Grape juice

Grapes have been known to people since ancient times. The vine was depicted on many coats of arms and adorned ancient statues. In ancient times, it was worshiped and deified because of its beneficial and healing properties. Indeed, earlier both berries and leaves of the plant, as well as grape juice, were used to treat various diseases, they could restore youth and beauty, improve health and well-being. And grape wine was generally drunk instead of water, and even one drunk glass of natural wine per day is still considered only a health benefit. Grape juice is a drink loved by everyone since childhood. A high-quality natural product has absorbed all the best properties of such valuable grapes and is still successfully used in home medicine, cosmetology, and, of course, in cooking. By the way, it was grapes that were honored to become the first plant that Noah planted after the Flood.

Description and method of preparation

What is grape juice? This is a liquid that is obtained by pressing grape berries without adding sugar. To do this, you can use any grape variety, it is better if it is not very sour. The best sugar ratio for grape juice is 17 to 20 percent.

The preparation of this drink is possible, both at home and at work. Often in the industry, juice is made from light grape varieties. Industrial enterprises that process grapes are often located near vineyards. Its collection begins in the morning until the berries are heated in the sun so that the fresh juice squeezed out of them does not ferment. The grapes are brought to the workshops, where they are first washed and then sent to a special conveyor that checks the quality of the product. Then the ridges are separated from the grapes and pure berries are served in the pulper. The grape must is separated and placed in a separate container for accumulation, and the pulp obtained in the process is sent under the press. The juice resulting from this is also sent to the storage tank.

After that, the juice of the first pressing, in which fermentation does not occur, is filtered and clarified with the help of flocculants. Silicon dioxide and gelatin often act as them. Then it goes to the centrifuge. At the next stage, the liquid undergoes a process of fine filtration and cooling. After that, with the participation of liquid carbon dioxide, the tartar is separated, or detartation. Then the juice is cleaned from the sediment, which turned out during filtration. The last stages of production are deaeration of the product, pasteurization and packaging of the product.

In this way, pure direct-pressed grape juice is obtained, which we see in a wide range on the shelves of the supermarket. It happens in glass jars and bottles, and in plastic, and in cardboard boxes, the so-called tetra-packs. It can be either pink or light yellow or light green. There is such juice with pulp and without pulp, clarified and unclarified. Here you can see that the characteristics of the unclarified juice are much higher than those of the clarified one.

Industrially, grape juice is produced very painstakingly and for a long time, but it cannot be done otherwise, otherwise fermentation may occur in it.

Dry grape juice is also produced on an industrial scale, which is essentially a hygroscopic powder with a characteristic taste of grapes.

But the most useful, of course, is a drink freshly prepared from high-quality ingredients, obtained at home. It is he who has all those valuable and healing properties that are present in grapes. It is this juice that is used to make wine, it produces strong and healthy chacha, or as it is also called grape vodka.

Chemical composition and useful properties of grapes

Grape juice contains a useful vitamin composition and a valuable mineral complex, thanks to which all its medicinal and healing properties are inherent in it. The energy value of such a product is approximately 70 kcal. It contains 0,3 grams of proteins, and 0,2 grams of fats. The carbohydrate part is given 16,3 grams. It also contains alcohol, fiber, water, ash and organic acids in small doses.

The vitamin composition includes B vitamins, in particular thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic and folic acid, pyridoxine. It also contains ascorbic acid, tocopherol, niacin and vitamin H.

The mineral complex is represented by potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and chlorine. Of the trace elements in its composition, one can distinguish a high content of cobalt, almost 10% of the daily norm, iodine and chromium. Also found in the juice are iron, manganese, copper, fluorine, molybdenum and zinc.

Grape juice is rich in essential and nonessential amino acids, which are of great benefit to the body, as they play an important role in protein synthesis.

Potassium, which it is rich in, helps to strengthen the heart muscle and blood vessels, so it is recommended for use for the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Many people compare grape juice with mineral water in terms of the variety of elements that make up its composition. Indeed, it contains a lot of water, but at the same time it is sufficiently enriched with vitamins, mineral salts, acids and sugars. That is why a grape drink is able to cleanse the intestines well, helps to remove fluid and harmful substances from the body.

Glucose and fructose, which are part of this product, are easily digestible sugars. Despite the fact that their content in grapes is quite high, grape juice is often used in various diet programs, as it speeds up metabolism and can remove dangerous toxins and harmful toxins from the body, which results in more intense fat burning. In addition, such a sugar content makes it a very nutritious product, remarkably saturates the body with energy and vigor, which in turn allows you to forget about the feeling of hunger. Also, sugar, which is contained in the drink, has antioxidant properties, that is, it can protect protein molecules from breakdown.

Grape juice contains pectin substances in large quantities, which affect the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood. They also contribute to the natural protection of the body from the environment and the removal of free radicals from it.

The usefulness of grape juice largely depends on the grape variety that was used to obtain this product. For example, dark juice from a grape variety called “Isabella” has an antitumor effect, it is especially useful against breast cancer. The drink contains the natural pigment anthocyanin, which prevents the growth and development of cancer cells, thereby being a powerful tool for the prevention of cancer.

Other health benefits of this drink include:

• activation of brain activity and memory improvement;
• regulation of acid-base balance in the body;
• prevention of atherosclerosis and arthritis;
• saturation of cells with oxygen;
• preventing the development of anemia;
• beneficial effect on the kidneys and heart;
• normalization and improvement of the nervous system;
• laxative and diuretic effect;
• prevention of stress and depression;
• participation in the process of hematopoiesis;
• prevention of diseases of the blood and circulatory system.

Light grape varieties have powerful energy properties. Many reviews say that if you drink grape juice immediately after a workout, you can instantly get rid of muscle pain, weakness and fatigue. Also with this juice it is recommended to take a sports supplement creatine, which is widely used by bodybuilders to increase strength and build muscle mass.

Application in folk medicine

In folk medicine, natural freshly squeezed grape juice has been used for a long time, due to its high-quality and healing composition. Its medicinal properties are still often used for medical purposes. This drink serves to prevent and treat various diseases and has a fairly wide range of uses:

• used to treat and prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• protects against stroke and heart attack;
• effectively eliminates puffiness;
• removes harmful cholesterol, toxins and slags;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• light grape juice helps to restore the body after heavy physical exertion;
• able to remove mucus and fluid from the lungs, being an effective cough medicine, prevention of bronchitis and pneumonia;
• used for pleurisy, asthma and initial forms of tuberculosis;
• able to relieve sore throat, effective for laryngitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the throat and mouth;
• the laxative effect of the juice helps to get rid of constipation and alleviates the condition with hemorrhoids;
• the diuretic effect of the drink helps to relieve the inflammatory process in kidney diseases, helps with nephritis and other chronic kidney diseases.
• helps to get rid of nervous disorders and depression;
• has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, and therefore is useful for Alzheimer’s disease and for elderly patients.

Home Medicine Recipes

For treatment, you need to use only natural juice, prepared at home using the right technology from quality ingredients. The recipes used are quite simple, but before treatment it is necessary to consult a specialist. For an effective result, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• drink juice on an empty stomach;
• in order not to destroy tooth enamel, drink through a straw or rinse your mouth with water every time after use;
• you need to start treatment with small doses, gradually increasing the rate;
• the recommended duration of treatment is no more than one and a half months;
• the use of concentrated juice is usually not recommended, it is better to dilute it with water.

With atherosclerosis

Grape juice should be drunk 250 grams three times a day one hour before the main meal. The recommended course of treatment is about one and a half months.

For constipation

For chronic constipation, drink juice of 500 grams three times a day one hour before meals. The maximum duration of treatment is two months. This option is not recommended for gastritis with high acidity.

Gout

It is recommended to eat grapes for about three months. After that, you can start to introduce juice a little bit. You need to drink it twice a day. In the morning on an empty stomach, and in the evening about forty minutes before meals. You need to start with small doses and gradually increase them, bringing them up to 1,25 cups of the drink within five days.

Use in cooking

This sweet and tasty product has found its place in cooking. It is delicious on its own, and its unique sweetness allows it to be used as a dessert. For example, in the Caucasus, churchkhela, a national Georgian delicacy, is prepared from it. It is made on the basis of boiled grape juice, where corn flour is gradually added. Also, flour and this drink are used to prepare another Georgian dessert – pelamushi. It is used to make jellies, various syrups, jams, delicious gravies and sauces. Even jam, delicious homemade fruit drink and jelly are prepared from it. Often grape juice is used to make cocktails. It is good for diluting a martini. Sometimes it also acts as a marinade. In such a marinade, very tasty meat, chicken, and an unsurpassed barbecue are obtained.

Grape juice is a raw material for the production of wine, chacha and homemade moonshine. Recently, you can often hear the term falsification of wine. In fact, this is a simple fake, which is achieved by diluting the wine with alcohol, water, or by infusing sugar syrup on the pulp and pomace remaining after squeezing the grape juice. There are also kosher wines, which are produced under very strict rules. For example, Jews are forbidden to drink wine that can be used in the ceremonies of other religions. And many Jews firmly believe that if this drink is boiled, it will become unsuitable for such rituals. Some of the most zealous followers also recommend boiling grape juice to make it a kosher product.

Grape Juice Braga is made primarily from Isabella grapes, which are grown in temperate climates and are not suitable for making wine. With it, you can make grape vodka called “chacha”, “grappa”, “kizlyarka” or “rakia”.

From grape juice by fermentation, you can get a valuable and healthy grape vinegar.

Grape Chicken Marinade Recipe

In order to appreciate the marinade on grape juice, you need to try the dish prepared with it. For this you will need:

• water – 400 ml;
• fresh grape juice – 400 ml;
• citric acid – half a teaspoon;
• Clove – 5;
• barberry;
• allspice – 10 peas;
• peppercorns – 5 peas;
• sugar – 1 teaspoon;
• salt – 2 teaspoons.

Mash some allspice, peppercorns and barberry. Add salt and sugar and mix. Instead of sugar, you can use honey in an equivalent amount. Add the rest of the pepper and cloves, pour it all with grape juice. Dilute citric acid in water and add to the mixture. You can warm the marinade a little to speed up the process of dissolving the sugar and salt. Pour over the chicken and leave to marinate for about 5 hours.

Making juice at home

Making grape juice at home is not difficult. Ripe, whole and undamaged berries should be removed from the vine. They need to be thoroughly washed, dried, and then squeezed out on a juicer, or using a screw press. Real freshly squeezed juice is ready.

But if you need to leave it for the winter, then you should prepare canned juice. To do this, the berries are placed in a colander and briefly lowered into water brought to a boil. Then they are transferred to another container, preferably enameled or glass, and covered with a lid. After cooling, the juice is squeezed out, heated to about 90 degrees and poured into pre-sterilized bottles or jars. After you need to close them with lids, roll up and cool. In the same way, home preservation of various compotes is performed.

If you need to get clarified clear juice, then you need to stand the squeezed drink for about four days, then drain it, leaving most of the sediment at the bottom. You can filter it through cheesecloth and heat it up to 90 degrees again. The prepared drink is poured into clean jars and preserved.

You can also make concentrated grape juice. To do this, when reheating, the product should be evaporated until it is halved in volume. The boiled drink must be bottled and hermetically rolled up. Evaporated grape juice can be used to make a reconstituted product. As well as the use of concentrated juice, recipes for various culinary dishes are provided.

As you can see, the home method of making juice is less time consuming and easier. And if you have a juicer at home, then making such a drink is even easier. There will be less vitamins in such a product due to steaming at high temperatures, but the content of pectin substances will increase.

Used in cosmetics

Grape juice has been used in cosmetology since ancient times. Antique beauties with the help of this drink rejuvenated the skin, slowing down the signs of aging. Currently, this product can be used to moisturize, tone and cleanse the skin. Based on it, face masks are prepared that will make the skin velvety and fresh. And also he is able to tighten withered skin, give it elasticity and relieve flabbiness. Masks based on grape juice have a positive effect not only on the skin, but also on the hair. They are capable of:

• improve complexion;
• get rid of freckles and age spots;
• clean pores, get rid of acne and acne;
• smooth fine wrinkles;
• eliminate the first signs of skin aging;
• strengthen the hair roots and cleanse the scalp, helping to get rid of excess oil.

It should be remembered that grape juice can cause allergic reactions, therefore, before use, it is necessary to check any remedy with its content on the crook of the elbow. Even a slight reddening of the treated area of ​​​​the skin suggests that the use of this juice is contraindicated.

Toning mask based on grape juice

To prepare the mask, you need to use types of grapes that have a green color. Its production involves the following steps:

• crush some unripe berries;
• moisten a gauze napkin in this juice;
• cover your face with a napkin and leave for about twenty minutes;
• wash off the remaining juice with warm water;
• apply a nourishing cream on your face.

This mask will create a tightening effect and get rid of fine wrinkles.

Removing Grape Juice Stains

How to remove the stain left from grape juice? Almost every housewife in her life asked this question. Red grapes are especially terrible in this regard. Fresh stains are easy to remove. They need to be treated with ammonia or soda solution (a teaspoon per glass of water), and then rinsed with warm water. Petrol soap works well for removing old stains. If all the same, red-violet stains remain on the fabric, then it is recommended to boil things with persalt or hydrogen peroxide. White linen or cotton fabrics are best soaked in milk before washing. Red grape stains can be helped with citric acid. To do this, dilute 2 grams of citric acid in 20 ml of ethyl alcohol and heat slightly. Wipe the stain with this solution, and then rinse the item in warm water. Then wipe with a 1% solution of ammonia and rinse again in water with a pinch of citric acid added to it. Quite fresh stains can be removed simply with boiling water.

Contraindications and harm of grape juice

In some cases, the use of grape juice can cause serious harm to the body, so you should know its contraindications, and in these cases, limit the use of juice or completely remove it from the diet.

When pregnant, grape juice may only be beneficial in the first and second trimester. In the later stages, the use of this drink can lead to a woman’s weight gain and the rapid growth of the fetus, which can significantly complicate labor. And when breastfeeding (HF), such drinks can cause colic in the baby and lead to increased gas formation. Therefore, grape juice is contraindicated for a nursing mother.

Children under two years of age are also not recommended to use it, as this can lead to unexpected allergic reactions, destroy tooth enamel and cause attacks of flatulence. After two years of age, you need to give them juice diluted with water. And black grapes can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, so dark juice should not be given to children.

Also, grape juice is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus, obesity, stomach diseases, exacerbation of chronic liver and kidney diseases, and intestinal ulcers. It is forbidden both for cirrhosis of the liver and for diarrhea, as it has a laxative effect. In the late stage of tuberculosis, you should also not use this drink. Grape juice is strictly contraindicated in pancreatitis.

And also you do not need to use this drink with individual intolerance to the components and a tendency to allergies.

Grape juice made industrially is often deprived of many of its beneficial properties due to its heat treatment at high temperatures, which contributes to its long storage. In such a product, the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural is possible. This is a very toxic substance that, at high concentrations, can lead to cancer. Its maximum allowable concentration should not exceed 20 mg per liter of drink.

Conclusions

Grape juice has long been valued not only for its taste, but also for its wonderful healing properties. This product helps to get rid of various diseases, promotes their speedy course and is the prevention of such diseases in the future. It is valuable not only in the field of medicine, but also as a cosmetic product. Its antioxidant properties help to remove toxins from the body, which has a good effect on the condition of the skin and hair, and also promotes weight loss. Despite the fact that the calorie content of this product is quite high, it is still in demand in dietetics, as it helps to cleanse the body, normalizes its water-salt balance, and also significantly speeds up metabolism. Such a drink can be harmful for people suffering from diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, with exacerbation of diseases of the intestines and stomach, with pancreatitis, or if there is an increased acidity of the stomach. And also it can cause allergies, especially in children. Therefore, you should not use this juice for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under two years of age. It is also worth remembering that the best drink is juice made at home from high-quality natural ingredients. If you use not a purchased, but a freshly squeezed drink, then the harm done to the body can be significantly reduced.