How to make tomato juice

Tomato juice is a delicacy that you can easily prepare at home, bringing a touch of freshness and flavor to every meal. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also provide the satisfaction of creating something delicious with natural ingredients. It is ideal for accompanying various dishes or even enjoying on its own during hot summer days. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 bottles of 500 ml

Ingredients:

- 8 kg of ripe tomatoes (choose Roma tomatoes or other meaty varieties for quality juice)
- 50 g sugar (helps balance acidity)
- 10 g salt (enhances flavor)

Necessary equipment:

- Tomato juicer (can be attached to a meat grinder)
- A large pot for boiling
- Glass bottles with lids
- A knife (to hold the heat of the bottles)
- Thick blanket for wrapping

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by thoroughly washing the tomatoes under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities or pesticides. Once clean, cut them into smaller pieces so they fit easily in the juicer. Ripe tomatoes are the best as they have a high water content and intense flavor.

2. Juicing the tomatoes
Attach the juicer to the meat grinder. Feed the tomato pieces into the machine and turn it on. It’s important to run the tomatoes through the juicer twice to get a richer juice. You will notice that the pulp and seeds remain behind, while the juice flows freely.

3. Boiling the juice
After obtaining the juice, transfer it to a large pot. Add the salt and sugar, mixing well. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the juice. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about two hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Bottling
Once the juice has boiled, it’s time to bottle it. Fill the bottles with hot juice, being careful not to fill them completely. Place the blade of a knife under each bottle to allow steam to escape, thus preventing the bottles from exploding. This simple trick will ensure an effective seal.

5. Storing
Cover the bottles with thick blankets and place them in a draft-free spot. This will help retain heat inside, facilitating the sealing process. Leave them like this until the next day, when they will cool completely.

Useful tips:

- Choosing tomatoes: Pick ripe tomatoes with a high water content for a richer and more flavorful juice.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences; some people prefer a more tart juice, while others prefer a sweeter taste.
- Storage: Tomato juice can be kept in well-sealed bottles in a cool, dark place for several months.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding herbs like basil or oregano during boiling for a more complex flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

Tomato juice is rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which contributes to heart health and reduces the risks of certain types of cancer. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned tomatoes? While it is possible, fresh juice from ripe tomatoes offers a vastly superior taste and aroma.
- How can I incorporate the juice into my recipes? Tomato juice is excellent for preparing pasta sauces, soups, or even cocktails like Bloody Mary.

Serving:

Enjoy the freshly made tomato juice as is, or use it as a base for various dishes. It can be paired with a slice of garlic toast or a fresh salad. It is also perfect for use in cold soup recipes, such as gazpacho, bringing a touch of freshness to your plate.

This tomato juice recipe is not just a way to pamper your family, but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories in the kitchen. Let’s enjoy the natural flavors and the beauty of preparing food at home together!