Your cranberry juice is again bitter! Isn’t it? Well, you are probably missing the interesting part of making cranberry juice taste better. The guide is for you to learn and feel like a pro chef!
Why does your cranberry juice tastes bitter?
It’s not that you are making it wrong, but the reason is that the bitter taste of cranberry resides in its seeds. More accurately speaking, it can be found in the outer shell of cranberry.
The secret to making your cranberry juice taste better?
The secret lies in removing these exterior shells (or separating them from berries) and then squeezing the rest. The best way is to use a sieve for this purpose, but there are other easy ways as well.
1. Add Honey
Although honey alone cannot solve the problem, it can give you a hand to make your cranberry juice taste better. The best part of adding honey as a substitute is that, with this ingredient as an agent, you will not miss out on any flavor or reap extra calories either.
2. Add Mint
3. Add Ice
Adding ice cubes can be an efficient way, especially in summers. The cold temperature will give you a tangy feel and also get rid of the bitter taste of your cranberry juice.
4. Add Other Fruits
Adding other fruits can also be a way to make your cranberry juice taste better. Some good options are apples, oranges, grapefruit, and pineapple.
5. Add Soda
If you want an exciting or fancy way to make your cranberry juice taste better, then adding soda can be a good idea. The best part is that you can add any flavored soda and get creative with it.
6. Add Pineapple
Adding pineapple slices to the glass of cranberry juice will be another excellent tip to make your cranberry juice taste better.
7. Add Ice Cream
Adding ice cream will not only make the cranberry juice richer in taste but also perfectly suitable for winters! It tastes divine, and you would not believe how simple it is to make this drink.
Check out the best juicers for perfect juicing.
How is cranberry juice made?
Cranberry juice is made from berries as said earlier. In general, you should purchase organic berries as they have no harmful pesticides or fertilizers in their composition.
Now that you know the secret, try out these methods to make your cranberry juice taste better on your own. I am sure you are going to enjoy drinking it more.
How to make cranberry juice with sugar?
- Add 1 cup of sugar to a pot.
- Boil the water and then add it to the sugar.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the juice and discard the cranberries.
- Serve the juice chilled or over ice.
Read Also: How To Juice Peaches At Home?
How to make cranberry juice without sugar?
Some people prefer cranberries without sugar. In this case, you have to be a bit careful while selecting the berries as they have a higher chance of being sour.
Step 1: Rinse the berries thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or other particles.
Step 2: Drain the berries and place them in a saucepan. Add water (one-third cup for 1 cup of cranberries).
Step 3: Cook until all the berries burst by stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, discard the solids, and keep aside the juice until it cools down.
Step 5: Pour into a glass and enjoy!
How to choose the best Cranberries for juice?
You should select the cranberries that are bright, plump, and glossy. Avoid those which appear wrinkled or shriveled.
Cranberries juice benefits:
Antioxidant:
Cranberry juice has antioxidant properties, and it contains vitamin C, which aids in blood clotting and strengthens your immune system.
Healthy heart:
Cranberry juice helps in protecting you from cardiovascular diseases, as it contains Potassium and Vitamin B6 that reduce the risk of a heart attack. It also prevents your blood vessels from forming clots.
Diuretic properties:
Cranberry has diuretic properties, due to which it’s effective in eliminating toxins and waste from your body. Besides, it also helps in maintaining the PH level of urine.
Cranberry juice for weight loss:
Tart taste:
Cranberry juice has a sour and tart taste because of its rich content of vitamin C. Cranberry juice benefits are many, so try to include it in your daily diet.
Check Also: 6 Best Juicers Under $100
Why is my Cranberry Juice Bitter?
Cranberries are members of the Ericaceae family, related to blueberries, huckleberries, and azaleas. The berries themselves are very tart until they are processed for food products. After processing, most cranberry juice is fairly sweet because most of the tartness has been removed either by mechanical pressing or by using an acid-base washing process. When the juice is fully processed, it still retains some natural sugars in the form of fructose that contribute to its sweetness.
The bitterness associated with cranberry comes from that portion of the plant that remains after processing – specifically, bits of stems and crushed leaves are left behind in the juice, lending a slightly bitter taste to your favorite cranberry juice. If you can taste the bitterness, it is because there are minute amounts of unprocessed plant compounds remaining in the juice that stimulate your tongue’s bitter receptors and prompt a response from your brain.
How to drink pure cranberry juice?
Drink cranberry juice before a meal, not after. Drinking cranberry juice along with food can diminish the bitter taste and help your stomach tolerate it better.
What is Pure cranberry juice taste like?
If you’re drinking cranberry juice from a bottle, look for 100 percent pure cranberry juice. This is the only type of cranberry juice that doesn’t contain sweeteners to mask the flavor.
Is it healthier?
Health-wise, there’s no reason to choose pure cranberry over another kind of cranberry juice because the bitterness doesn’t make it any more beneficial.
Cranberry juice is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, but these compounds can be found in other fruit juices without a bitter taste. If you like the flavor of cranberries, you may enjoy drinking cranberry juice, but don’t assume that just because it tastes good it’s better for you.
Read Also: 7 Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for Hair
FAQs
How to remove exterior shells of cranberries?
There are a few ways you can do this. You can either roll them on a table or on a countertop, against each other or you can use a knife to just scrape them off.
How much cranberry juice should be consumed?
The recommended amount of cranberry juice is around 8 ounces. But if you are planning to have it more than 4-5 times a day, then you need to calculate the number of calories that you are taking in. An average-sized cranberry has only 42 calories so if you have more than 5-6 servings, then it can easily cause weight gain.
Can you freeze cranberry juice?
If it is freshly made juice, then yes you can certainly freeze it for future use. But to maintain the quality and taste of the juice, you need to freeze it with the help of a Ziploc bag.
It is preferable if you store it in small portions so that you can thaw the juice according to your requirements. However, freezing cranberry juice will not cause any changes in its taste or color.
Final Words
In the end, I would say that with a little effort and some easy tips, you can definitely learn how to make cranberry juice taste better. So what are you waiting for? Just try out these tips next time and leave your feedback in the comment box below!