Tart cherry juice is not just delicious—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits, from aiding sleep to reducing inflammation. But buying it at the store can be expensive. The good news? You can make and can your own tart cherry juice at home, ensuring you have a fresh, flavorful supply all year long. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to can tart cherry juice like a pro.
Why Can Tart Cherry Juice?
Before diving into the process, let’s talk about why you should consider canning tart cherry juice:
– Cost-Effective: Store-bought tart cherry juice can be pricey. Making your own saves money in the long run.
– Health Benefits: Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants, melatonin, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support better sleep, muscle recovery, and overall health.
– Year-Round Enjoyment: Canning preserves the juice for months, so you can enjoy it even when cherries are out of season.
What You’ll Need
To get started, gather these essential tools and ingredients:
Ingredients:
– Fresh tart cherries (enough to fill your steamer or juicer basket)
– Sugar (optional, depending on your taste preference)
Tools:
– Steamer juicer or regular juicer
– Large pot
– Canning jars with lids and rings
– Funnel
– Ladle
– Water bath canner or pressure canner
– Clean towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cherries
Start by washing your tart cherries thoroughly. Remove any stems or leaves but leave the pits intact—these will release additional flavor during the juicing process.
2. Extract the Juice
If using a steamer juicer, follow these steps:
– Fill the bottom section of the steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
– Place the washed cherries in the steamer basket at the top.
– As steam rises, it will break down the cherries, releasing their juice into the middle compartment. Use the attached hose to collect the juice into a pot.
For those using a regular juicer, simply feed the cherries through your machine to extract pure juice.
Pro Tip: If you prefer sweeter juice, add sugar to taste while heating the extracted liquid.
3. Heat the Juice
Pour your freshly extracted cherry juice into a large pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. This step ensures that any bacteria are killed before canning.
4. Prepare Your Jars
While heating your juice:
– Sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
– Keep lids and rings warm in hot (but not boiling) water to ensure a proper seal.
5. Fill and Seal Jars
Using a funnel and ladle, carefully pour the hot cherry juice into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp towel to ensure no residue interferes with sealing.
Place lids on top and screw on rings until fingertip-tight—don’t overtighten them.
6. Process in a Water Bath Canner
Place filled jars into your water bath canner, ensuring they’re fully submerged under at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and process for:
– 15 minutes for pint jars
– 20 minutes for quart jars
Adjust processing times if you live at higher altitudes.
7. Cool and Store
Carefully remove jars from the canner using jar lifters and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool for 12–24 hours. As they cool, you’ll hear satisfying “pops,” indicating that they’ve sealed properly.
Once cooled, check seals by pressing down on each lid—if it doesn’t flex, it’s sealed! Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Cherries: Opt for Montmorency tart cherries for their superior flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Don’t Skip Sterilization: Properly sterilizing jars is crucial for safe long-term storage.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans during heating for unique flavor twists.
- Use Leftover Pulp: Don’t toss out leftover cherry pulp—it’s perfect for jams or baking!
Canning tart cherry juice is easier than you think and incredibly rewarding. Not only will you enjoy its vibrant taste year-round, but you’ll also reap its many health benefits without breaking the bank. So grab some fresh cherries and start preserving this ruby-red elixir today!