sugar.

I enjoyed creating this recipe for Mango & Orange Ginger Sorbet based on one of my favourite childhood desserts: “Oranges Givrées”. A trip down the 70’s memory lane 🙂

This sorbet contains only 3 ingredients is as velvety as ice cream without the calories. Vegan, gluten-free and with no added sugar this is the perfect guilt-free treat.