Comments on: Frugality in Practice: Home-Made Grape Juice http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Wed, 22 May 2013 12:19:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Rosalie Chirgwin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-2628602 Rosalie Chirgwin Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:32:18 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-2628602 I have been making grape juice and this year used about 120kg of Shiraz. First I pick out any damaged berries from the bunches. Then rather than picking each berry off of the bunches individually (which is very time consuming), I drag them over a square-meshed cake cooler with a large bowl below to catch them. I tried the potato masher method of squashing, but that was hard yakka, so I found it much easier to knead them with my knuckles. I am very fortunate to have a steam juicer, but if I didn't, I think I would go for a large vegetable steamer. I found that the holes at the base of the steamer were letting too much sediment through so I used a fine meshed sieve inside the base. I preheat glass bottles and pour the fresh hot juice into them and screw on the lids immediately. It keeps for several years without any other treatment or additives. As each lot of pulp is exhausted I drain out the last juice in a large sieve, then put the pulp into another pot and add some water and a little cane sugar. After it has sat overnight I repeat the extraction process and obtain considerably more juice. I hope this helps someone. I have been making grape juice and this year used about 120kg of Shiraz. First I pick out any damaged berries from the bunches. Then rather than picking each berry off of the bunches individually (which is very time consuming), I drag them over a square-meshed cake cooler with a large bowl below to catch them.
I tried the potato masher method of squashing, but that was hard yakka, so I found it much easier to knead them with my knuckles. I am very fortunate to have a steam juicer, but if I didn’t, I think I would go for a large vegetable steamer. I found that the holes at the base of the steamer were letting too much sediment through so I used a fine meshed sieve inside the base.
I preheat glass bottles and pour the fresh hot juice into them and screw on the lids immediately. It keeps for several years without any other treatment or additives.
As each lot of pulp is exhausted I drain out the last juice in a large sieve, then put the pulp into another pot and add some water and a little cane sugar. After it has sat overnight I repeat the extraction process and obtain considerably more juice.
I hope this helps someone.

loading....

]]> By: Barbara Shaw http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-1622852 Barbara Shaw Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:45:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-1622852 I have just finished attempting to make grape juice with a juicer, never again! Last year I washed my grapes covered them with water let come to a boil,turned them off and when they got cool enough I strained them through a flour sack.I freeze mine in guart bags , and when I use them I delute the juice and add sugar as needed, most of the time no sugar is needed.It is very good and looks a lot better than this I just made using the juicer. I have just finished attempting to make grape juice with a juicer, never again!
Last year I washed my grapes covered them with water let come to a boil,turned them off and when they got cool enough I strained them through a flour sack.I freeze mine in guart bags , and when I use them I delute the juice and add sugar as needed, most of the time no sugar is needed.It is very good and looks a lot better than this I just made using the juicer.

loading....

]]> By: sally anne sadler http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-152892 sally anne sadler Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:26:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-152892 Hi about creasote, yes it is toxic but NOT very mobile. I wouldn't panic about it unless you were using it inside a coldframe/greenhouse. and two, i just made grape juice for a second time and they are so NOT sweet. the first time they were super good. not sweet exactly but really tasty. These are really really sour. now I have it in a pot in the fridge and need to do something with it quick. any ideas? Hi
about creasote, yes it is toxic but NOT very mobile. I wouldn’t panic about it unless you were using it inside a coldframe/greenhouse. and two, i just made grape juice for a second time and they are so NOT sweet. the first time they were super good. not sweet exactly but really tasty. These are really really sour. now I have it in a pot in the fridge and need to do something with it quick. any ideas?

loading....

]]> By: ruth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-100887 ruth Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:37:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-100887 we inherited a lovely grape vine at our new house this year, cant believe grapes grow so well in the middle of London (UK), and have just made some delicious red grape juice (no sugar). we used a potato masher and it was easy! I am just wondering how long the bottles (sterilised) will last, and if I need to keep it in the fridge. Anyone know? we inherited a lovely grape vine at our new house this year, cant believe grapes grow so well in the middle of London (UK), and have just made some delicious red grape juice (no sugar). we used a potato masher and it was easy! I am just wondering how long the bottles (sterilised) will last, and if I need to keep it in the fridge. Anyone know?

loading....

]]> By: Free Money Finance http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98674 Free Money Finance Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:16:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98674 <strong>Star Money Articles for the Week of September 17...</strong> Here are some recent interesting posts from the MoneyBlogNetwork and beyond: Get Rich Slowly details how to make homemade grape juice. Consumerism Commentary compares financial advisors and stock brokers. AllFinancialMatters updates us on his kitchen r...

Star Money Articles for the Week of September 17…

Here are some recent interesting posts from the MoneyBlogNetwork and beyond: Get Rich Slowly details how to make homemade grape juice. Consumerism Commentary compares financial advisors and stock brokers. AllFinancialMatters updates us on his kitchen r…

loading....

]]> By: Pawe? Kata (Oszcz?dzanie pieni?dzy) http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98637 Pawe? Kata (Oszcz?dzanie pieni?dzy) Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:12:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98637 Fantastic idea! I'll do the same with oranges :-) Fantastic idea! I’ll do the same with oranges :-)

loading....

]]> By: Cheap Like Me http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98407 Cheap Like Me Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:14:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98407 I did grape juice and jelly this year too, by hand. It was so much work. I've never heard of a steam canner, and I don't anticipate having enough grapes just yet to make a $50 purchase worthwhile - but now that I know what it looks like, I'll keep an eye on the thrift store/yard sale circuit! I blogged about my grape experience a couple of weeks ago: http://cheaplikeme.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/deal-of-the-week-free-fruit-and-free-vegetables/ I did grape juice and jelly this year too, by hand. It was so much work. I’ve never heard of a steam canner, and I don’t anticipate having enough grapes just yet to make a $50 purchase worthwhile – but now that I know what it looks like, I’ll keep an eye on the thrift store/yard sale circuit! I blogged about my grape experience a couple of weeks ago:
http://cheaplikeme.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/deal-of-the-week-free-fruit-and-free-vegetables/

loading....

]]> By: brad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98380 brad Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:59:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98380 When I lived in Vermont, my landlord "gave" me seven long-neglected apple trees that were growing near my cottage and said I could do whatever I liked with them. He also gave me free use of his cider press that was stored in the barn. I had a friend who made part of his living pruning apple trees in the local orchards each winter, so I asked him to give me a lesson in pruning. I pruned my trees the first winter, and had an amazing crop of apples the following autumn. I invited neighbors and friends to bring their own apples as well and we had a cider-making party one weekend in mid September, which became an annual event. We made many gallons of cider (i.e., what Americans call cider, which everyone else calls apple juice), and some hard cider as well. When I lived in Vermont, my landlord “gave” me seven long-neglected apple trees that were growing near my cottage and said I could do whatever I liked with them. He also gave me free use of his cider press that was stored in the barn. I had a friend who made part of his living pruning apple trees in the local orchards each winter, so I asked him to give me a lesson in pruning. I pruned my trees the first winter, and had an amazing crop of apples the following autumn. I invited neighbors and friends to bring their own apples as well and we had a cider-making party one weekend in mid September, which became an annual event. We made many gallons of cider (i.e., what Americans call cider, which everyone else calls apple juice), and some hard cider as well.

loading....

]]> By: Enzo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98377 Enzo Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:55:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98377 Have you tried to make grape jam? It's very easy and delicious. My mother used to make all the time, besides jam from other tropical fruits more common in Brazil. Other things easy to grow in your garden: cauliflower, tomatoes, green onions, limes, etc. They all require a small footprint and little care. Have you tried to make grape jam? It’s very easy and delicious. My mother used to make all the time, besides jam from other tropical fruits more common in Brazil. Other things easy to grow in your garden: cauliflower, tomatoes, green onions, limes, etc. They all require a small footprint and little care.

loading....

]]> By: Kris http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98375 Kris Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:28:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98375 @#15 Cindy Brick Jd & I tried the sugar & boiling water method last year before we acquired a steam juicer. It was tasty, but too sweet for us. But you're right-- it was definitely easy! @#15 Cindy Brick

Jd & I tried the sugar & boiling water method last year before we acquired a steam juicer. It was tasty, but too sweet for us. But you’re right– it was definitely easy!

loading....

]]> By: Sarah http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98368 Sarah Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:18:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98368 As you do cool new projects like this, I have a book to recommend: The encyclopedia of country living by Carla Emery. It's got recipes and ideas for the cheapest and most basic way to do almost everything by yourself. As you do cool new projects like this, I have a book to recommend: The encyclopedia of country living by Carla Emery. It’s got recipes and ideas for the cheapest and most basic way to do almost everything by yourself.

loading....

]]> By: Cindy Brick http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98365 Cindy Brick Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:47:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98365 There's an even easier way to make grape juice than a juicer -- my mom has made juice for years like this. The recipe is simple: 1-2 cups grapes (two if you like a stronger juice), 1 cup sugar-- put both in the bottom of a clean quart jar. Fill with boiling water, screw on lid and ring, then process as usual, with either a hot water bath or a pressure canner. (Check a canning book for the time in your region.) Let sit for at least a week -- strain the grapes out, it's ready to drink! There’s an even easier way to make grape juice than a juicer — my mom has made juice for years like this. The recipe is simple: 1-2 cups grapes (two if you like a stronger juice), 1 cup sugar– put both in the bottom of a clean quart jar. Fill with boiling water, screw on lid and ring, then process as usual, with either a hot water bath or a pressure canner. (Check a canning book for the time in your region.) Let sit for at least a week — strain the grapes out, it’s ready to drink!

loading....

]]> By: mapgirl http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98340 mapgirl Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:51:31 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98340 What's a steam juicer? I know I could google it, but I bet I'm not the only reader who is scratching their head. That juice looks delish. Do you thin it out with water or drink it straight? I find I have to water store bought stuff down. What’s a steam juicer? I know I could google it, but I bet I’m not the only reader who is scratching their head.

That juice looks delish. Do you thin it out with water or drink it straight? I find I have to water store bought stuff down.

loading....

]]> By: SMB http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98337 SMB Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:50:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98337 VERY cool! That juice looks great! VERY cool! That juice looks great!

loading....

]]> By: fivecentnickel.com http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98334 fivecentnickel.com Sun, 23 Sep 2007 13:59:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98334 I bet the creosote is what makes it taste so good. And probably what caused the grape vines to grow so freakily fast. I think everyone should put telephone poles (and possibly railroad ties) in their gardens. ;) I bet the creosote is what makes it taste so good. And probably what caused the grape vines to grow so freakily fast. I think everyone should put telephone poles (and possibly railroad ties) in their gardens. ;)

loading....

]]> By: vh http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98328 vh Sun, 23 Sep 2007 13:15:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98328 Plant some garlic. As it develops, a large portion of the garlic we buy in grocery stores comes from Japan. Heard on the news that shipments to the U.S. are stopping because of safety concerns, & California no longer grows enough to supply the nation. With so much produce coming from overseas, where there's no regulation and no way of knowing how much of what was sprayed on it, it might be smart to grow as much of your own as you can fit in your yard. Plant some garlic. As it develops, a large portion of the garlic we buy in grocery stores comes from Japan. Heard on the news that shipments to the U.S. are stopping because of safety concerns, & California no longer grows enough to supply the nation.

With so much produce coming from overseas, where there’s no regulation and no way of knowing how much of what was sprayed on it, it might be smart to grow as much of your own as you can fit in your yard.

loading....

]]> By: MizD http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98321 MizD Sun, 23 Sep 2007 07:56:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98321 Great. Now I have to add "steam juicer" to my wish list! Meantime, we'll be making a batch of backyard grape wine from our own grapes this coming week. We did grape juice (with an old Juiceman Jr.) a few years back, but wine just sounds so much better. Oh, and the following week? Hop harvest! Now, if we could just get our schedules to sync with the one day all of our plums turn ripe at once. Great. Now I have to add “steam juicer” to my wish list! Meantime, we’ll be making a batch of backyard grape wine from our own grapes this coming week. We did grape juice (with an old Juiceman Jr.) a few years back, but wine just sounds so much better. Oh, and the following week? Hop harvest!

Now, if we could just get our schedules to sync with the one day all of our plums turn ripe at once.

loading....

]]> By: zh http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98310 zh Sun, 23 Sep 2007 02:28:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98310 Just make sure you have an electric juicer! I made about 15 quarts of grape juice by hand once, and besides it tearing up my hands (and then rubbing grape juice into the scrapes), it was all full of sediment and therefore tasted pretty nasty. Next time I'm just gonna buy it from the store :D Just make sure you have an electric juicer! I made about 15 quarts of grape juice by hand once, and besides it tearing up my hands (and then rubbing grape juice into the scrapes), it was all full of sediment and therefore tasted pretty nasty. Next time I’m just gonna buy it from the store :D

loading....

]]> By: BillinDetroit http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98308 BillinDetroit Sun, 23 Sep 2007 01:16:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98308 J.D. -- At the risk of causing a disturbance, I humbly submit that: 1) the telephone pole came down because most of the creosote had already leached out 2) there is very little lateral transference of leachate. This was established in research regarding using (arsenic salts) treated timbers as garden edging. Leachate travels in a pear-shape. 3) by the time the creosote gets to the grapes, it's not creosote anymore. 4)There is a PEL* for creosote. You are nowhere near it. You are not in constant contact with it nor are you breathing it 8 hours a day. Bill *Permissable Exposure Level J.D. —
At the risk of causing a disturbance, I humbly submit that:

1) the telephone pole came down because most of the creosote had already leached out
2) there is very little lateral transference of leachate. This was established in research regarding using (arsenic salts) treated timbers as garden edging. Leachate travels in a pear-shape.
3) by the time the creosote gets to the grapes, it’s not creosote anymore.
4)There is a PEL* for creosote. You are nowhere near it. You are not in constant contact with it nor are you breathing it 8 hours a day.

Bill

*Permissable Exposure Level

loading....

]]> By: Mrs. Micah http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98307 Mrs. Micah Sun, 23 Sep 2007 01:15:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98307 I didn't know about the creosote, but that's good info. Good luck with the grapejuice! My mom used to make jams and jellies from berries in the fields by my house. Some of them were quite yummy! Mr. Micah and I have been trying to save money in the beverage dept by mixing up 1 gal of powdered milk and combining it with 1 gal of fresh. Doesn't taste quite as good, but not enough of a difference to stop. That's for us non-juice drinkers. I didn’t know about the creosote, but that’s good info. Good luck with the grapejuice! My mom used to make jams and jellies from berries in the fields by my house. Some of them were quite yummy!

Mr. Micah and I have been trying to save money in the beverage dept by mixing up 1 gal of powdered milk and combining it with 1 gal of fresh. Doesn’t taste quite as good, but not enough of a difference to stop.

That’s for us non-juice drinkers.

loading....

]]> By: Scott http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98304 Scott Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:08:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98304 Alright JD, I'm digging the grape juice, but when are you going to start making wine? Making homemade wine has always been something I've wanted to try. I'm not a wine scholar, but I do enjoy it, and it might be a fun and inexpensive hobby to branch out and try. There are plenty of relatively inexpensive starter kits, or you could go the improvisational route and just search for help online. Alright JD, I’m digging the grape juice, but when are you going to start making wine? Making homemade wine has always been something I’ve wanted to try. I’m not a wine scholar, but I do enjoy it, and it might be a fun and inexpensive hobby to branch out and try. There are plenty of relatively inexpensive starter kits, or you could go the improvisational route and just search for help online.

loading....

]]> By: Annie Jones http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98302 Annie Jones Sat, 22 Sep 2007 22:49:14 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98302 Fun! I remember making juice years ago in a house we rented that had a few grape vines. You're right, the juice was much better than any store-bought stuff. Same goes for the jelly I made from some of the juice. Fun!

I remember making juice years ago in a house we rented that had a few grape vines. You’re right, the juice was much better than any store-bought stuff. Same goes for the jelly I made from some of the juice.

loading....

]]> By: W http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98300 W Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:59:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98300 No sugar added? I hope not. Grape juice alone already has twice as much sugar as Kool-Aid, and only a little less than Pepsi. No sugar added? I hope not. Grape juice alone already has twice as much sugar as Kool-Aid, and only a little less than Pepsi.

loading....

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98299 J.D. Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:58:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98299 Creosote warnings noted. I'll look at alternatives. Thanks, guys. Creosote warnings noted. I’ll look at alternatives. Thanks, guys.

loading....

]]> By: Scott Kustes http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98298 Scott Kustes Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:37:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98298 Was going to say the same thing about creosote. The stuff is linked to cancer, FYI. Get rid of the telephone pole, especially around your food. Scott Kustes <a href="http://www.modernforager.com" rel="nofollow">Modern Forager</a> Was going to say the same thing about creosote. The stuff is linked to cancer, FYI. Get rid of the telephone pole, especially around your food.

Scott Kustes
Modern Forager

loading....

]]> By: Charles http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/comment-page-1/#comment-98296 Charles Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:15:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/09/22/frugality-in-practice-home-made-grape-juice/#comment-98296 Oh MAN! Don't use old telephone poles in your garden! They're treated with toxic creosote. Get rid of it! http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts85.html Oh MAN! Don’t use old telephone poles in your garden! They’re treated with toxic creosote. Get rid of it!

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts85.html

loading....

]]>