How to Make Tomato Juice from Fresh Tomatoes
Tomato juice is a refreshing and healthy drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst on a hot summer day or add a burst of flavor to your meal, making tomato juice from fresh tomatoes is a simple and rewarding process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make delicious tomato juice from scratch.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– Fresh tomatoes: 4-6 ripe tomatoes, depending on size
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
– Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves: a handful (optional)
– Water: 1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1. Select and Prepare the Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes. Rinse them under cold water and remove the stems and any blemishes.
2. Peel the Tomatoes: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the tomatoes. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil. Make a shallow X on the bottom of each tomato and plunge them into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and immerse them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, the skin should peel off easily.
3. Blend the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into chunks and place them in a blender. If you’ve peeled the tomatoes, you can skip this step. Add the salt and sugar (if using) to the blender.
4. Add Water (Optional): If you prefer a thinner consistency, add 1 cup of water to the blender. Blend until smooth.
5. Strain the Juice: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. Use a spatula to press the pulp against the sieve to extract as much juice as possible.
6. Chill the Juice: Transfer the strained tomato juice to a pitcher or serving glass and refrigerate until chilled.
7. Add Fresh Basil (Optional): Just before serving, add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the juice for a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
8. Serve: Enjoy your homemade tomato juice chilled, either on its own or as a refreshing cocktail with a twist.
Making tomato juice from fresh tomatoes is not only a delightful way to enjoy this fruit but also a way to support local agriculture and reduce food waste. Plus, it’s a great way to add a homemade touch to your meals. Happy juicing!
