This recipe, was found on a piece of paper in an old cook book and is so simple, it can be used for any soft berry juice, such as wild blackberry, raspberry, etc.
Blueberry Juice
Ingredients & Directions
- Ten (10) cups of organic Blueberries (if handpicked should not need to be washed /rinsed)
- Put berries into large stainless steel Pot
- Add enough water to just cover berries
- Add juice squeezed from one fresh lemon (my personal preference)
- While waiting to come to a boil – crush berries (berries should not be put into blender)
- When boiling turn down and simmer on low for five minutes (while continuing to crush berries).
Once bulk of berries are crushed – strain through a large sieve – lined with cheese cloth.
(My family likes the pulp so no extra straining required.)
Juice is processed in 2 cup jars at 5 lb pressure for 5 minutes with pressure left to drop on its own accord.
To serve, the juice may be diluted, and sweetened (we use honey) if desired or mixed with soda and ice, etc. Juice as is, is great in a fruit or yoghurt smoothie!
Super! Enjoy!
Extra Notes
- Exercise great care when handling heavy and scalding hot containers, etc. And of course boiling fruit on stove should never be left unattended.
- If you are unable to grow your own organic fruit, buy your berries locally direct from the grower. Ask if the fruit was picked the same day or previously ~ so juicy and tasty. We also buy bulk ungraded berries (for juice only) at a more reasonable price and always ask if and when sprayed or if “certified organic” (the big green tick in B.C.)
- If you have the time for a family outing – “U Pick” berry picking is a great way to spend an afternoon and remember to check with the grower if you need to bring your own containers.
- 20 lb of blueberry fruit = approximately 20 – 24 Jars of juice (40 – 48 cups) and took approximately six hours from start to finish as canner holds only 8 jars.
- Always follow directions for the make of canner used.
- We also buy larger, uniform berries to freeze, in two cup quantities, to use as topping on Greek yoghurt, ice cream or breakfast cereal. Homemade Blueberry pie is also a big family favourite. Tastes great by the fire in the middle of winter as we watch the snowflakes drift by the window!
