1. Prepare the Strawberries: Start by thoroughly washing the strawberries to remove any dirt or impurities. Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy tops and any bruised parts, ensuring only the best parts are used for your juice.
2. Cook the Strawberries: Place the cleaned strawberries into a large pot and add 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the strawberries to simmer gently for about 20 minutes. As they cook, the strawberries will soften and release their natural juices, creating a rich, flavorful broth.
3. Add Lemon Juice: After the strawberries have cooked and the mixture has turned a deep red, stir in the juice of one lemon. This not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps preserve the juice naturally.
4. Blend and Strain: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the mixture directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a standard blender. After blending, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp and seeds. Press or squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Sterilize and Store: To store the strawberry juice for up to 12 months, you’ll need to sterilize glass bottles or jars. Fill them with the hot strawberry juice, leaving some space at the top. Seal them tightly with lids. Process the sealed bottles in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed and sterilized.
6. Cooling and Storage: Allow the sealed bottles to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. The sterilization process will help preserve the juice, allowing you to enjoy homemade strawberry juice all year round.
Health Benefits
This homemade strawberry juice is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, without any added sugars. It’s a wonderful, healthy alternative to store-bought juices and is perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
Enjoy this naturally sweet and refreshing juice on its own, over ice, or mixed into your favorite beverage or smoothie recipes!
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