How to make spiced tomato juice

Spiced tomato juice is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves authentic flavors and well-balanced tastes. This recipe will not only transform your fresh tomatoes into a delicious condiment, but it will also give you the opportunity to experiment with your favorite spices, creating a personalized juice that is perfect for various dishes.

The history of tomato juice is fascinating. It has become popular worldwide due to its versatility, being used in both hot and cold dishes, adding a touch of freshness to meals like soups, broths, pizza, and many more. Now, let's get started!

Necessary Ingredients
- 35 kg fresh tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Ground green pepper
- Ground white pepper
- Bay leaves
- Ground allspice
- Ground coriander seeds
- Thyme
- Sweet paprika
- Brown sugar, to taste
- Garlic powder
- Marjoram
- Sage
- Dried parsley
- Basil

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: Depends on the quantity, but can produce approximately 25 liters of juice

Preparing the Spiced Tomato Juice

1. Preparing the tomatoes
- Start by washing the tomatoes under cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. It is important to use quality, well-ripened tomatoes to achieve a juice rich in flavor.
- Cut the tomatoes into large pieces. There is no need to peel them, as the skin will add texture and nutrients to the final juice.

2. Blending the tomatoes
- Use a powerful blender to turn the tomatoes into a fine paste. It is essential that the blender is of good quality, as this will help achieve a uniform texture.

3. Boiling the juice
- Transfer the tomato paste into three large pots of 15 kg each. Set the heat to low. This will allow the juice to simmer slowly, concentrating the flavors.
- Add the spices, salt, sugar, and any other desired flavors. I suggest starting with a small amount of each spice and adjusting to taste. The juice should have a balance between sweet and tangy, with a hint of spiciness.

4. Tasting and adjusting
- After about 30 minutes of boiling, taste the juice and adjust the spices. If you want a spicy juice, add a little ground chili pepper. Continue boiling for an hour, stirring occasionally, until the foam on the surface disappears.

5. Preparing the bottles
- While the juice is boiling, prepare the bottles by washing and scalding them. It is essential that the containers are clean to prevent contamination of the juice. You can use glass bottles or jars, depending on your preferences.

6. Filling the bottles
- Once the juice is ready, fill the bottles with it, leaving a little space at the top. Put on the airtight lid and make sure it is well sealed.

7. Storing the juice
- The spiced tomato juice can be stored in the pantry or in a box wrapped in a blanket on the terrace, to keep it at a constant temperature. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.

Useful Tips
- Variations of the recipe: You can experiment with different types of tomatoes or add other vegetables, such as peppers or carrots, for a juice with a more complex flavor.
- The key to perfect juice: Taste is everything! Make sure to adjust the spices gradually and don't be afraid to experiment.
- Uses: Spiced tomato juice is ideal for soups, broths, pizza sauces, or even as a base for a refined cocktail, like a Bloody Mary.

Nutritional Information
Tomato juice is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It contains few calories, making it a healthy choice to add flavor to your dishes without adding unnecessary calories.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can spiced tomato juice be frozen?
- Yes, the juice can be frozen, but make sure to keep it in airtight containers.

2. How long does tomato juice last?
- If stored correctly in sealed bottles, the juice can last up to 1 year, but it is recommended to consume it within a few months to enjoy the maximum quality.

3. What other spices can I use?
- You can experiment with herbs like oregano, rosemary, or even Asian spices to give your juice a different note.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get cooking! This spiced tomato juice will bring a touch of freshness and flavor to your dishes. Don't forget to share your unique and delicious recipe with others!