Canning Homemade Grape Juice (Concord Grape Juice Recipe)
This homemade grape juice recipe has been in our family for years. My mother‑in‑law shared it with me when I first got married because my husband loves grape juice. It is simple, flexible, and perfect for small batches. I like using quart jars so there is enough to share. If my husband had his way, we would be filling half gallon jars.
The best part is you only make what you need. As long as you have a heaping cup of grapes, you can make a jar of juice. It is a great beginner canning recipe and a wonderful way to use fresh concord grapes during harvest season.
If you enjoy canning like we do, we also have other recipes you may find helpful, including concentrated juice.
What Kind of Grapes Are Best
Concord grapes are the classic choice for homemade grape juice. They should be fully ripe, dark purple, and fragrant. Green or underripe grapes will not produce the best flavor.
How to Clean Grapes
Cleaning grapes is simple.
- Fill a large bowl with cold water.
- Submerge the grapes and gently stir them.
- Let them sit for a few minutes so debris can float or sink.
- Scoop out any leaves or dirt.
- Drain the grapes in a colander.
- Remove as many stems as possible.
This helps keep your juice clean and improves the flavor.
Do Grapes Need to Be Peeled
You do not peel grapes for this recipe. The grapes stay whole in the jar and release their juice during the canning process. When you go to drink the juice later, you will strain and press the grapes to extract the liquid.
If you want a concentrated grape juice recipe, we do have one where the grapes are pressed before canning.
Can You Can Grape Juice Without Sugar
Yes. If you prefer unsweetened juice, simply omit the sugar and can the grapes in water. The flavor will depend on how sweet your grapes are.
General rule: A heaping cup of grapes per quart jar gives the best flavor.
How to Tell if Grapes Are Ripe
Ripe concord grapes are:
- Deep purple
- Soft but not mushy
- Fragrant and sweet
Unripe grapes will taste sour and produce weak juice.
What Else Can You Make With Grapes
Grapes are versatile. You can make:
- Muffins Or enjoy them fresh from the vine.
- Grape jelly
- Sorbet
- Pie
- Cake
How Difficult Is This Recipe
This is a great beginner canning recipe. Water bath canning is straightforward and the instructions are simple. It is a perfect first project if you are new to canning.
Can You Drink the Juice Right Away
You need to let the juice sit for a few weeks so the flavors can infuse. A month is even better. When you are ready to drink it:
- Strain the juice through a small strainer.
- Press the grapes with a spoon or potato masher.
- Discard skins and seeds.
- Pour the juice back into the jar.
- Refrigerate any juice you do not finish.
Drinking Tips
When you strain the juice, press the grapes gently to release extra juice without letting seeds fall through. For large batches, a potato masher works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grapes do I need per jar
A heaping cup of grapes per quart jar gives the best flavor.
Can I use other grape varieties
Concord grapes work best. Other varieties may produce lighter or less flavorful juice.
Do I need to add sugar
Sugar is optional. You can make unsweetened grape juice.
Can I use pint jars
Yes. Quart jars are traditional, but pint jars work well for smaller servings.
How long does canned grape juice last
Properly canned grape juice lasts 12 to 18 months.
Why does the juice need to sit
The grapes infuse the water over time, creating a rich, flavorful juice.
Canning Homemade Grape Juice (Easy Concord Grape Juice Recipe)
Ingredients
- washed ripe concord grapes
- sugar 1/2 cup sugar per quart jar
- boiling water We use a tea pot
Instructions
Per Jar
- 1/2 cup sugar (you can use less or none if you prefer)1 heaping cup washed grapes (concord)boiling water
Instructions
- Fill the water bath canner and turn on the stove to begin heating the water.
- Fill a teapot with water and bring to a boil to fill the jars with.
- You will want to remove the stems from the grapes. Â Wash them in cold water, and run your hands through the water to stir them up. Â Drain with a colander and then fill the bowl with cold water and drain again.
- While the water is boiling, fill each of you quart jars with 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (your preference…or none) and 1 heaping cup of washed clean grapes.
- Once the teapot of water is hot, you can pour the water into the jars giving 1 inch head space.
- Place a seal and lid on each jar and finger tighten.
- Place the jars into the heated water bath so that they have 1 inch of water over the jars.
- Process in the water bath canner for 15 minutes once the water comes to a boil..
- Turn off heat and allow jars to sit at least 5 minutes to keep jars from siphoning.
- Remove from the water and place on the counter to cool. Label and date the jars.
- Remove bands and confirm they are sealed before putting in pantry.
Video
Drinking The Juice Tips
When you go to drink the juice, you will want to have a small strainer to pour the contents through and then gently press the grapes to get any additional juice out, without having the seeds in your juice. If you have a lot of juice to process, you can use a potato masher instead.
Tip: It is best to let the juice sit for a couple weeks to allow the flavor to develop.
