This simple method for canning fruit juice ensures you have fresh, flavorful juice year-round. Perfect for cranberries, blueberries, pineapple, or any fruit you love! Affordable, healthy, and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups fresh fruit (cranberries, blueberries, pineapple, or your choice)
- 1/3 cup sugar (or a sugar substitute like honey; adjust to taste)
- Filtered water (to fill the jars)
Supplies Needed:
- Quart-sized canning jars with lids and rings
- Large pot for the water bath canning process
- Jar lifter (for safety)
- Canning funnel (optional, but helpful)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jars and Fruit:
- Wash the canning jars, lids, and rings with hot, soapy water. Rinse well.
- Sanitize jars by submerging them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep warm until ready to use.
- Wash the fresh fruit thoroughly and drain.
2. Fill the Jars:
- Place 1 3/4 cups of fresh fruit into each jar. For larger fruits like pineapple, chop into small chunks.
- Add 1/3 cup sugar (or preferred sweetener) to each jar. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness or fruit type.
- Fill jars with filtered water, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
3. Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Place the lids on top and screw on the rings until they are fingertip tight (don’t over-tighten).
4. Water Bath Canning:
- Submerge the jars completely in a pot of boiling water, ensuring at least 1 inch of water covers the tops of the jars.
- Boil at a rolling boil for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and set them on a towel-lined surface.
5. Cool and Store:
- Allow the jars to cool completely. Check seals by pressing the lid; it should not pop back when pressed.
- Label and date the jars. Store in a cool, dark place.
Steeping Time:
Let the jars steep for at least 4 weeks, ideally 6 weeks, to allow the flavors to intensify. Shake gently before serving to mix any settled sugar or fruit essence.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy over ice as a refreshing drink.
- Mix with sparkling water for a homemade soda.
- Use as a base for smoothies or cocktails.
This method makes preserving seasonal fruits affordable, easy, and rewarding! 🌟