INSTRUCTIONS:1) Get your grapes. You can always go to the grocery store and find grapes, but consider picking your own grapes at a local orchard (if there is one around). You can use white or red grapes.
2) Clean the grapes. Remove the stems from your grapes. In the colander thoroughly wash your grapes in cold water and let them drain well. The amount of grapes you want to use is up to you, it all depends on how much you want to make. To fill a 1 gallon pitcher you will need 10 to 12 pounds of grapes.
3) Mash the grapes. Put the grapes in a large bowl and mash them well with your potato masher.
4) Cook the grapes. After you have removed the stems and thoroughly cleaned and mashed the grapes, put them into your large pot and add just enough water to cover the grapes. Heat on medium-high until it reaches a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remember to constantly stir so that no grapes stick to the bottom of your pot. You may now add a few tbs. of sugar if desired. The sugar is optional and can be added to desired taste.
5) Strain. ]Empty your mixture into the cheesecloth and strain directly into your serving pitcher. Allow your product to cool for several hours in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!
Grape juice the "nectar of the gods" is blessed with a range of health benefits. The sweet drink that warms your heart in cold winter nights is the most favorable drink of all ages. History states that humans have an intimate connection with grapes, with commercial grape production dating back to 1000 BC. Hundreds of species and varieties of grapes existed with varying colour and flavour. Here is the list of its health benefits. So, welcome one of the best drinks in the world on your dining table.
Health Benefits
1. A quick source of energy that promises good blood.
2. It is indicated in cases of constipation, gout, rheumatism, skin and liver disorders.
3. Grape juice helps to decrease acidity of the uric acid and lends itself further in aiding the elimination of the acid from the system, thus benefiting the kidneys.
One or two servings of juice, make up a part of your recommended daily five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables.
4. It lowers the risk of developing the blood clots
5. Grapes acts as a strong antiviral activity against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.
6. Purple grape juice may block a dangerous cardiovascular effect of second hand smoke.
7. Purple grape juice may fight atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries.
8. Purple grape juice seems to have the same effect as red wine in reducing the risk of heart disease. 9. Supports healthy cholesterol levels.
10. Grapes have a protective effect on antioxidants which, allows them to provide active protection against oxidative stress for longer periods. Research scientist have proved that by drinking concord grape juice every day an individual may significantly lower his/her blood pressure.
11. One or two servings of juice make up part of your recommended daily five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables. Since grape juice does contain sugar, you shouldn't drink it as a replacement for water, but rather as a replacement for sodas and flavored beverages and as a complement to meals.
12. Grapes are about 80 percent water, making them a delectable low-calorie snack or dessert. A cup of concord or catawba grapes contains only about 60 calories. Grapes also add fiber to the diet and are naturally low in sodium.
13. Regular use of concord grape juice keeps cough at bay.
14. Both grapes and grape juice are rich sources of resveratrol, a specific type of natural plant chemical that slows the growth of cancer cells and inhibit the formation of tumors in lymph, liver, stomach and breast cells. Resveratrol has also triggered the death of leukemic and colon cancer tumors.
15. Grape juice has been found to suppress breast cancer cell growth by preventing the synthesis of the female hormone estrogen, which plays a major role in the development of breast cancer
Most of the times the grape juice available in the market is not pure. Therefore buy fresh grapes from the nearest fruit stall and prepare the juice yourself.
