Well, howdy there, partners! Just like when I'm about to wrestle a rogue washing machine into submission or tackle a temperamental toaster, let's get our tools in order before we dive in. But instead of a handy wrench or trusty screwdriver, today we're making juice, so your main tool is your juicer. It sits there on your counter, shiny, sleek, and ready for action, waiting for the perfect amount of fruits and vegetables. But how many do you need? Let's figure it out!

A Sip of Considerations Before We Start Squeezing

Remember how different machines require different types and amounts of oil to run smoothly? Well, it's kind of the same deal here. If you want the tastiest juice, all bright and refreshing, you need to consider the type of fruits and vegetables you're juicing, their size, and the juicer you're using.

Size and Type of Fruits and Veggies

Just like there's a difference between fixing a pin-pricked bicycle tire and a slashed car tire, there's a difference between juicing big, juicy oranges and stiff, crunchy carrots. A large orange or grapefruit could yield anywhere from a half to a full cup of juice, while it may take a pound or more of carrots to get the same amount.

For dense veggies like beets and carrots, you might need anywhere from 3 to 5 pieces for a 16.9 oz glass of juice, depending on their size. For smaller fruits like apples, three medium-sized ones should suffice. Leafy greens are more compact, so you'll need a good bunch, about 4 to 5 handfuls, to yield a decent amount of juice.

Again, your mileage may vary depending on the size of your produce. So, apply the good old repairman wisdom here: measure twice, cut once!

Type of Juicer

Not all juicers are created equal, just like your neighbour's flashy new power drill might not be as efficient as your trusty old hand drill.

A masticating juicer, also known as a slow juicer, generally extracts more juice from leafy greens and hard veggies than a centrifugal juicer. In contrast, a centrifugal juicer may be better at extracting juice from juicier fruits. But test and tweak based on your gear, just like I always say about tools: "It's not about getting new gear. It's about knowing your gear."

A Quick Squeeze on Juice Portions

According to the USDA, a standard serving of fruit juice is 1 cup (8 oz), and a serving of vegetable juice is ½ cup (4 oz). So, let's do a bit of simple maths here.

If we're aiming for a standard 16.9 oz glass, you'll need about 2 to 3 cups of fruit or vegetable juice. This doesn't take into account any water or ice you might add. So going by that, you'd need the juice of approximately 2 large oranges, or 6 to 10 carrots, or three medium-sized apples. However, remember, folks, these are rough estimates.

Conserving the Bounty: Juice Yield Tips

If you don't want to waste your hard-earned fruits and veggies (and let's face it, who does?), here are a few of my trusty tips:

Prep Properly

Proper prep work can save you from technical glitches when assembling equipment! Wash your fruits and veggies thoroughly, remove any hard seeds or pits (trust me, your juicer doesn't like 'em any more than a lawnmower likes rocks), and cut them into pieces that comfortably fit in your juicer's feed chute.

Alternate Types of Produce

Mix it up! Alternate between juicier, softer fruits and harder, drier veggies. The high-water content fruits can help push through any leftover bits from the dry stuff.

Make use of Pulp

Don't discard that pulp! It can give a rich thickness to soups, can be baked into muffins, or added to compost for your garden.

Time to Get 'juiced' About Juicing!

Now that you've got the juice on the right quantities for a great glass of juice, you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get squeezing. There's a certain art to juicing, just like there is to fixing things. But, with time, you'll have the hang of it and can enjoy the refreshing, nutritious, homemade juice any time you fancy.

Remember, just like what I tell my customers when they’re amazed by a repaired home appliance: "The secret isn't necessarily in the tools...it's in knowing how much elbow grease to apply!" Happy juicing, folks!