V-4 Tomato Juice
V-4 Tomato Juice offers a vibrant, fresh flavor with a hint of sweetness and saltiness, perfect for enjoying as a refreshing beverage or base for other recipes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up tomatoes and place in a 12-quart kettle; heat until hot.
- Gradually add chopped vegetables, maintaining a boil.
- Add sugar, salt, and spices.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Put the mixture through a food mill.
- Pour hot juice into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Adjust lids and process in a pressure canner at 5 pounds for 15 minutes for pints or 20 minutes for quarts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure you process the mixture through a food mill thoroughly. If you prefer a sweeter juice, you can increase the sugar to 1/2 cup. Consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Using heirloom tomatoes can enhance the flavor profile significantly, bringing a vibrant taste to your juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve V-4 Tomato Juice chilled or warm, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. It pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a hearty salad, such as Mari's Green And Gold Sauerkraut Salad. For a refreshing twist, mix it with a splash of vodka for a unique cocktail experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover V-4 Tomato Juice in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the juice in airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of V-4 Tomato Juice contains roughly 209 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute. However, the flavor may differ slightly. Use approximately 10-12 cans of diced tomatoes to replace the fresh ones, ensuring you drain them well to maintain the desired consistency.
How can I adjust the acidity of the juice?
To adjust the acidity, you can add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to taste. This not only balances the flavor but also helps in preserving the juice. Remember, maintaining a proper acidity level is crucial when canning to ensure safety.
What other vegetables can I add to the juice?
You can experiment with vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Just remember to keep the overall volume consistent to maintain the balance of flavors. Adding some chopped jalapeños can give your juice a spicy kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).