Homemade Healthy Tomato Juice
How to Store Tomatoes & Fresh Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe
I bought a box of ripe tomatoes for just 7,000 won, and now I have way too many! It’s impossible to eat them all at once. So, I’ve found the perfect way to preserve them and I’m excited to share my method. This recipe will guide you through storing your excess tomatoes and turning them into a delicious, fresh, homemade tomato juice that captures their natural flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients- 17 ripe tomatoes
- Coarse salt
- Sugar (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, select fresh, ripe, bright red tomatoes. Tomatoes with deep color and a nice sheen are best for juicing.
Step 2
Make a shallow cross-shaped incision (‘X’) on the bottom of each tomato with a knife. This scoring will make peeling much easier later.
Step 3
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt to the water; this helps increase the boiling point slightly, aiding in the blanching process.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the tomatoes with the scored bottoms facing down. Gently roll them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the skins start to loosen. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become too soft.
Step 5
Remove the blanched tomatoes from the hot water and immediately transfer them to an ice bath or rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Once they’ve cooled slightly, you can easily peel the skin away, starting from the scored ‘X’. Peeling is easiest while they are still warm.
Step 6
Place the peeled tomatoes into a clean pot. Add a small amount of water, just enough to prevent sticking – the tomatoes will release plenty of their own juice as they cook. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash more water.
Step 7
As the tomatoes begin to soften and break down over heat, add sugar to adjust sweetness. A good starting ratio is about 1 tablespoon of sugar for every 2 tomatoes, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can opt for just a pinch of salt instead of sugar to enhance the natural tomato flavor. This way, you truly savor the essence of the tomato itself.
Step 8
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat until the tomatoes are completely tender and have broken down. You want them to be very soft and mushy.
Step 9
Once the tomatoes have cooked down to a sauce-like consistency, turn off the heat. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the juice too thin.
Step 10
Carefully ladle the hot tomato mixture into sterilized glass jars, filling them almost to the brim. Be cautious as the jars will be hot.
Step 11
It’s beneficial to leave some of the tomato pulp and texture intact as you fill the jars. This will give your juice a lovely rustic feel and richer mouthfeel when you blend it later.
Step 12
Securely fasten the lids onto the jars. A tight seal is crucial for preserving the juice for an extended period.
Step 13
To ensure your homemade tomato juice lasts and stays fresh, it’s essential to sterilize the jars properly. Skipping this step can lead to spoilage.
Step 14
Place the filled jars upside down in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover about two-thirds of the jars. Crucially, start with COLD water. Placing hot jars directly into boiling water can cause them to crack due to the sudden temperature shock.
Step 15
Add cold water to the pot with the jars, then turn on the heat. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to sterilize the jars and their contents.
Step 16
After the sterilization process, carefully remove the jars and let them cool. A successful sterilization is indicated when you hear a ‘pop’ sound as you open a jar later – this signifies a good vacuum seal, meaning your juice is preserved safely.
Step 17
Once cooled, your tomato juice is ready to be enjoyed! Pour out the amount you wish to drink. Store any remaining juice in the refrigerator with the lid tightly sealed, and it’s best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Step 18
For an extra refreshing treat, pour some of the juice into a blender with ice cubes and blend until smooth. This creates a wonderfully chilled and revitalizing tomato smoothie.
Step 19
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to store tomatoes and create delicious homemade tomato juice. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful creation!
