Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (2024)

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By Tara Noland on | Updated | 1 Comment

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This Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe is really so delicious; it is how tomato juice should taste. This recipe is easy to make with only a few ingredients. If you have an abundance of tomatoes, then here is a great way to use them up. Want to have fun with a Bloody Mary or Caesar Bar? We have all that you need to know.

Want more tomato recipes? Try our Simple Easy Homemade Canned Tomatoes, Roasted Italian Tomatoes, or Homemade Canned Salsa.

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (1)

I love tomato juice and Clamato juice. Do you want your tomato juice spicy, then feel free to use cayenne pepper or hot sauce, even if you are not making a Bloody Mary.

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

Helpful Items For This Recipe

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Mesh Strainers, 3 Pack Set

Wide Mouth Quart Mason Jars with Lids and Bands (32 oz.)

Weston Deluxe Electric Tomato Strainer, Food Mill

What is in Homemade Tomato Juice?

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (3)

Ingredients

Fresh Tomatoes – Find the biggest, plumpest field tomatoes that you can find. Your own garden tomatoes are great for this too. If you like, you may want to add a large pinch of sugar depending on the sweetness or acidity of your tomatoes.

Water – Plain old tap water works, but you can use filtered if you like.

Per Quart of Juice:

This is what you need to add to each quart jar of juice you will be making.

Kosher salt – You don’t want to use table salt if you are thinking of canning tomatoes. Kosher is perfect for all your needs.

Onion powder – The fresher, the better, of course. I like powder instead of onion salt. This has enough salt in it, in my opinion.

Celery salt – The flavor of the celery salt is perfect with tomato juice. Don’t use too much, though, as you are adding in salt also.

How do you Make Tomato Juice?

If you are a lover of tomato juice like I am, this is such a satisfying experience. Make sure your tomatoes are the absolute best and plump and juicy. Last season was rainy, so the tomatoes were big and juicy perfect to make juice with.

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (4)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (5)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (6)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (7)

Wash and core the tomatoes, and remove any blemishes.

Cut the tomatoes in half and then into small slices or “smiles”.

Add the tomato slices to a large stock pot and add about 1 cup of water (less if the tomatoes are very juicy.)

Bring the pot to a boil and simmer until the tomatoes are softened but not mushy.

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (8)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (9)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (10)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (11)

Put the tomatoes through a fine sieve to remove the seeds and skins.

Discard the skin and seeds.

Measure the amount of liquid you have and then pour the liquid back into the stock pot.

Bring to a boil, adding the amount of Kosher salt, onion powder, and celery salt based on how many quarts of liquid your tomatoes have yielded.

Boil gently, stirring until all the spices are dissolved.

Remove from heat. Pour the tomato mixture into a pitcher to cool if using right away or into sterilized canning quart jars to freeze or can. See the information below.

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (12)

Recipe Pro Tips!

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (13)

How can I Store or Can the Tomato Juice?

If canning tomato juice, pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into sterilized 1-quart jars and add the tomato juice leaving about ½ an inch of air space at the top. You can also add 1/2 tsp. of citric acid per quart too. You can the juice just like you do tomatoes; read here.

Why add lemon juice to tomato juice?

Adding the above lemon juice lowers the ph in the tomato juice so that you can safely water bath for canning. Don’t want to water bath, then read on!

You can freeze the tomato juice by simply pouring the juice into sterilized jars or plastic containers, allowing it to cool, seal the containers, and place in the freezer. Use within 1 year of freezing. This is my preferred method if I am only making a few jars. If you are doing a large quantity, then canning might be a better option.

Drinking tomato juice also has health benefits as it is high in vitamins like B, C, and potassium. It is also an excellent source of antioxidants. Just be careful with the salt or leave it out entirely if you want the full benefits.

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (14)

WANT MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES USING TOMATOES?

Tomatoes are so fantastic in the summertime, and there is always an abundance of them either in your yard, farmers market, or grocery store. Here are some of our favorite recipes and a trick to remove tomato skins too.

Pin it HERE!!

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (19)

Pin it HERE!!

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (20)
Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (21)

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe

Yield: 5-6 Quarts

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

With all the canning recipes and preserving of summer's bounty, don't forget to make tomato juice. It really is amazing, so good for you, and fun to make too. Storing it in the freezer makes it easy also.

Ingredients

  • 20 lbs tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups or less of water

Per Quart of Juice:

  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp celery salt

Instructions

Wash and core the tomatoes, and remove any blemishes.

Cut the tomatoes in half and then into small slices or “smiles”.

Add the tomato slices to a large stock pot and add about 1 cup of water (less if the tomatoes are very juicy.)

Bring the pot to a boil and simmer until the tomatoes are softened but not mushy.

Put the tomatoes through a fine sieve to remove the seeds and skins. You can use a food mill if you are making a large quantity.

Discard the skin and seeds.

Measure the amount of liquid you have and then pour the liquid back into the stock pot.

Bring to a boil, adding the amount of Kosher salt, onion powder, and celery salt based on how many quarts of liquid your tomatoes have yielded.

Boil gently, stirring until all the spices are dissolved.

Remove from heat. Pour the tomato mixture into a pitcher to cool if using right away or into sterilized canning quart jars to freeze or can. See the information below.

Notes

How can I Store or Can the Tomato Juice?

If canning tomato juice, pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into sterilized 1-quart jars and add the tomato juice leaving about ½ an inch of air space at the top. You can also add 1/2 tsp. of citric acid per quart too. You can the juice just like you do tomatoes; read here.

Why add lemon juice to tomato juice?

Adding the above lemon juice lowers the ph in the tomato juice so that you can safely water bath for canning. Don’t want to water bath, then read on!

You can freeze the tomato juice by simply pouring the juice into sterilized jars or plastic containers, allowing it to cool, seal the containers, and place in the freezer. Use within 1 year of freezing. This is my preferred method is only making a few jars. If you are doing a large quantity, then canning might be a better option.

Plus, see more tips and tricks in the post.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 82Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 5gSugar: 12gProtein: 4g

Recipe calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Julia Shinabargar says

    Going to try the recipe for tomato juice.

    Reply

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make tomato juice taste good? ›

Preparation
  1. Chop tomatoes into small sized pieces.
  2. Place tomatoes, celery, cucumber and parsley in juicer.
  3. Pour juice in shaker.
  4. Add sea salt, cayenne pepper and ice.
  5. Shake and strain in a glass.

Why do you put lemon juice in homemade tomato juice? ›

The acidity of a tomato is considered borderline between high and low acid foods. Michigan State University Extension recommends ensuring the safe acidity by adding two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of citric acid per quart of tomatoes or tomato juice.

What are the best tomatoes for tomato juice? ›

You can use a variety of plums, beefsteaks, brandywine, and Campari tomatoes when making tomato juice. Campari is one of the juiciest tomatoes with a sweet, high sugar content but a low level of acidity. They also have a rich, deep color.

Do I have to boil tomato juice before canning? ›

Once the tomatoes are juiced, bring the juice to a boil over medium heat. Continue to boil for 10 minutes. The juice can be cooked as long as desired to condense and cook off any excess water. Once cooked, remove from the heat and pour into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.

What enhances the flavor of tomatoes? ›

Seasoning Tomatoes With Cream of Tartar

Yes, there are other ways to make your tomatoes taste even better and increase the acidity. There is lemon, vinegar, or my personal favorite, balsamic. Just imagine a tomato bruschetta with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top. Yummy!

What does baking soda do to tomato juice? ›

So, adding baking soda will lower the acidity, and that lets the tomatoes' natural sugars shine through. Use a light hand, as a little baking soda goes a long way. For a batch of tomato sauce, start slowly with a mere 1/8 teaspoon. Give it a stir, taste, and see if you need more.

Is drinking homemade tomato juice good for you? ›

Being a source of antioxidants, tomato juice can reduce inflammation. It has a positive effect on your digestion, eyes and skin. Due to its low calorie content, tomato juice can also be drunk for weight loss. To conclude, tomato juice is good for you and your health.

What happens if I don't add lemon juice to canned tomatoes? ›

If the tomatoes have not been acidified prior to canning you are risking the possibility of bacterial growth, which can be fatal. If you just canned them, and they haven't been stored, you might be able to open the jars and start over, or maybe freeze them.

How long do you process tomato juice in a water bath? ›

Process jars 40 minutes, adjusting for altitude.

What thickens tomato juice? ›

Add Cream. Adding heavy cream will change the flavor of a tomato sauce, but it will also thicken it. Drizzle in the cream and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has your desired consistency.

Can I drink tomato juice everyday? ›

Tomatoes (Tamatar) are safe to eat. However, drinking excess tomato juice may cause a few side effects. Tomato juice contains a high amount of potassium and excess consumption might increase the levels of potassium in the serum leading to dangerous complications.

What are the pros and cons of tomato juice? ›

100% tomato juice is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But some brands contain high levels of sodium and added sugars, which can increase the calorie content. Tomato juice is a popular beverage that provides a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants (1).

Why do you turn jars upside down when canning tomatoes? ›

Inversion Canning

Once secured, the jar is inverted (flipped upside down) and left to cool for several minutes before placed right side up. The thought behind the method is the hot food will sterilize the seal while creating a vacuum by allowing air to escape.

What can go wrong canning tomatoes? ›

Canned Fruits and Tomatoes: Problems and Solutions (SP 50-743)
ProblemCause
Jar seals initially, then seal is broken.Growth of organisms in jar due to underprocessing. Crack in jar. Food particles on sealing surface of lid.
Cloudy liquids.Bacterial spoilage. Minerals in water. Anti-caking agents from table salt.
11 more rows

Why did my tomato juice separate during canning? ›

When tomatoes are cut or crushed before heating, exposure to the air activates a natural enzyme that breaks down pectin, which causes the liquids and solids to separate.

What neutralizes tomato taste? ›

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

How do you reduce the acidity in tomato juice? ›

Many sources recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to a sauce that's overly tart, which raises the pH and makes it less acidic. We've always preferred adding a bit of sugar. It can't neutralize acidity in the same way that baking soda can, but sugar does change our perception of other tastes.

Can you drink straight tomato juice? ›

Regular consumption of tomato juice is said to be not only good for cardiovascular health, but also for digestion. In fact, thanks to its laxative effect, it helps protect against constipation. In addition, the juice strengthens the healthy intestinal flora.

How do you neutralize tomato juice? ›

Heat 1 cup of sauce with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (baking soda neutralizes acidity). Taste the sauce and add tiny amounts of baking soda to see if it mellows the acidity. If there is still an edge, swirl in a teaspoon of butter, letting it melt until creamy. Usually this does the job.

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