Homemade grape juice is a sweet treat with a variety of health benefits. Red or purple grapes are thought to contain more beneficial antioxidants than their green counterparts. These grapes contain higher amounts of the antioxidant resveratrol. Resveratrol helps to decrease the level of harmful cholesterol in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. By making your own grape juice, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of resveratrol without drinking red wine. You can juice grapes using a juicer or mash the grapes using this preparation. Choose fresh, ripe grapes. Grapes that are already sweet will probably not need sweetener, but you can add sugar to juice that is too tart.
Step 1
Wash the grapes under cold water and remove the stems.
Step 2
Place the grapes in a large saucepan and mash the grapes with a potato masher.
Step 3
Add boiling water until the mashed grapes are fully covered.
Step 4
Simmer the grapes over low heat for 30 minutes -- until the grapes are soft.
Step 5
Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 6
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
Step 7
Refrigerate the juice for 24 hours in a pitcher.
Step 8
Strain the juice through the sieve again to catch any additional sediment. Add sugar to taste, if preferred.
Step 9
Pour the grape juice into chilled glasses and enjoy.
Tips and Warnings
- To get the maximum health benefit, drink one to two 8-oz. glasses of grape juice each day. This preparation yields approximately one gallon of juice.
- If you want a clearer juice, strain the juice one additional time using a coffee filter.
Things You'll Need
- 10 lbs. red, purple or green grapes, freshly picked if possible
- Large saucepan
- Potato masher
- Fine sieve
- Pitcher
- Sugar to taste (optional)
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