How to make tomato juice

Garden Tomato Juice - a simple and healthy recipe

Do you want to enjoy the fresh taste of tomatoes even in the winter months? Homemade tomato juice is the perfect answer. This recipe does not require the addition of salt or sugar, allowing you to enjoy a pure, natural product that will remind you of the summer spent among garden tomatoes. Here’s how to make delicious tomato juice without additives, step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Sterilization time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: about 4 bottles of 500 ml

Ingredients:
- Fresh garden tomatoes (about 2 kg)
- Unbuffered aspirin (1 tablet for each 500 ml bottle)

The history of tomato juice

Tomato juice has a long history, being a cherished product for centuries. Initially, tomatoes were used in various culinary preparations, but as their popularity grew, tomato juice became a convenient way to preserve these delicious vegetables. The preparation of tomato juice is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, and today we enjoy its benefits, both in taste and nutrition.

Preparing tomato juice

1. Selecting tomatoes: Choose ripe, vibrant tomatoes full of color and flavor. Ideally, use garden tomatoes as they have a more intense taste. It is important for them to be fresh to obtain high-quality juice.

2. Washing tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes well under cold running water to remove dirt and pesticides. Ensure they are clean and free of blemishes.

3. Cutting tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into quarters or halves to extract the juice more efficiently.

4. Extracting the juice: Use a juice separator or a juicer to extract the juice from the tomatoes. If you don’t have a separator, you can use a blender, but you will need to strain the juice to remove the pulp.

5. Filling bottles: Fill the sterilized bottles with the extracted juice, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top.

6. Adding aspirin: Crush one aspirin tablet and sprinkle the powder over the juice in each 500 ml bottle. This will help preserve the juice by preventing bacterial growth.

7. Sealing bottles: Close each bottle with a clean cap, ensuring it is well sealed.

8. Sterilizing: Place a towel at the bottom of a large pot and arrange the juice bottles upright without laying them down. Add water to the pot up to the necks of the bottles. Boil the water and let the bottles sterilize for 25-30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent spoilage of the juice.

9. Cooling the bottles: After sterilization, carefully remove the bottles from the water and let them cool. It is important not to expose them to thermal shock, so wait for the water to cool slightly before handling.

10. Storing: Once the bottles have completely cooled, store them in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar. Tomato juice can be kept for 3-4 years without losing its quality!

Nutritional benefits

Tomato juice is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Since it is prepared without salt and sugar, it is a healthy choice, suitable for those on strict diets.

Serving suggestions

Tomato juice can be used in various culinary preparations, such as soups, pasta sauces, or even cocktails. You can use fresh tomato juice to make a delicious marinara sauce or to add flavor to your favorite dishes. It is also perfect as a base for a Bloody Mary cocktail, enhanced with some spices and lemon juice.

Variations and tips

If you want to experiment, you can add some natural flavors to the tomato juice, such as fresh basil or oregano, before sterilizing. These will provide a more complex and aromatic taste. You can also use different types of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes or orange ones, for a uniquely colored juice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
It is not recommended. Fresh tomato juice tastes much better and contains more nutrients.

2. What if I don’t have aspirin?
Aspirin helps preserve the juice, but if you don’t have it, ensure that the bottles are properly sterilized and consume the juice more quickly.

3. How can I check if the juice has spoiled?
If you notice an unpleasant smell or bubbles when opening the bottle, it is better not to consume the juice.

4. Is sterilizing the bottles necessary?
Yes, sterilization is crucial to prevent any contamination that could lead to spoilage of the juice.

5. Can I freeze tomato juice?
Yes, you can freeze the juice in airtight containers, but it is important to leave some space for expansion.

Making tomato juice is a pleasant and satisfying activity that brings the flavors of summer into your kitchen. So embrace this simple and healthy recipe and enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes, even in the coldest months!