Tomato juice

Homemade tomato juice – a fresh and healthy delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 jars of 400 ml

The history of tomato juice is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This versatile ingredient has become, over time, a pillar of modern cuisine, used in salads, soups, sauces, and many other dishes. Today, I will share a simple and healthy recipe for tomato juice, perfect for filling your pantry with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of ripe tomatoes (choose quality tomatoes, preferably organic, for a more intense flavor)
- Salt to taste (between 1-2 tablespoons, depending on preference)

Preparation:

1. Wash the tomatoes: Start by washing the tomatoes well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities or pesticide residues, especially if you are using non-organic tomatoes. This is an essential step to obtain a clean and tasty tomato juice.

2. Preparing the pulp: Cut the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. Use a special juicing machine or a powerful blender to separate the skins and seeds from the juicy pulp. If you don’t have a special machine, you can use a blender and then strain the mixture through a fine sieve.

3. Boiling the juice: Place the obtained tomato pulp in a large pot and bring it to medium heat. It is important to use a pot large enough to avoid overflow. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it starts boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface; don’t worry, this is normal.

4. Removing the foam: As the juice boils, use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms. This process will take about 15-20 minutes. Continue boiling the juice until it thickens, and the juice no longer produces foam.

5. Seasoning: Add salt to taste. It is recommended to start with a small amount (1 tablespoon) and taste along the way to adjust the salt according to your preferences.

6. Sterilizing the jars: While the tomato juice is boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them well and sterilize them by boiling in water for 10-15 minutes or by placing them in the oven at 100°C for 10 minutes. This will prevent any contamination and ensure better preservation of the juice.

7. Bottling the juice: Once the juice is ready, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Cover the jars with lids and make sure they are tightly sealed.

8. Cooling and storing: Cover the jars with a towel or blanket to retain heat. The next day, move them to a cool and airy place, such as a pantry or cellar. Here, the juice will keep for several months.

Practical tips:
- Choose ripe tomatoes, preferably of the "Roma" type, which have less water and more pulp.
- If you want a more complex flavor, you can add spices like basil or oregano during boiling.
- If you are concerned about calories, tomato juice is an excellent choice, being low in calories and rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants, thus benefiting heart health and having anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, but the taste will be different, and the juice will have a thicker texture.
- What can I do with tomato juice? You can use the juice as a base for soups, pasta sauces, or even in cocktails like Bloody Mary.
- How long does tomato juice last? If prepared correctly and stored in a cool place, it can last up to a year.

Serving:
For a personal touch, you can serve the tomato juice with toasted bread croutons or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil on top. This combination will enhance the flavors and make each sip a delightful experience.

Variations:
- If you want a spicy tomato juice, you can add a few hot peppers during boiling.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to obtain a more complex tomato juice flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and the unmistakable aroma of freshly prepared tomato juice. Bon appétit!