Can you make apple juice without a press or juicer?

- Apples, any variety (6 pounds makes about 1 gallon of juice)

- Water

- Sugar (optional)

Equipment

- Large pot

- Colander

- Cheesecloth

- Funnel

- Clean glass jars or bottles

Instructions

1. Wash the apples thoroughly.

2. Place the apples in a large pot and cover with water.

3. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the apples for about 1 hour, or until they are very soft.

5. Remove the pot from heat and let the apples cool slightly.

6. Strain the apples through a colander lined with cheesecloth.

7. Use a spoon or spatula to press the apples against the cheesecloth to extract as much juice as possible.

8. Discard the solids.

9. Taste the juice and add sugar, if desired.

10. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

11. Pour the juice into clean glass jars or bottles.

12. seal the jars or bottles tightly.

13. Store the juice in a cool, dark place.

14. The juice will keep for up to 1 month.

Tips:

- To make clear juice, strain it through a cheesecloth-lined colander several times.

- If you do not have a cheesecloth, you can use a fine-mesh strainer.

- For a more flavorful juice, use a combination of different apple varieties.

- If you do not have time to simmer the apples for an hour, you can microwave them on high for 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.

- You can also use a blender to puree the apples before straining them. This will make the juice cloudy.

- If you do not have a food processor, simply shred them with a cheese grater.

- You can also use a strainer or colander lined with cheesecloth to strain the apples.

- Enjoy your homemade apple juice!