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Native to North America, cranberries grow on low trailing vines in sunken beds called bogs. They are harvested in October by flooding the bogs with water so the naturally buoyant berries will float and are easy to harvest. Home-style Cranberry Juice uses only 3 ingredients, is easy to make and the flavor is simply crantasic! Cranberries are tart at all stages of ripeness and are most often sweetened before eating. Making your own cranberry juice allows you to control the amount of added sugar. Mix with seltzer for a sparkling delight or mix with hot water and a slice of lemon for a soothing tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup sugar, honey or maple syrup
  • 1 quart water
Main Ingredient(s): Cranberries

Steps:

  • Wash cranberries, remove and discard any stems.
  • In a large saucepan bring water and sugar to a low boil.
  • Add the cranberries and boil until they pop. About 5 minutes.
  • Turn off heat, use a vegetable masher or back of spoon to lightly mash for additional flavor and a pulpier cranberry juice.
  • Position a strainer over large bowl or pot to catch liquid. Be sure the strainer holes are within the container you are straining in to.
  • Carefully pour mixture into strainer. Liquid will separate from fruit. Let stand for a few minutes to allow all juice to drain. You may stir the pulp mixture to extract all liquid.
  • Remove strainer and set aside liquid to cool.* Transfer to a pitcher or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Store in refrigerator. Will last 8-12 days. Can also be frozen.

* Not a fan of pulp, strain a second time.

Photo of clear pitcher filled with fresh whole cranberries
Photo of ingredients for juice, whole cranberries washed in red strainer, cup with sugar, pitcher of water
Photo of saucepan with water and sugar
Photo of cranberries add to saucepan of hot water and sugar
Photo of cranberries added to hot sugar water in saucepan, beginning to pop open
Photo of popped cranberries being lightly mashed in saucepan
Photo of red colander over bowl. Mixture being strained.
Photo of bowl of cranberry juice after straining.
Photo of clear pitcher filled with Home-Style Cranberry Juice, green background. Pitcher on stained wood board with loose cranberries scattered.
VT Fresh Cooked, Ate, Approved graphic with a check mark.

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VT Fresh is funded in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT. It can help low income people buy foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact the Vermont Foodbank toll-free at 855-855-6181.

Published On: December 19, 2024