In this video, Tricia will show you how to use a steam juicer and preserve your own fresh fruit juice. Steam juicing lets you skip the straining step in making jelly and syrups!
How to Make and Preserve Homemade Juice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating homemade juice is a fun, rewarding process that allows you to enjoy fresh flavors from your garden year-round. Using a steam juicer and water bath canner, you can easily make and preserve your own juice for long-term storage.
Preparing to Juice
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Set Up the Steam Juicer
Fill the bottom pot of your steam juicer with water up to one inch from the top. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Monitor the water level to ensure it doesn’t boil dry. -
Prepare the Fruit
- Use ripe fruit, either from your garden or seconds from local farms.
- Rinse small fruits like berries and grapes.
- For larger fruits or those with waxy coatings, cut them into quarters for faster juicing.
- Pomegranates can be scored and slightly pulled apart before adding them to the basket.
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Juicing Process
Place the juicing pot on top of the boiling water, followed by the fruit basket and lid. In about 45 minutes, juice will begin collecting in the attached tube. Clamp the tube to control juice flow into a container. Complete juicing takes 2–4 hours.
Preserving the Juice
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Sterilize Your Jars
Boil jars and lids for at least 10 minutes. Inspect for chips or cracks. -
Fill and Process
Pour juice into jars, leaving a ¼-inch headspace. Process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude). Ensure the water covers the jars by 1–2 inches. -
Seal and Store
After cooling overnight, check seals by lifting the lids. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place to prevent discoloration.
Enjoy Your Homemade Juice
Homemade juice can be enjoyed fresh within a week or preserved for months. Use it for drinking, making jellies, or creating flavorful syrups. With a simple process and tools, you can create healthy, delicious juice and preserve the taste of your garden year-round.
