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:

1. Wash the Ambrosia apples thoroughly and remove any stickers or tags.
2. Cut the apples into quarters and remove the seeds and core.
3. Feed the apple pieces into the juicer or blender and process until the apples are completely juiced.
4. If using a blender, pour the apple mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
5. Allow the juice to settle for a few minutes so that any remaining solids can settle to the bottom.
6. Carefully pour the liquid into a separate bowl or pitcher, leaving any remaining solids behind.
7. 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:

1. Start by washing your apples thoroughly and extracting the juice.
2. Heat the juice in a pot until it reaches a temperature of 160°F (71°C) for at least 6 seconds.
3. Pour the juice into sterilized glass jars and seal them with sterilized lids and rings.
4. Place the jars in a water bath canner and cover them with water.
5. Heat the water to a temperature of 180°F (82°C) and keep it at that temperature for at least 30 minutes.
6. Remove the jars from the water bath canner and allow them to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.

Canning method:

1. Follow the same steps as above until you fill the sterilized jars with the juice.
2. Place the jars in a pressure canner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time and pressure.
3. After the processing time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to return to zero before removing the jars.
4. 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.