Homemade Concord Grape Juice Concentrate
Transform fresh Concord grapes into a delightful juice concentrate that captures the essence of summer in every drop. This homemade grape juice concentrate is perfect for creating refreshing drinks, cocktails, or even as a gourmet ingredient in desserts. With just two main ingredients, this simple recipe allows you to enjoy the rich, sweet flavor of Concord grapes year-round. Impress your friends and family by sharing homemade beverages made with your very own concentrate, and savor the satisfaction of crafting something deliciously unique.
6
Servings
400
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Concord grapes
6 lbs (Washed and stems removed)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Water
2 cups (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the Concord grapes thoroughly, ensuring that any dirt or impurities are removed. Carefully remove the grapes from their stems and measure out 14 cups of grapes.
2
In a large kettle, combine the 14 cups of grapes with 2 cups of water. Cover the kettle and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the grapes become very tender and start to burst.
3
After cooking, remove the kettle from heat. Using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture to separate the juice from the solid grape skins and seeds. Let the extracted juice cool slightly, then refrigerate it for 24 hours to allow any residual solids to settle.
4
Once chilled, strain the juice again to achieve a clear liquid. In a large, clean kettle, combine the strained grape juice with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well, and place the kettle back on the stove over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil.
5
While the juice is boiling, prepare your canning jars by heating them in a hot water bath to sterilize. Pour the hot grape juice concentrate into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Secure the lids tightly.
6
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly and enhance preservation.
7
To serve, dilute the grape juice concentrate with water (adjust to taste), chill thoroughly, and enjoy your homemade beverage.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
60g
Carbs
0g
Protein
60g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients for Homemade Concord Grape Juice Concentrate?
The main ingredients are 6 lbs of Concord grapes, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, and 2 cups of water.
How many cups of grapes are required for this recipe?
You will need 14 cups of Concord grapes with the stems removed.
How much water is added to the grapes initially?
You should add 2 cups of water to the 14 cups of grapes in a large kettle.
How long should the grape mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the grapes are very tender and start to burst.
Why must the juice be refrigerated for 24 hours?
Refrigeration for 24 hours allows any residual solids to settle before the second straining, ensuring a clearer liquid.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this concentrate?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
Is there any fat in the grape juice concentrate?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 60g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this juice?
This recipe has 0g of protein.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 60g of sugar.
What equipment is used to strain the juice?
You can use either a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to separate the juice from the skins and seeds.
When should the granulated sugar be added?
The sugar is added to the strained and chilled juice before bringing it to a rapid boil for canning.
How do you prepare the jars for canning?
Prepare the jars by heating them in a hot water bath to sterilize them before filling.
How much headspace should be left in the canning jars?
Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
How long should the jars be processed in a boiling water bath?
Process the jars for 10 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed and preserved.
How do you serve the grape juice concentrate?
To serve, dilute the concentrate with water to your taste preference and chill thoroughly.
Can this concentrate be used in other recipes?
Yes, it is excellent for creating cocktails or as a gourmet ingredient in desserts.
Should the grapes be washed before starting?
Yes, the grapes should be washed thoroughly and any dirt or impurities removed.
What heat setting is used for the initial boil?
Bring the grape and water mixture to a boil over medium heat.
What happens to the grapes during simmering?
During the 30-minute simmer, the grapes become very tender and eventually start to burst.
What is the texture of the liquid after the second straining?
The second straining, performed after chilling, results in a clear liquid.
What type of boil is required after adding sugar?
The mixture should be brought to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
Are the stems used in the recipe?
No, the grapes should be carefully removed from their stems before measuring.
Is there sodium in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided shows no sodium content.
Is there cholesterol in this concentrate?
No, this recipe contains no cholesterol.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe falls under beverages and homemade canning.
How much grape juice concentrate should I use when mixing?
The recipe suggests diluting it with water and adjusting to your personal taste.
Is fiber present in the final product?
The nutritional data indicates that fiber is not present in this strained juice concentrate.
Can I store the jars at room temperature after processing?
Once processed for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath and sealed, the jars are preserved for long-term storage.