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Home » Drinks » Kid Friendly » Easy No-Waste {Guilt Free} Fresh Apple Juice

Easy No-Waste {Guilt Free} Fresh Apple Juice

September 1, 2014 by Kristi 49 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Easy No-Waste {Guilt Free} Fresh Apple Juice uses the peels and cores from apples to make a great tasting, natural Apple Juice that’s so much better than store-bought.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

Today’s Question Is: What is your favorite type of apple?

It’s September, and I’m kicking off apple season in a big way ~ with a fresh apple juice recipe. But, it wasn’t easy getting here, let me tell you.

Spoiler Alert: parents – kids are fibbers!

Apple Juice | Inspiration Kitchen

Not kidding. They are! 🙂

If you’re a parent, maybe you already knew this, but since I don’t have kids, this was a real shocker for me. Take these apples for instance.

When I saw the boys sneaking them from the apple tree, I said “Boys, those apples aren’t ripe! They’re going to give you a belly ache!” “YES they are!!!!!” they replied with all the enthusiasm they could muster. “Ok, I believe you.” Let me just say – #dumbestideaever

Apple Juice | Inspiration KitchenNow, I do realize that the boys and I are a looooong way apart in years, but hey…I figured, if Mikey likes it, I’m good. The boys said they were ripe and they were eating them with enthusiasm.

So, a week later, Eve (e.g. me) plucked one from the tree and took a big healthy bite.

Apple Juice 02 | Inspiration KitchenFriends, my face screwed up like Cruella de Vil when she stole the puppies!

Super sour, tart face, stomping foot on ground, puckered up is not a sexy look, let me tell you.

So, I handed it to The Husband. 🙂

Apple Juice Collage | Inspiration Kitchen

Isn’t that what you do when something tastes or smell bad? Hand it to the person you love and say “Here, try this!” And, you say it enthusiastically too so they’ll be sure and try it!

Ever done that?

Well, he puckered up like a baked apple that went from a crisp, ripe, young age to a weathered, wrinkled, tired 98 year old sourpuss! Yep…, I was right. Not ripe.

Easy No-Waste {Guilt Free} Fresh Apple Juice | Inspiration KitchenThus…, that is how I came to the conclusion that kids fib. Silly boys!

Now for the fine print:

Because my apples were really, really tart (pucker UPPPPP!!!… I picked them in mid-August instead of September – YIKES! Don’t do that!!!), I needed to use more sugar to balance out the tartness. But, the apple juice that resulted was still so much better (and less sugary) than store-bought. I wouldn’t have thought it at first, but making apple juice is easy! Plus, this is something you can do with the kids, with is always a bonus. If you use sweeter apples (or apples that are actually IN season 🙂 ) feel free to use less sugar. Just taste the nectar as you go. And, add sugar slowly (if at all).

TIP: please, please, please do not get lazy with the straining. You want all that apple mash out of that juicy, deliciousness! I strained this with a fine strainer once, and TWICE using cheesecloth! The result was a crisp, fresh apple juice with nearly no-pulp!

Enjoy!

Apple Juice | Inspiration Kitchen
Print Recipe

Easy Apple Juice

This easy, no-waste, guilt-free, fresh Apple Juice uses the peels and cores from apples to make a great tasting, natural Apple Juice that's so much better than store-bought.
Course: Drinks
Author: Kristi

Ingredients

  • Peels and cores from 5 pounds of Granny Smith apples
  • Water*
  • 1/2 cup white sugar* see notes

Instructions

  • Place the peels and cores from 5 pounds of Granny Smith apples in a large stock pot.
  • Cover with just enough water to cover apples peels and cores.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup sugar.
  • Heat on high heat until boiling. Then, reduce heat to Medium-Low or Low heat and continue simmering for 30-45 minutes.
  • Strain juice through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove solid pieces. Store in an airtight container and chill until cold. Use within 3-5 days.

Notes

The amount of water you use will depend on the yield of your apple peels and cores. You want just enough water to barely cover the peels and cores for the best flavor. You MAY be able to reduce or omit the sugar, depending on the type of apple you use. I used Granny Smith apples that were VERY tart, which is why they needed sugar to balance the tartness!
I cooked my apple juice for 45 minutes, then removed it from the heat and let it rest 15 minutes before straining and transferring to an airtight container.
***NOTE*** I strained this apple juice 3 times. First in a fine strain colander, then twice through cheesecloth to remove apple mash and sediment.
***In this recipe, I used the peels and cores from 5 pounds of Granny Smith apples. And, with those apple scraps, this recipe yielded 48 ounces of fresh Apple Juice.

Recipe modified from All Recipes @ Fresh Apple Juice.

Easy No-Waste {Guilt Free} Fresh Apple Juice

Filed Under: Drinks, Kid Friendly Tagged With: apple, apple juice, apples, cores, epicurious, fresh apple juice, granny smith, granny smith apple juice, granny smith apples, homemade, homemade apple juice, inspiration kitchen, juice, natural, no-guilt, no-waste, peels, recipe, types of apples, varieties of apples, visual guide to apples

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Comments

  1. Johlene says

    September 1, 2014 at 4:18 am

    hahaha love the way you describe your and your hubby´s reaction when you tasted the apples 🙂 excellent story telling! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 1, 2014 at 5:18 am

      Hahaha! I’m glad you laughed Johlene ~ I had a great time writing it. That’s pretty much exactly how it went too! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says

    September 1, 2014 at 4:41 am

    Hahaha! Tart apples are unfit to eat in my eyes—it’s gotta be a sweet ‘n’ crisp apple or I won’t touch it! I discovered Ambrosia apples at our local orchard last fall and I was HOOKED. Can’t wait to get my hands on some more this year! I think I shall use them first to make this apple juice—it looks SO easy, Kristi!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 1, 2014 at 5:19 am

      I’ve never had Ambrosia apples before ~ so I’m definitely going to have to try them! Thanks for the referral! Yes ~ if you make anything with your apples, save the peels and cores to make apple juice! Straining is the key though…

      Reply
  3. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    September 1, 2014 at 10:50 am

    This is definitely a great recipe to kick of the apple season with, Kristi! I’m so amazing that you made apple juice. It sounds delicious! And I never knew how easy it was to make. Pinning! 🙂 And I can eat tart apples, but I much prefer honey crisp, gala, or granny smith ones!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 5:51 am

      Thanks for the pin Gayle! I’ve don’t think I’ve ever had a Honey Crisp apple before ~ I’m definitely going to need to try them. I think sweeter apples would be awesome for this and way less sugar! Have a great week.

      Reply
  4. Kelly says

    September 1, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Hahaha oh no! I can totally picture you doing that and yup – handing them to your husband was the ONLY way to go 😉 Lol – yup, they certainly do fib and it starts as soon as they learn to talk bahaha. Love that you made apple juice with the apples – perfect way to use up those tart ones! Pinning 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 5:49 am

      Thanks for the pin Kelly! Our poor husbands. Hahaha!

      Reply
  5. Shell says

    September 1, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    I would have never have thought to do this. Next time we bake a pie, I’ll give it a try.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 5:48 am

      Great! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Have a great week. And a pie sounds fabulous!

      Reply
  6. Arpita@ TheGastronomicBong says

    September 1, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    Hahaha!! I do that exact same thing… 😉 And hubster always fall for this… I love Granny smith and Gala apples… this apple juice looks delicious… 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 5:48 am

      Hahaha! I never fall for it when he tried the same on me Arpita! I need to try Gala apples ~ great suggestion!

      Reply
  7. Samina | The Cupcake Confession says

    September 1, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    hahahaah!!!!!! That expression must have been a million-dollar one!!!!! 😀 This apple juice is just brilliant Kristi!!!!! I’ve never attempted making my own apple juice {what a shame} mostly because I didn’t know how to! But now I do! Thank God I won’t have to buy the preservative laden apple juice cartons from the supermarket! hehehe! Love this!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 5:47 am

      I can’t wait to hear what you think of it when you try it Samina!

      Reply
  8. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says

    September 2, 2014 at 4:10 am

    I loooove apples they are one of my favorite fruits. And these pictures are gorgeous – I love all those apple shots you caught. Can’t wait to try this juice soon! Pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 5:25 am

      Thanks Chelsea! I love apples too. I’m partial to Granny Smith ~ and the key requirement is the must be really hard and crispy.

      Reply
  9. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says

    September 2, 2014 at 8:10 am

    Tricky fibbing kids! What do they know about apples?! 😀
    I really love this apple juice. Such a great idea and I love that you used the whole apple. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks for the pin Cindy! I so appreciate that. I loved finding a way to use the entire apple ~ and it tastes good too!

      Reply
  10. Annie @Maebells says

    September 2, 2014 at 10:36 am

    Ohh this is great! I love apple juice! I am kind of like a kid with it! But I hate how much sugar is in the store bought versions! I am so trying this!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks Annie – we love Apple Juice too – so this was such a great use of the leftovers. I hope you love it!

      Reply
  11. Chocolate Shavings says

    September 2, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    What a delicious way to use up seasonal apples!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 4:26 pm

      I thought so too Jennifer! So glad you like it! Have a great week!

      Reply
  12. Juliana says

    September 2, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    You are so funny Kristi…I never thought in making apple juice this way…thanks for the inspiration!
    Have a wonderful week 😀

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 7:03 pm

      You too Juliana! I found this recipe and thought it was such a great use of leftovers ~ and you’ll be surprised at the great flavor that the peels and cores impart! Have a beautiful week!

      Reply
  13. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    September 2, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    I love Pink Ladies for eating and Granny Smiths for baking! I saw Gayle mention Honey Crisps above and I love those too but I haven’t seen them in forever. I don’t know why but I just love that you made apple juice from the peels and flesh! It makes me feel like you are Sally Housewife or something. Looks delicious!

    ps- I’ve know children are liars from a very young age…I have a little brother! 😉

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      Hahahahaha! Hahahahaha! I ALOL! I never had a little brother (or sister!). Gosh, I am *so* naive! 🙂 Oh yes, Lindsey, ask ALL my friends, I am so NOT Sally Housewife. I am DYING over that! And, just so you know, I have never even heard of Pink Ladies!!! But, I’m looking them up now to see if we even have those here. Sistah, I always learn something new from you. And, you know I love that!

      Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 2, 2014 at 7:10 pm

      Wow! I just found them and now I can’t wait to try them!

      Reply
      • Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

        September 3, 2014 at 4:31 am

        Did you!?! They are so sweet and crisp. Yumm. They are my favorite apple for juicing.

        Oh I think I’ve gathered you aren’t Sally Housewife but it still makes me picture you like that and it makes me smile. I feel that way when I make stock. My husband hasn’t had canned stock in years and I don’t think he knows how lucky he is 😉

        Reply
        • Kristi says

          September 4, 2014 at 5:48 pm

          Homemade stock is the BEST!!! And, if your husband forgets how lucky he is, honey…you know my #…have him call me. I’ll set him straight. 🙂 I like the ‘idea’ of being Sally Housewife, and I *know* that you know that I’m the furthest thing from that. Hahaha! Thanks for the laugh Lindsey!

          Reply
  14. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    September 3, 2014 at 9:56 am

    What a great way to use up apple peels and cores! My favorite apple is Gala. ALways crisp with just the right amount of sweetness 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 4, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks Christin! I love Gala apples too! I love the crispness ~ and when I took them to the barn for the horses ~ I think they were their favorite too!!! At least their faces didn’t screw up like they did when they ate Granny Smiths! Hahahaha!

      Reply
  15. Ashley says

    September 3, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    Hahaha I give things all the time to my husband to be like taste this … does it taste okay?? He’s like oh thanks, poison me first, super 🙂

    Love this idea! And yay for apple season!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 4, 2014 at 5:50 pm

      Hahahaha! That made me laugh out loud. At least it shows we care about their opinion! LOL! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite says

    September 3, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    Oh Kristi, your story made us laugh! We can just picture the look on your husbands face 🙂 Love the color and the clarity of your “pucker UPPPPP” friendly apple juice. Mmm it must taste refreshing.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 4, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      Hahahaha! I’m so glad you laughed. I LOL every single time a reader has said they laughed at my post. It makes my heart smile. I think that’s what life is all about ~ having a good time. Thanks for comment Judit + Corina! You both made my day!

      Reply
  17. Shikha @ Shikha la mode says

    September 3, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    I can’t believe it’s apple season already; I’m not ready!!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 4, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      Me either Shikha! But, whether we like it or not, it’s hereeeee! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says

    September 4, 2014 at 10:32 am

    I can’t believe I’ve never thought of making my own apple juice before! Why have I been letting oranges have all the fun? I am definitely saving this to try in the future…with ripe apples. 😉

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 4, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Hahaha! YES! With ripe apples is definitely the way to go. I think you’ll love this Apple Juice, Elizabeth ~ we certainly did. Enjoy!

      Reply
  19. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    September 4, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Healthy apple juice! Love it!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 4, 2014 at 5:58 pm

      Me too Manali – we loved it! So glad you like it. 🙂

      Reply
  20. marcie says

    September 5, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Too funny — I like my apples sweet, too! None of that tart stuff. 🙂 This apple juice sounds like the perfect way to use those up, and I’m impressed that you used the entire apple, sister! This would be a fall favorite at my house, so pinning! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 6, 2014 at 4:30 am

      Thanks for the pin Marcie! Your whole house will smell amazing ~ be ready for your kids to devour this! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Oh, what a great idea to make apple juice from apple scraps! I’ll definitely do that next time I’ll peel apples – which is very soon! My favorite apple is one caller Mutso (I think it’s Danish…) – it is the perfect combination of sweet and sour and extremely “crunchy” 😀

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 8, 2014 at 7:10 pm

      Wow Josefine – I’ve never heard of that apple, but the way you describe it, it sounds amazing and something that I’d love to sink my teeth into! I am LOVING the extremely “crunchy” part. That apple is right up my tree. 🙂 (p.s. I couldn’t help myself – haha!)

      Reply
  22. Philip @ MyJuiceCleanseRecipes says

    September 17, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    “An apple a day keep’s the doctor away” haha what a silly rhyme! This is an eye-opening making juice out of apple scraps but I believe its where the nutrients resides. I’ll try this at home.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 18, 2014 at 4:56 am

      Hahaha! Thanks Philip! I’m so glad you like the recipe. We really enjoyed this juice! Have a great day!

      Reply
  23. Varieties says

    October 18, 2019 at 11:51 pm

    Oh my, I am making this over the weekend. Yummy! Cheers! and Bottoms up!

    Reply
  24. Dennis Weiss says

    October 20, 2019 at 7:02 am

    Delicious apple juice. My children and I also love apples.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Kristi. If you're here because you love food like I do, you're in for a treat! I want to entertain, inspire & encourage you to take risks in the kitchen. Come join me! Learn More →

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