Learn how to make your own plum juice in just a few simple steps! This healthy recipe is packed full of vitamins and minerals. No juicer is required for this easy recipe!
This homemade plum juice recipe is so refreshing! It can be made in a matter of minutes, and no special equipment is required. If you are looking for a way to use up extra plums, this is the perfect recipe!
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Reasons to Love This
- This juice is easy to make! It requires only 3 ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
- This is a natural plum juice; there are no artificial flavors, preservatives or extras added to this.
- Plum juice is healthy; it’s a great way to get in some extra vitamins and minerals!
- The juice can be made without a juicer! The only special tools needed are either a blender or a food processor.
Ingredients Needed
- Plums: the plums must be ripe for best results. A ripe plum will result in a sweeter juice and have better flavor.
- Sugar: use granulated sugar if you like sweet plum juice. The sugar is optional and can be left out if you prefer a sugar free version. Alternative options to adding sugar are to use maple syrup or honey.
Best Type of Plum to Use
Any type of plum will work with this recipe! I recommend using an elephant heart plum; this is the type of plum that’s most commonly sold in grocery stores is the elephant heart plum. This plum has a red/purple skin and it has red flesh. It is sweet and juicy when ripe. This provides the best flavor for the plum juice.
The black amber plum is another popular variety of plum. This has black skin and light yellow skin. It will be sweet if it is ripe.
How to Choose a Good Plum
Appearance: the skin should be intact and smooth. There should not be any wrinkles, bruises or cuts on the skin.
Feel: squeeze the plum gently with your hand. A hard plum is not ripe; however, this is fine if you are not planning to make the juice immediately. A ripe plum will be soft when squeezed, but not overly mushy.
How to Chop the Plums
Cut the plum in half. Cut as far as you can into the middle until you hit the pit; twist the plum and continue to cut until you’ve made it all the way around. Open the plum and remove the seed.
Cut each half in half and then cut in half again. Continue this process until the pieces are about 1.5 by 1.5 inches big.
Step By Step Instructions
- Chop the plums into small pieces about 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches. Remove the pit, but leave the skin on.
- Add the water, sugar and chopped plums to a large pot. Mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cook for an additional 12-14 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Pour the plum juice mixture into a large blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Use a fine mesh or a cheesecloth to strain out any excess pulp, skin or large pieces.
- Add extra water to create the desired consistency and flavor. Transfer to a large bottle and refrigerate. Serve cold.
How to Strain the Plum Juice
For best results, use a fine mesh or cheesecloth to strain the juice. Place the cheesecloth on top of a large jar, and gradually pour the plum juice over. It may be necessary to stop, remove pulp/large pieces from the cheesecloth, and then continue straining.
Variations
Low sugar: make this a sugar-free plum juice or low sugar plum juice by omitting the sugar or cutting the amount of sugar used in half. You can also substitute the sugar with syrup, honey, or an alternative sweetener.
Tartness: to make a more tart plum juice, leave out the sugar. Use a plum that is not fully ripened. Select a flavor of plum that is not known for being as sweet, such as the Damson plum.
Add ins: extra flavors/spices can be added such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Start with ½ teaspoon of the desired spice and increase as appropriate.
Storage and Leftovers
Refridgerator: Store the juice in the refridgerator. Consume within 3 days of making the juice. Consider storing in a glass pitcher with a lid or a mason jar. Glass containers are recommended since the hot plum juice is placed directly into the refrigerator.
Freezing: freeze for up to 2 months. Cool the juice in the refrigerator and then pour the juice into small, freezer-safe containers (not glass!). It can also be stored in freezer ziplock bags. Defrost for 1-2 days prior to serving.
Plum Juice Nutrition Information
Plums are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. They are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Studies show that vitamin A may play a role in eyesight and immune function (source).
Vitamin C has many health benefits, including helping the body absorb iron better.
Plums are a naturally sweet fruit. This means that it is not necessary to add a lot of extra sugar when cooking with plums, as they already provide natural sweetness.
Plum juice is relatively low in calories. It contains 215 calories per serving. The juice does contain some sugar, however, you can make this a sugar-free plum juice by leaving out the sugar. Another option is to replace the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or another preferred sweetener of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The plum juice can be made with or without the peel. I recommend leaving the peel on the plum, because the peel has a lot of nutrients in it.
This plum juice can also be made using a food processor, imersion blender or by mashing the plums to a very fine consistency with a fork.
More Nutritious Recipes
Plum Juice
Equipment
- 1 blender
- 1 stove top
Ingredients
- 4 plums ripe
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Chop the plums into small pieces about 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches. Remove the pit, but leave the skin on.
- Add the water, sugar and chopped plums to a large pot. Mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
- Cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring frequently or until the plums are soft and can be smashed with a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Pour the plum juice mixture into a large blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Use a fine mesh or a cheese cloth to strain out any excess pulp, skin or large pieces. Add extra water to reach desired flavor and consistency.
- Transfer to a large bottle and refrigerate. Serve cold.
Kasha
Great picture!