Tomato juice

Tomato Juice Recipe - A Summer Delight

Total Time: 3 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 30 servings (depending on jar size)

Ingredients:
- 25 kg fresh, ripe tomatoes
- 250 g sugar (optional, depending on preferences)
- 5 tablespoons coarse salt (or to taste)

A Journey into the World of Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is a versatile, flavorful delicacy that has won the hearts of many over time. Used both as a base for soups and sauces and as an ingredient in various dishes, this juice is an excellent way to preserve fresh tomatoes from your garden. I invite you to explore this simple yet flavorful recipe that will transform your garden tomatoes into delicious bottles, ready to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Preparing the Tomatoes

The first essential step in creating tomato juice is selecting the tomatoes. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes with vibrant color. Quality tomatoes will ensure a tasty and aromatic juice. Wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, cut them in half or quarters and remove the stems.

Separating the Seeds

To obtain a smooth juice, it is important to remove the seeds. Use a seed separator or a blender to turn the cut tomatoes into a paste. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth juice without a grainy texture.

Cooking the Tomato Juice

In a large pot, add the tomato paste obtained and place it over medium heat. Cook the tomato juice, stirring occasionally, until the volume decreases significantly. This process will take about 2 hours, but the time may vary depending on the water content of the tomatoes. At the end of cooking, add the sugar and coarse salt, adjusting the taste to your preference. The sugar will help balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, while the salt will enhance the flavor.

Bottling

When the juice has reached the desired consistency, it is time to bottle it. Use clean, dry jars or bottles. Fill them with the hot juice, leaving a few centimeters of space at the top for expansion. Seal the lids tightly.

Preserving by Boiling

To ensure your tomato juice stays fresh, it is important to sterilize it. Place a towel at the bottom of a large pot and arrange the jars inside. Fill the pot with water, ensuring that the water covers the jars. Boil them in a steam bath for 40-50 minutes. It is vital that the temperature of the jars and the water is approximately equal to avoid cracking the jars. After the boiling process, let the jars cool in the water or cover them with a blanket to retain heat.

Practical Tips:
- If you want a sweeter juice, add more sugar to taste. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey, but make sure they blend well into the mixture.
- Experiment with spices! Oregano, basil, or a dash of black pepper can add a unique touch to your juice.
- Don’t throw away the seeds! You can plant them to grow new tomatoes in your garden.

Nutritional Values:
Tomato juice is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, with a low calorie content, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Approximately 100 ml of tomato juice contains around 20 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the juice will have a slightly different flavor.

2. How can I store jars after opening?
Once opened, jars of tomato juice should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 5-7 days.

3. Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?
Yes, sterilization is essential to prevent bacterial growth and ensure long-lasting preservation.

Serving Suggestions:
Tomato juice is excellent on its own, but it can also be used as a base for soups or pasta sauces. You can also use it in cocktails, such as a Bloody Mary. A delicious combination is to serve it alongside a fresh vegetable salad or a slice of toasted bread with olive oil and garlic.

In conclusion, this tomato juice recipe is not just a way to preserve tomatoes, but also an opportunity to connect with nature and bring the flavors of summer into your home all year round. So, embrace your creative side in the kitchen and enjoy every drop of freshly prepared juice!