Grape juice

[domestic goddess]

Has anyone here made grape juice? How was it? What would you do differently? Would you even do it again? Did you can it or drink it fresh? What olther juices have you made?
I've been thinking about it, and I think I'd like to give it a try. I want to plant some grapes this year but, of course, won't have a harvest to use. My grandparents used to grow Concords. i don't remember them making juice,but my grandmother did make jelly, which is also a possiblity. Seems like an activity to do with my granddaughters, and not really difficult. But I sure would like to hear from someone who has actually done it.

[Rosemary]

Depending on your climate, grapes can be difficult. The hardy grape vine I planted in my MN yard has yet to bloom, and it's been at least 4 years. My parents planted several varieties of grapes in VA, and over about an 8-year period had close to zero grapes - a few to eat out of hand here and there. They also had a lot of problems with fungi in that humid climate.

[happystuff]

Oh, the memories! A friend and I spent a day together canning grape juice with a juicer... what a mess! LOL. We ended up with a bit of juice that did taste good, but was totally NOT worth the time, effort or money.

A few years later I was reading and saw a much simpler recipe... wash grapes, put a bunch into a canning jar, add some sugar, a bit of lemon juice, and boiling water. Put on lids and rings and then process in a boiling bath canner. Once sealed, put away for a couple weeks before taste testing. It was good! And so much easier!

[jp1]

I think if I were going to go to the trouble of growing grapes for juice I'd want to make fermented juice...

[Gregg]

I think if I were going to go to the trouble of growing grapes for juice I'd want to make fermented juice...

Ya took the words right outta my glass.

[razz]

We have Concord grapes and make lots of juice each year. From the juice I make grape jelly using gelatin for desserts, and Certo type grape jelly/jam in jars and give some of these to family and friends. A neighbour makes a big batch of jelly with Certo from our grapes for her son who adores Concord grape jelly and uses about 25 2-pint jars each year.
In addition, I love eating this variety of grapes especially since so few people grow them anymore.