To juice chokecherries, start by giving them a thorough cleaning. Rinse the cherries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure to inspect each cherry and remove any stems or leaves that may still be attached. This step is essential to ensure a clean and pure juice.
Once the cherries are cleaned, it's time to extract the juice. Take a large pot and pour the cherries into it, ensuring that they are in a single layer. Add just enough water to cover the cherries. The water helps to soften the fruits and release their juice during the simmering process.
Place the pot on the stove over low heat. It's important to keep the heat low to prevent the cherries from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Stir the cherries occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent any sticking.
Allow the cherries to simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time, the fruits will soften, and their skins will burst, releasing their juice. The low and slow simmering process helps to extract the maximum flavor and juice from the cherries.
After the simmering is complete, it's time to separate the juice from the fruit solids. Place a jelly bag or a colander lined with cheesecloth over a bowl. Carefully pour the contents of the pot into the jelly bag or colander, making sure to catch all the juice while straining out the fruit solids.
Gently press or squeeze the cherries in the jelly bag or colander to extract any remaining juice. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as this can result in cloudy juice. Take your time and let gravity do most of the work.
The strained juice will collect in the bowl beneath the jelly bag or colander. You can discard the fruit solids or find alternative uses for them, such as making jams or adding them to baked goods.
Once the juice is strained, it can be used as is or further processed. Some people prefer to add sweeteners or additional flavors to their chokecherry juice, while others enjoy it in its natural state. The choice is yours, and you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.
Remember to store the juice in a clean, airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Fresh chokecherry juice can last for about a week in the refrigerator, but if you plan to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it in small portions to maintain its freshness.
Juicing chokecherries can be a labor of love, but the end result is a delicious and versatile juice that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for various recipes. So, roll up your sleeves, get your cherries ready, and embark on a juicing adventure that will reward you with a taste of nature's goodness.