Tomato juice, or tomato puree, is a true culinary treasure, an essential ingredient in numerous dishes, as well as a delicacy to be enjoyed on its own. This recipe is not just a way to preserve tomatoes, but also an opportunity to enjoy the fresh taste of summer tomatoes all year round. Additionally, the tomato juice you make at home is 100% natural, without preservatives, and you can adjust each ingredient to your taste.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 22.7 liters of juice
Ingredients:
- 30 kg fresh, juicy tomatoes
- 9 tablespoons of salt (adjust to taste)
- 9 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- a few sprigs of fresh basil
Necessary equipment:
- Fruit juicer or blender
- Large pot for boiling
- Glass or plastic bottles for storage
- Blanket or towels for cooling
Step by step:
1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Start by washing the tomatoes well under cold running water. Remove the stems and any damaged parts. Choose very juicy tomatoes to achieve a rich and flavorful juice. If you don’t have a fruit juicer, you can use a blender, but you will need to strain the juice from the remaining pulp.
2. Juicing:
Use the juicer to extract the tomato juice. Place the tomatoes in the juicer and let it do its job. If you notice a lot of wet pulp remaining, you can add it back into the juicer to extract the last drops of juice.
3. Boiling the juice:
Pour the obtained juice into the large pot and add the salt, sugar, and a few sprigs of fresh basil. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients. This is the moment when you can adjust the amount of salt and sugar according to your preferences.
4. Cooking the juice:
Place the pot over medium heat and let the juice boil. You will notice foam forming on the surface. Continue to stir occasionally and remove the foam with a spatula or spoon. Cook the juice until the foam disappears and the juice becomes uniform.
5. Bottling:
When the juice is ready, take the glass or plastic bottles, and if you opt for plastic, place them in a pot of cold water to prevent deformation. Fill the bottles with the hot puree, leaving about 2 cm of space at the top. Cover the bottles with a blanket or towels to help them cool gradually.
6. Cooling and storing:
Leave the covered bottles until the next day, when the puree will be completely cooled. Once cooled, you can store them in the pantry or in a cool, dark place.
Practical tips:
- If you want a more concentrated puree, you can boil the juice longer until it reduces to the desired consistency.
- You can experiment with adding other herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to give an extra flavor note.
- Before filling the bottles, you can taste the puree and adjust the salt and sugar according to your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
Tomato juice is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. Regular consumption of tomato juice can contribute to heart health and improve skin health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
It is not recommended, as juice made from fresh tomatoes is much more flavorful and nutritious.
2. How can I keep the juice longer?
Make sure the bottles are sterilized before filling and keep them in a cool, dark place.
3. Can tomato juice be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze tomato juice in airtight containers. Make sure to leave enough space for expansion.
Recipes and combinations:
Tomato juice is perfect to use as a base in soups, sauces, or stews. It can also be served as a healthy refreshment alongside a slice of lemon and a bit of fresh basil. Additionally, you can combine the juice with a Bloody Mary cocktail, adding spices and other ingredients of your choice.
In conclusion, making tomato juice at home is a satisfying activity that will not only provide you with a versatile ingredient for the kitchen but also a piece of your beloved summer that you can enjoy in the cold months. So, don't hesitate and unleash your culinary creativity!
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 22.7 liters of juice
Ingredients:
- 30 kg fresh, juicy tomatoes
- 9 tablespoons of salt (adjust to taste)
- 9 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- a few sprigs of fresh basil
Necessary equipment:
- Fruit juicer or blender
- Large pot for boiling
- Glass or plastic bottles for storage
- Blanket or towels for cooling
Step by step:
1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Start by washing the tomatoes well under cold running water. Remove the stems and any damaged parts. Choose very juicy tomatoes to achieve a rich and flavorful juice. If you don’t have a fruit juicer, you can use a blender, but you will need to strain the juice from the remaining pulp.
2. Juicing:
Use the juicer to extract the tomato juice. Place the tomatoes in the juicer and let it do its job. If you notice a lot of wet pulp remaining, you can add it back into the juicer to extract the last drops of juice.
3. Boiling the juice:
Pour the obtained juice into the large pot and add the salt, sugar, and a few sprigs of fresh basil. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients. This is the moment when you can adjust the amount of salt and sugar according to your preferences.
4. Cooking the juice:
Place the pot over medium heat and let the juice boil. You will notice foam forming on the surface. Continue to stir occasionally and remove the foam with a spatula or spoon. Cook the juice until the foam disappears and the juice becomes uniform.
5. Bottling:
When the juice is ready, take the glass or plastic bottles, and if you opt for plastic, place them in a pot of cold water to prevent deformation. Fill the bottles with the hot puree, leaving about 2 cm of space at the top. Cover the bottles with a blanket or towels to help them cool gradually.
6. Cooling and storing:
Leave the covered bottles until the next day, when the puree will be completely cooled. Once cooled, you can store them in the pantry or in a cool, dark place.
Practical tips:
- If you want a more concentrated puree, you can boil the juice longer until it reduces to the desired consistency.
- You can experiment with adding other herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to give an extra flavor note.
- Before filling the bottles, you can taste the puree and adjust the salt and sugar according to your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
Tomato juice is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. Regular consumption of tomato juice can contribute to heart health and improve skin health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
It is not recommended, as juice made from fresh tomatoes is much more flavorful and nutritious.
2. How can I keep the juice longer?
Make sure the bottles are sterilized before filling and keep them in a cool, dark place.
3. Can tomato juice be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze tomato juice in airtight containers. Make sure to leave enough space for expansion.
Recipes and combinations:
Tomato juice is perfect to use as a base in soups, sauces, or stews. It can also be served as a healthy refreshment alongside a slice of lemon and a bit of fresh basil. Additionally, you can combine the juice with a Bloody Mary cocktail, adding spices and other ingredients of your choice.
In conclusion, making tomato juice at home is a satisfying activity that will not only provide you with a versatile ingredient for the kitchen but also a piece of your beloved summer that you can enjoy in the cold months. So, don't hesitate and unleash your culinary creativity!