Kevin Kos Super Juice Calculator
Super Juice Calculator
Select the type of citrus you are using.
Enter the total weight of your citrus peels.
Enter the amount of juice you extracted from the citrus.
Your Super Juice Recipe
Ingredient Proportions Chart
What is the Kevin Kos Super Juice Calculator?
The Kevin Kos Super Juice Calculator is a tool designed to help you create ‘super juice’, a cost-effective and flavorful alternative to fresh citrus juice, popularized by bartender Kevin Kos and originally invented by Nickle Morris. This method extends the yield of citrus by utilizing the peels, which are typically discarded. By combining the peels with acids and water, you can create a larger volume of juice with a longer shelf life, all while maintaining a fresh, vibrant flavor. This calculator provides the precise measurements for lime, lemon, and orange super juice based on the weight of your citrus peels.
The Super Juice Formula and Explanation
The core of the super juice recipe lies in creating an “oleo citrate” from the citrus peels and then combining it with water and the juice from the fruit. The formulas vary slightly for different types of citrus:
- Lime Super Juice: Uses a combination of citric and malic acid to replicate the signature tartness of limes.
- Lemon Super Juice: Primarily uses citric acid.
- Orange Super Juice: Also uses a blend of citric and malic acid for a balanced flavor.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peel Weight | The weight of the citrus peels. | grams (g) | 20 – 100g |
| Citric Acid | The primary acid for sourness. | grams (g) | Varies by recipe |
| Malic Acid | A secondary acid that provides a different type of tartness. | grams (g) | Varies by recipe |
| Water | Used to dilute the mixture and create volume. | milliliters (ml) | Varies by recipe |
| Juice Yield | The juice extracted from the peeled citrus. | milliliters (ml) | 100 – 500ml |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Making Lime Super Juice
Let’s say you have 50g of lime peels and you’ve extracted 250ml of lime juice. Using the calculator, you would get the following recipe:
- Citric Acid: 33g
- Malic Acid: 16.5g
- Water: 833ml
- Total Super Juice: Approximately 1132.5ml
Example 2: Making Lemon Super Juice
If you start with 40g of lemon peels and get 200ml of lemon juice, the calculator will tell you to use:
- Citric Acid: 40g
- Water: 666.4ml
- Total Super Juice: Approximately 906.4ml
How to Use This Kevin Kos Super Juice Calculator
- Select Citrus Type: Choose between lime, lemon, or orange from the dropdown menu.
- Enter Peel Weight: Weigh your citrus peels and enter the value in grams.
- Enter Juice Yield: Measure the juice you’ve extracted and enter the volume in milliliters.
- Calculate: The calculator will automatically display the required amounts of citric acid, malic acid (if applicable), and water, as well as the total estimated volume of your super juice.
- Interpret Results: The results section gives you a clear recipe to follow. The chart also provides a visual representation of the ingredient proportions.
Key Factors That Affect Super Juice
- Peel Quality: The freshness and oil content of your citrus peels will significantly impact the final flavor. Use fresh, organic citrus whenever possible.
- Pith Content: Try to remove the peels with as little of the white pith as possible, as it can impart a bitter taste.
- Acid Quality: Use food-grade citric and malic acid for the best results.
- Water Quality: Filtered water is recommended to avoid any off-flavors from tap water.
- Resting Time: Allowing the peels and acids to rest for at least an hour is crucial for the oil extraction process.
- Blending and Straining: Thoroughly blend the mixture to break down the peels and strain it well to remove any solids for a smooth final product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make super juice without malic acid?
- For lemon super juice, you don’t need malic acid. However, for lime and orange super juice, malic acid is important for achieving the correct flavor profile. If you only use citric acid for lime juice, it will taste more like lemon.
- How should I store super juice?
- Store your super juice in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for one to two weeks. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Can I use bottled citrus juice?
- For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use fresh juice from the citrus you peeled. Bottled juice often contains preservatives that can alter the taste.
- What if I don’t have a scale to weigh the peels?
- A kitchen scale is highly recommended for accuracy. However, as a rough estimate, the peel of one medium lime or lemon weighs about 10-15 grams.
- Is super juice alcoholic?
- No, super juice itself is non-alcoholic. It’s a citrus juice extender used as a mixer in cocktails and other drinks.
- Who invented super juice?
- Super juice was invented by bartender Nickle Morris as a way to make bartending more sustainable and cost-effective.
- Why is it called “super” juice?
- It’s called “super” because it super-charges your yield, giving you much more juice from the same amount of citrus, and it has a “super” long shelf life compared to fresh juice.
- Can I use this for other citrus fruits like grapefruit?
- This calculator is specifically for lime, lemon, and orange, based on Kevin Kos’s recipes. Grapefruit has a different acid profile and would require a different formula.
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