I'm increasingly convinced to make homemade juices instead of buying them. By preparing them at home, we can control the sugar levels and avoid the chemicals and additives that are often found in commercial juices. Today, I bring you two recipes that literally squeeze out every last drop of pineapple juice.
I discovered how to make this juice by chance. Since I often make a lot of pineapple jam, I always have lots of peels left over. One day, I remembered that when I was a child, I saw how 'mabí' was made from pineapple peels by leaving them in water in the refrigerator for two days or more, then straining and sweetening it. I decided to try it and it turned out delicious, but after the third day, it continued to ferment and I didn't like the taste. So, I thought of boiling the peels with a little water. Doing this gave me delicious pineapple juice, much better than what is sold in boxes! Additionally, I will share with you the recipe for 'Pera Piña,' which is prepared similarly using pineapple peel. These are two irresistible options to make the most of this fruit.
I recommend these recipes because they are delicious and refreshing and because the result is a smooth juice, gentle on the palate, without that intense acidity, perfect for enjoying anytime.
Homemade Pineapple Juice
Ingredients:
- Peel of one pineapple
- Sugar to taste
- Water
Preparation:
1. Wash the pineapple well before peeling it.
2. Place the peels in a pot with enough water to cover them and bring to a boil. Then, simmer with the pot partially covered for about 30 minutes. Let it cool before proceeding to the next step.
Note: Blend the peels together with the water they were boiled in.
3. Blend for 1-2 minutes until everything is well mixed. Strain the mixture, add sugar to taste, and if needed, more water. Serve cold.
Tip: To sweeten the juices, it's better to do so when the water is at room temperature and not cold, unless the recipe indicates otherwise. This ensures that the sugar dissolves correctly."
Jugo de Pera Piña (Pear Pineapple Juice)
Pera Piña: A Traditional Dominican Delight
Pera Piña, or pear pineapple juice, is a beloved traditional drink in the Dominican Republic. The unique combination of pineapple and rice gives it a subtle pear-like flavor, which is where it gets its name. While the classic recipe uses pineapple rinds, you can also make it with the entire pineapple if you prefer. I've prepared it both ways — using just the peels or the whole fruit — and both versions taste fantastic.
The idea of mixing pineapple with rice might seem unusual, but trust me, it works! The result is a creamy, flavorful pineapple juice with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for sipping in the morning or afternoon. Thanks to the rice, it’s not only refreshing but also nourishing, making it a wholesome drink.
Even my youngest daughter, a notoriously picky eater, loved it — so if you’re looking for something both nutritious and delicious, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
Ingredients:
-
Rind of one pineapple or whole pineapple
-
½ cup of rice
-
sugar or to taste (about 1-2 cups)
-
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Preparation:
1. Wash pineapple well before peeling.
2. In a pot, mix the pineapple, rice, and cinnamon stick with enough water to cover.
3. Cook on high heat until boiling point is reached, then lower heat and simmer until rice is tender (approx. 30 minutes).
Note: Stir constantly to keep rice from sticking to the bottom and continually add more water if it is necessary.
4. Let cool to room temperature. Remove cinnamon stick and blend. Strain and adjusted the amount of water to 2 to 2 ½ liters of juice.
5. Sweeten to taste. Cool before serving.
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