The Science Behind Beet Juice: Why Ital Juice's Cold-Pressed Formula Works
Cold-pressed juice is produced by grinding produce and then applying thousands of pounds of hydraulic pressure to extract liquid, without introducing any heat. This matters because heat — even the friction of a centrifugal juicer spinning at 10,000 RPM — destroys a significant portion of heat-sensitive vitamins, enzymes, and phytonutrients. Research published in the Journal of Food Processing & Preservation found that cold-pressed beet juice retains up to 60% more betalain antioxidants than heat-pasteurized alternatives.
Ital Juice, based in North Lawndale, takes cold-pressing even further by sourcing beets from certified organic farms within 48 miles of their facility. "The moment a beet is pulled from the ground, oxidation begins," explains Ital Juice founder Devon Richards. "Every hour between harvest and pressing costs you nutrition. We press within 24 hours of harvest, always." The result is a juice with a noticeably earthy, complex flavor — and measurably higher nitrate content, which research links to improved cardiovascular endurance and blood pressure regulation.
If you've seen beet juice at a grocery store with a shelf life of 90+ days, it's been high-pressure processed (HPP) or pasteurized. Ital Juice products have a 7-day refrigerated shelf life — a feature, not a limitation. It's a direct indicator of how little processing stands between the farm and your glass. For maximum benefit, consume within 3 days of opening and shake well before drinking.
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Dr. Aisha Thompson
Dr. Thompson is a nutritional biochemist and advisor to Community FarmTable's food quality team. She holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
