Apple and carrot juice blend – a concentrated source of nutrients. The flavors of these fruits complement each other perfectly, creating a drink that both adults and children enjoy. For gardeners, it’s also a convenient way to process a bountiful harvest of fruits and root vegetables at home.
In this article, we’ll explain how to make and preserve apple and carrot juice using a juicer for winter storage.
Table of contents
Choosing Apples and Carrots for Juice
A healthy product that will last long can only be made from fresh, high-quality root vegetables without damage or signs of rot. For this purpose, firm carrots with a bright orange color are ideal.
Delicious carrot juice comes only from juicy and sweet varieties and hybrids. These include:
- Sweet Baby;
- Maestro F1;
- Emperor;
- Caramella.
Avoid carrot varieties with low sugar content or overly dense flesh.
The same applies to apple varieties. The best choices for juicing are:
- Granny Smith – juicy flesh, mild flavor;
- Golden Delicious – aromatic with a hint of spice, moderately sweet;
- Fuji – sweet with a pleasant tartness;
- McIntosh – crisp, fragrant fruits.
The color of the apple skin doesn’t matter – the key is that the fruits are juicy and sweet. Carrot juice has a slight bitterness, which apples help balance.
Preparing the Ingredients
The first step in making juice is preparing the ingredients. Follow these steps:
- Wash the carrots and apples thoroughly under running water.
- Peel the vegetables, and remove seeds and stems from the fruits.
- Pat the produce dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Cut them into pieces that fit easily into the juicer’s feed chute.
Windfall apples should be soaked in cold water for 8-10 hours before use.
Tip. Sprinkle lemon juice on the cut apples to prevent browning.
How to Extract Apple-Carrot Juice Using a Juicer
Apple-carrot juice can be made with or without pulp. The latter is better for children.
With Pulp
Drinking this juice daily helps replenish vitamins and supports overall health.
Step-by-step method:
Wash, peel, and chop 1 kg of apples and two carrots into pieces.
- Run the prepared ingredients through a juicer.
- Pour the juice into a pot and bring to a gentle boil over low heat.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Dissolve sugar (to taste) and 1 tbsp of lemon juice in a glass of water.
- Add this mixture to the boiling juice, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes, skimming off any foam.
- Let cool and pour into bottles or jars.
Without Pulp
Pulp-free juice follows the same recipe, but is strained through a fine sieve or cheesecloth before bottling.
How to Preserve It for Winter
A rich harvest of carrots and apples can be turned into a vitamin-packed juice for winter.
With Sterilization
Sterilization extends the juice’s shelf life. Here’s how to preserve it:
Wash the jars thoroughly and place them upside down in an oven at 120°C for 20-25 minutes. Sterilize the lids as well.
- Extract juice from apples and carrots using a juicer.
- Let it rest for 30-40 minutes.
- Strain through cheesecloth and heat over medium heat.
- Add sugar to taste and bring to a boil.
- Pour into sterilized jars.
- Sterilize the filled jars in boiling water for 30 minutes, then seal.
- Turn the jars upside down, wrap in a blanket, and let cool completely.
Without Sterilization
Homemade juice is much healthier than store-bought. This method preserves apple-carrot juice without sterilization.
Ingredients:
- Water – 1 L;
- Sugar – 2 tbsp;
- Carrots – 0.5 kg;
- Apples – 1 kg.
Use a juicer or follow these steps:
Wash, peel, and core the apples and carrots.
- Chop into small cubes and blend into a puree.
- Add a glass of water and mix well.
- Heat gently until boiling.
- Skim off foam and cook until the carrots and apples soften.
- Cool and blend again until smooth.
- Make a syrup with the remaining water and sugar.
- Combine with the puree and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain the cooled juice through a fine sieve and pour into clean jars.
To prevent spoilage without sterilization, heat the juice to 75°C before bottling, then cool and filter.
Storage Duration and Conditions
Freshly squeezed juice keeps in the fridge for about 24 hours. Winter preserves last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place – such as a refrigerator, pantry, or cellar.
Tips from Experienced Home Cooks
To get the most out of apple-carrot juice, follow these expert tips:
- Always check jar seals for tightness to prevent spoilage.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil to enhance nutrient absorption.
- Apples and carrots are naturally sweet, so use sugar sparingly.
- Only use fresh, ripe produce.
- Pour hot juice into sterilized jars.
- Avoid prolonged boiling to preserve vitamins and minerals.
- Drink the juice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast.
If jars lose their seal, the juice can still be saved. Reboil it and transfer to freshly sterilized jars before resealing.
Conclusion
Preserving apple-carrot juice for winter using a juicer is simple, even for beginners. Our recipes ensure a healthy, delicious product. Follow the instructions, choose the right varieties, and enjoy a natural vitamin boost all year round!