How to Equip Your Kitchen for a RAW Food Diet

There are some basic pieces of equipment that are used frequently for a raw food diet. When you begin a raw food diet, preparing your kitchen with the right tools is essential.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Blender
   
   A good blender is probably the most critical piece of equipment in the raw food kitchen. A blender can be used for making milks, smoothies, purees, pestos, dressings and soups. A Vita-Mix blender produces wonderful results, but you can get by with a more economical blender if needed.

2. Juicer
   
   A good quality juicer is critical, as it will ensure you are getting the most out of your juiced fruits and vegetables and not wasting any valuable nutrients. If you don't want to purchase a good quality juicer up front, you can purchase very inexpensive citrus juicers in any discount store. There are specialized juicers for wheat grass.

3. Grinder
   
   Coffee grinders are wonderful for grinding dried herbs and spices, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

4. Colander
   
   A large strainer will be used for washing and draining fruits and vegetables. Smaller strainers are used for draining nuts, grains and seeds while sprouting them.

5. Dehydrator
   
   Raw food lovers use a dehydrator like an oven. You must be careful to purchase a dehydrator with an adjustable temperature control. To remain "raw" food must not be heated over the temperature of 105 degrees. It is a good idea to place a thermometer in any new dehydrator to ensure that it is heating to the correct temperature.

6. Sprouting Bags or Bowls
   
   Bags and bowls to assist in the transport of nuts, grains and seeds while sprouting are available at health food stores. These let you carry them and drain them with minimal effort.

7. Food Processor
   
   Food processors are used for chopping, shredding, and grating vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

8. Knives
   
   Sharp knives for cutting up raw fruits and vegetables is a must.

9. Cheese Cloth
   
   Cheese cloth comes in very handy for straining various foods.

Tips & Warnings

• Toss the microwave. You won't be needing it.