
Keeping the Harvest – Apple Juice

Ambrosia apple juice
Last month we looked at making Apple Cider from Ambrosia apples as a form of ‘Keeping the Harvest.’ Now we will explore a favourite of many – Apple juice! If you missed the blog post from last month, you can find the link here: https://ambrosiaapples.ca/keeping-the-harvest-apple-cider/
Having fresh apple juice is a treat for all ages! If you are lucky enough to have a juicer, that is a quick and easy way to make juice. To make apple juice from Ambrosia apples without a juicer, you will need the following supplies:
- Ambrosia apples
- Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
- Large bowl or pitcher
- Knife and cutting board
Here are the steps to make apple juice from Ambrosia apples:
- Wash the Ambrosia apples thoroughly and remove any stickers or tags.
- Cut the apples into quarters and remove the seeds and core.
- Feed the apple pieces into the juicer or blender and process until the apples are completely juiced.
- If using a blender, pour the apple mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- Allow the juice to settle for a few minutes so that any remaining solids can settle to the bottom.
- Carefully pour the liquid into a separate bowl or pitcher, leaving any remaining solids behind.
- Chill the apple juice in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
If you would like to save the apple juice for future use – a great way to do this is through either pasteurization or canning methods.
Here are the steps for each method:
Pasteurization method:
- Start by washing your apples thoroughly and extracting the juice.
- Heat the juice in a pot until it reaches a temperature of 160°F (71°C) for at least 6 seconds.
- Pour the juice into sterilized glass jars and seal them with sterilized lids and rings.
- Place the jars in a water bath canner and cover them with water.
- Heat the water to a temperature of 180°F (82°C) and keep it at that temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the water bath canner and allow them to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Canning method:
- Follow the same steps as above until you fill the sterilized jars with the juice.
- Place the jars in a pressure canner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time and pressure.
- After the processing time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to return to zero before removing the jars.
- Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Both methods can extend the shelf life of apple juice for up to a year. Once you open the jar, store the remaining juice in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.