Black grape syrup

Black Grape Syrup – a natural delicacy

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 2 bottles of 1 liter

Welcome to the fantastic world of natural syrups! Today, I will share with you a simple and refined recipe for black grape syrup, an excellent choice to add a sweet touch to any drink or dessert. This syrup is not only a delicacy but also a way to preserve the rich flavor of fresh grapes, so we can enjoy their taste throughout the year.

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the key ingredients and the nutritional benefits that black grapes offer. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C and K), and minerals, and the resulting syrup will retain many of these beneficial properties.

Ingredients:
- 2 kg fresh, ripe black grapes
- 1 liter water
- 100 g sugar (for the first stage)
- 800 g sugar (for the second stage)

Step by step to a perfect syrup:

1. Preparing the grapes: Start by carefully washing the black grapes. It is important to clean them well to remove any impurities. Once the grapes are clean, detach the berries from the bunches. This step may seem simple, but use a knife or your fingers to make this easier.

2. Initial boiling: Place the grape berries in a large pot and add 1 liter of water and 100 g of sugar. This sugar will help extract the flavors and juices from the grapes. Heat the mixture over medium heat and let it boil for about 30 minutes. During this time, you will notice that many of the seeds will float to the surface, and the skins will start to detach. Don’t worry, this is a good sign!

3. Straining the liquid: After 30 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. It’s time to strain the liquid. Use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the seeds and skins. If you wish, let the liquid cool slightly so that you don’t burn yourself when pouring it. This will be the base of your syrup.

4. Boiling the syrup: Once you have obtained the clear liquid, place it in a clean pot and add 800 g of sugar. Stir well to combine the ingredients. This is where the magic begins! Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 35-40 minutes. You will notice how the syrup gradually thickens, and its aroma becomes more intense.

5. Bottling the syrup: After the syrup has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully pour it into clean, dry bottles. Make sure to use a funnel to avoid spills. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place.

Serving suggestions and delicious combinations:
This black grape syrup is extremely versatile! You can use it to sweeten tea, lemonade, or your favorite cocktails. It’s also delicious drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, or muffins. Try it in combination with cheeses for a refined appetizer.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or a pinch of cinnamon during boiling. These additions can give an even more interesting taste to the syrup.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why is it important to use ripe grapes?
Ripe grapes have a higher natural sugar content, which will enhance the flavor and sweetness of the syrup.

- Can I use grapes of other colors?
Of course! The syrup can also be made from other types of grapes, but black grapes offer a richer flavor and a more intense color.

Nutritional benefits:
Black grape syrup is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radicals. Additionally, moderate consumption of syrup can contribute to improved cardiovascular health and immune system function.

Calories:
Each serving (about a tablespoon) of black grape syrup contains approximately 50 calories. When consumed in moderation, it can be a healthier choice than refined sugar.

In conclusion, black grape syrup is not only a delicacy but also a way to add a touch of nature to everyday life. I invite you to try this easy-to-follow recipe and let yourself be inspired by its natural flavors. Enjoy!