Apple juice is a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a healthy drink. Making apple juice at home allows you to create a preservative-free version of this popular beverage. In this article, we will guide you through 14 simple steps on making apple juice at home.

1. Choose the right apples: Look for fresh, ripe apples without any blemishes or bruises. The best varieties for juicing include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith.

2. Clean the apples: Rinse the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or chemicals.

3. Core the apples: Remove the core and seeds using an apple corer or a sharp knife. You can also cut the apples into quarters and remove the core from each piece.

4. Cut the apples: Chop apples into small chunks to make it easier for your juicer to process them.

5. Prepare a large bowl: Place a strainer over a large bowl in order to catch any unwanted pulp or seeds while juicing.

6. Assemble your juicer: If using an electric juicer, follow your machine’s instructions for assembly and ensure it is clean and ready to use.

7. Add apples to juicer: Feed apple pieces into your juicer one at a time until all of them have been processed. If using a manual juicer, press down firmly on each apple slice to extract juice.

8. Strain the juice: Pour freshly squeezed apple juice through the strainer to separate any pulp or remaining seeds from the liquid.

9. Squeeze out excess liquid: Use a spatula or ladle to press down on any remaining pulp in order to extract as much juice as possible.

10. Sweeten if desired: While homemade apple juice may have a slightly less sweet taste than store-bought, some may still prefer to sweeten it. Add sugar or your choice of sweetener to taste, if desired.

11. Chill the juice: Transfer the juice to a pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will ensure that your apple juice is cold and refreshing.

12. Serve: Pour chilled apple juice into glasses, optionally adding a few ice cubes or fresh apple slices as garnish.

13. Store leftover apple juice: Keep any remaining apple juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to shake well before serving again.

14. Preserve excess apple juice: If you have a large quantity of apple juice, consider freezing some in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for future use. Once frozen, the apple juice can be stored for several months.

And there you have it —fresh homemade apple juice made in 14 simple steps! Enjoy your refreshing and healthy drink knowing that it contains no added preservatives or artificial ingredients.