How to make tomato juice

Homemade Tomato Juice: A Summer Delicacy

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 5 liters of juice

Introduction

Making tomato juice is a tradition passed down through generations, serving as an excellent way to preserve fresh tomatoes for the winter. This juice is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, being an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, tomato juice can be used as a base for soups, sauces, or even cocktails.

In this recipe, I will share how I made tomato juice for the first time, with the help of my best friend, Miruna. Although I used several yellow tomatoes, I ended up with a remarkable juice and would like to share our experience with you.

Necessary Ingredients

- Tomatoes (approximately 10 kg, variety can be mixed: red, yellow, or even a combination)
- 3 bay leaves
- Coarse salt (to taste)
- Sugar (very little, about 2 tablespoons)

Preparing the Tomatoes

1. Washing the tomatoes: Start by thoroughly washing the tomatoes under a stream of cold water. This removes impurities and pesticides, ensuring you have a clean product.

2. Cutting the tomatoes: Cut each tomato in half or quarters, depending on their size. Remove the stem, which will not be used in the recipe.

3. Preparing the juice: Use a juicer or blender to turn the cut tomatoes into pulp. Make sure you have a large container handy to collect the juice and pulp.

Cooking the Juice

4. Boiling the juice: Transfer the tomato juice and pulp into a large, deep pot. Start heating on high heat. Your mission is to bring the mixture to a boil, where you will see foam forming on the surface.

5. Reducing the heat: Once the juice starts boiling, reduce the temperature to medium heat. Place a metal plate under the pot to prevent the juice from sticking to the bottom.

6. Constant stirring: Use a wooden spoon to periodically stir the juice, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

7. Seasoning the juice: After about 20-30 minutes, when the juice reaches the desired consistency, add the bay leaves, a pinch of salt, and the sugar. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the juice, but don’t overdo the sugar – the goal is to highlight the natural flavors of the tomatoes.

Bottling and Preserving

8. Bottling: When the juice is ready, fill sterilized bottles with hot juice. You can use glass bottles or plastic PET bottles, as I did. Seal the caps tightly.

9. Cooling: Place the bottles in a warm spot and wrap them with blankets to cool slowly. Allowing them to cool gradually helps maintain the flavors and prevents mold formation.

Useful Tips and Variations

- Choosing tomatoes: It’s important to use well-ripened tomatoes, as they contain more sweetness and flavor. You can experiment with different varieties to achieve a unique taste.

- Optional additions: You can add personalized spices, such as basil or oregano, to create a flavored tomato juice.

- Juice consistency: If you prefer a smoother juice, you can strain the mixture through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.

- Uses: Use tomato juice in soups, pasta sauces, or even as a base for cocktails.

Nutritional Information

Tomato juice is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. It also contains essential minerals like potassium.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How long can tomato juice be stored?
Tomato juice can be stored for a few months in the pantry, but it is recommended to consume it within 6 months to ensure freshness.

- Are there risks associated with preservation?
If you notice any signs of mold or changes in taste, it’s best not to consume the product.

Conclusion

Making tomato juice is a rewarding experience that will not only fill your pantry with delicious flavors but also bring back pleasant memories with loved ones. So, the next time you have leftover tomatoes in your garden, don’t hesitate to get to work! I promise the result will meet your expectations. Enjoy it!