Description
Grape juice is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy nutrients. Learn how to choose, enjoy, and make it at home in this full 2024 guide.
Ingredients
Scale
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- 4 to 8 pounds fresh Concord grapes (or any naturally sweet variety)
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- Water (as needed)
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- Optional: sugar or honey (only if your grapes are especially tart)
Instructions
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- Pick & Rinse
Remove the grapes from their stems and give them a good rinse under cool water. Discard any soft, unripe, or damaged fruit.
- Pick & Rinse
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- Mash the Grapes
Place the rinsed grapes into a large cooking pot and gently press them with a potato masher to release their juices. This releases the juice and starts to break down the skins.
- Mash the Grapes
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- Simmer the Mixture
Set the heat to medium and let the crushed grapes gently simmer. Let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens the fruit and intensifies the flavor.
- Simmer the Mixture
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- Strain the Juice
Position a fine mesh strainer or layer of cheesecloth over a separate large bowl or pot to prepare for straining. Carefully pour the hot mixture through to separate the juice from the pulp and skins. Let it drain for at least 2 hours — or overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Strain the Juice
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- Cool and Bottle
Once fully strained and cooled, pour the juice into clean glass jars or bottles. Seal tightly and refrigerate.
- Cool and Bottle
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- Taste and Adjust (Optional)
If the juice is too tart, you can add a small amount of sugar or honey while it’s still warm. Stir until dissolved, but don’t over-sweeten — you want to preserve that natural grape flavor.
- Taste and Adjust (Optional)
Notes
You can use this recipe for any amount of grapes. One pound of grapes will yield about a cup of juice.
If you are using ripe concord grapes, no added sugar is necessary, the juice is more than sweet enough. But if you are using a more tart grape, you may want to add sugar. I would just taste the juice and add more sugar to taste if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins