Brilliant red colour, typical fresh tomato flavour and non-separation of the liquid-solid phases characterize a high quality bottled tomato juice. The latter is due to retention of the pectin complexes that have not been decomposed by the enzyme systems, pectinase and pectase.
Recipe
- Stainless Steel Pan
- Pulper
- Muslin Cloth
- Salt
- Sugar
- Color
- Glass Bottle
Procedure
- Select fully ripe, deep red coloured tomatoes, free from bruises and fungal attack.
- Wash the tomatoes in cold water to remove the adhering contaminants.
- Remove stems, all green, mouldy and over-ripe portions with a sharp and pointed stainless steel knife.
- Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters and place in a stainless steel pan.
- Heat to boiling and allow simmering for 10 minutes. Crush the mass with a wooden ladle while cooking.
- Extract juice through pulper using a 0.02-inch screen or through a muslin cloth. Discard the seeds and skins.
- Add 0.5 to 1 per cent salt and sugar by weight.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- If desired, a small quantity of SMC strawberry red + orange-red colours (80:20) dissolved in water may be added.
- Fill hot to the brim in pre-sterilized bottles and apply cork immediately.
- Allow bottles to cool in air and store in a cool dry place.
