How to make homemade grape juice

Good morning class. Today we're going to learn about how to 

can your own grape juice.

It started yesterday when my sister stumbled upon P and I's horde of frozen concord 

grapes. She asked me what I was going to use them 

for and I said I actually have no idea.

P and I had picked them from our friend Jake's vine and they've been 

in the freezer ever since. 

So she said I could teach you how to can them into grape juice if you'd like.

Don't mind if I do.

Step 1. Make sure you are using fresh or frozen Concord grapes.

Step 2. Decide if you are going to can them in pint size jars or quart size jars. I chose quart.

Step 3. If you are using pint size measure out: 1/2 cup of grapes and a 1/2 cup sugar.

If you are using quart jars measure: 1 cup grapes and 1 cup sugar.

Pour both in the jar. Continue to do so until you run out of grapes or jars...or both.

Step 4. Add water up until the neck of the jar. The neck is where the jar begins to get narrow and 

the thread begins for the lid to be screwed on.

Step 5. Screw the lids of the jars on nice and tight. Give the jar a good shake to help the sugar to mix around and the grapes float to the top.

Step 6. I used a 10 quart pot but if you have something bigger you're welcome to use it.

Put as many jars as will fit comfortable into the pot. I was able to get 3 in there.

Step 7. Fill the pot up with water until it covers the tops of the jars. 

Step 8. Put the pot on the stove and turn the heat on high.

Step 9. Watch the pot and see if the water really does boil.

Step 10. Once the water comes to a rapid boil, start your timer. The jars need to 

be boiled for atleast 40 mins. If you hear clanking or other such 

disturbing noises don't be alarmed. I think it's just the grapes protesting to 

being boiled alive. 

Step 11. The jars will be ready to be pulled out when the water in the jars has a reddish purple hue 

to them. 

Make sure you pull them out with canning tongs or something similar to it. The jars will be 

unbelievable hot and don't even get me started on the water...

Step 12. Let the jars sit on the towel and rest. This is the time when the lids will pop and they will 

seal themselves. Make sure you don't touch them. It can take up to an hour or longer but when you hear a popping noise from the kitchen, that's the jars sealing. It's very exciting. 

Step 13. Once all the jars have popped, you're allowed to move them if you wish. Or if you have a 

curious husband you may now allow him to examine the contents with fascination. 

Step 14. Store the jars in a cool dry place for at least 3 days before you attempt to make juice.

When you're ready for the juice and you've followed that 3 day commitment to your jars you may begin. 

For the juice, pour the contents from the jar into a pitcher using a strainer. You want to catch 

all the grapes from going into the pitcher. They're not allowed in there. Discard the grapes or dry them and 

use them for decor. Next, dilute your juice with 3 or 4 cups of water. Or until it's to your 

tasting. No need to add sugar, there's plenty of it already. 

Enjoy! Your canned juice has a shelf life up to a year.