My Great Uncle Bud gave me a love of old movies and classic TV shows. And nothing is more classic than the I Love Lucy Show! Naturally, my first thoughts about grapes goes to the iconic scene of Lucy at the vineyard making goofy faces as she was squishing grapes. While this grape juice recipe isn’t quite as funny, thankfully my canning grape juice with Concord grapes recipe isn’t nearly as messy OR complicated! So enjoy laughing at I Love Lucy, while you make this ridiculously simply Concord grape juice recipe!
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Easy Canning Grape Juice Recipe Without Cooking
There are a lot of grape juice recipes, but most of them involve cooking grapes and/ or running grapes through a sieve. This easy canning recipe does not involve any cooking. And the taste is absolutely fabulous!
You will simply wash and destem your grapes and place them in jars. There is no deseeding and no cooking or mashing the grapes. The magic happens in the 3-4 week period while the grapes sit in the sealed canned jars.
The hardest part to making this recipe is finding grapes!
Easy Way to Make Grape Juice Without a Blender
This recipe also does not require any blending or deseeding of grapes. The whole grapes, minus the stems are placed in the quart jars. The grapes are processed in a water canning bath.
After the canned grape juice sits for 4 weeks, you will simply strain out the remaining grapes when you are ready to enjoy a jar of your grape juice. All that is left is delicious grape juice. Ridiculously simple!!
Ingredients for Homemade Concord Grape Juice
For this canning concord grape juice recipe, you will need a few ingredients!
Steps to Canning Grape Juice
Clean your quart jars and rings. Typically, I run my canning jars through the dishwasher, the night before, that way I know they are good and clean. If you forgot to run them through the dishwasher, then wash with hot soapy water in sink. And then pour boiling water over them to ensure they are clean. Always use new canning lids!
This is a nice beginner canning set that has the regular size mouth jars.
Wash and destem grapes. Simply wash grapes in a colander and then pluck grapes off the stems. As you destem grapes, have a 2 cup or larger measuring cup nearby. Place destemmed grapes immediately into measure cup til you have 2 cups.
Place 2 cups of grapes in quart jars. Once you have 2 cups of washed grapes place the grapes into sterilized quart jar.
I like to use this handy funnel. It very inexpensive, but it makes canning SO much easier! Or you can purchase this set which includes funnel and the jar lifter!
Pour 1/2 cup sugar into jar. Once you have 2 cups of grapes per quart jar, pour 1/2 cup of sugar into each jar over grapes.
Pour boiling water over grapes. Next, you will pour boiling water over the grapes and sugar. Fill up to the bottom of the quart jar mouth rim, leaving about an inch of space in each jar.
Wipe down rim of jars. With a damp paper towel, wipe down tops of rims. You want to remove any bits of sugar or grape that might prevent the canning lids from properly sealing!
Place new lids on quart jars and seal down with rings. Now that your rims are debris free, you will place a new canning lid on the top of each canning jar and seal down with a clean ring. You can reuse canning rings as needed.
Place quart jars in water bath. Lastly, place your sealed quart jars in a water bath. You can use a pressure canner or a very large pot. I like to place several inches of water in the canner before placing on stovetop. Carefully, lower jars into water in the canner. Then pour water over jars til they are covered by an inch of water.
Cover canner or large pot with a lid, but do not seal the lid of canner. You are just trying to help your water heat faster. Bring water bath to a simmer or low boil. Set timer for 10 minutes and let process. Once jars have processed for 10 minutes, turn off stovetop burner.
Once water has cooled slightly, remove jars from water bath and allow them to sit for 24 hours.
Label and store jars for 3-4 weeks. Once jars have completely cooled, you can label your jars. Place in a pantry or cupboard, out of direct sunlight and allow to sit for 3-4 weeks. I will periodically check on my jars though the 3-4 weeks.
WATCH my canning grapes video here on our Facebook page.
Enjoy! After 3-4 weeks, open a jar and enjoy some delicious grape juice with your family and friends! Store any leftover grape juice in fridge.
Unopened jars, simply store with your other canned jars until you are ready to use.
Homemade Canning Grape Juice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker or Large pot
- 8 Quart jars
- 8 New rings and canning lids
Ingredients
- 16 cups concord grapes
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Wash and clean grapes. Remove any stems.
- Measure out around 2 cups of grapes per quart jar.
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar per jar.
- Pour boiling water over grapes, to within 1 inch of the top of the jar.
- Place new lid and a ring on each jar. Place jars in a water canning bath.
- Process in water canning bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars and cool. Store jars out of direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks.
- After jars stand for 3-4 weeks, open jar, strain out grapes and enjoy.
- Store open, unused juice in fridge for up to a week.
65 thoughts on “Canning Grape Juice with Concord Grapes”
This works so well! I have been canning juice this way for years. I use seedless Concord grapes from our own vines. Do you have any ideas for using the grapes instead of throwing them away after straining off the juice? It seems like a waste since they are seedless.
Thanks so much Debbie for sharing from your experience. I have not come across any ideas on what to do with the actual grapes. I agree…it seems like a waste to just throw them away afterward! I do love that you can use your own Concord grapes!
if canning several jars after 4 wks do you drain out juice and rebate for shelf storage?
Deanna,
No, I do not.
You will end up with about 2 1/2 – 3 cups of juice per jar. So you will still have to use quart jars to consolidate your juice. You would save yourself a couple of jars, but that would be a lot of work to strain our juice and then reseal all the jars.
I was wondering during after the 4 weeks, would it be okay to leave the unopened jars with the grapes in longer or should I open all the jars up and take strain them off and re-can them? How long does the unopened canned ones last in the pantry?
Hi Francesa, Yes, you can just leave the jars, sealed with the grapes, until you want to use the grape juice. The unopened canned juice remains good until you open the jar. Once you open the jar, you will need to place in fridge. The juice seems to last fine for me about 2 weeks, after it is opened. But typically, my family drinks it way before then once a jar is opened.
i made grape juice last year. after straining the grapes, I gave the grape stuff to someone’s who had chickens. they loved it.
Oh great idea! Thanks for sharing Colleen!
I use whole grapes for my canned juice, a very similar recipe to this. Absolutely delicious! I have been thinking about adding a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves and a small chunk of star anise to each jar. Have you ever added spices to your juice? What are your thoughts? Thank you!
Linda, My daughter thought that sounds great to add a few spice. She likes to experiment:) I have not added spices to my grape juice. The grape juice is so flavorful, so I enjoy the juice as is. Let us know if you do try it and what you think!
Miranda
I used this method to make cranberry juice last fall and the recipe called for a cinnamon stick, so I’m sure adding spices would work great!
Britni, thanks for the tip!!
can you use green grape for this?
Jolene, I have not personally tried it, but I have read where others have made homemade juice with green grapes and it makes a very pale pretty juice! But I could not find where others have used my simple canning method for green grapes, so I might try a small batch this year to see what you think.
I’m thinking it might be nice to ferment and make kombucha with the leftover grapes. Anybody tried this? 🤷♀️
Renee,
I have not. It would be interesting to make your kombucha as you normally do and then add in the leftover grapes when you add in your fruit. I would probably freeze the leftover grapes first.
Miranda
I do this! It works great.
Thanks for sharing Holly!
Did you ever try dehydrating them?.
Hi, I have not. Is this something you tried?
I have used the grape skins and seeds as a mulch around my blueberry plants.
Before I had blueberries at all, I just composted the grape waste with all other kitchen scraps. . . . no waste at all if you think about it!
My mom canned juice this way when we were kids. Can I reduce the amount of sugar or omit the sugar or must it be that amount?
Lauri, I have tried it with only 1/3 cup a sugar and not noticed any difference. Still tasted great. Be sure to share if you decrease sugar and how it turns out!
After I remove the jars, you said to place in pantry or cupboard 3-4 weeks. Does the area for the jars need to be cold or can they sit on my shelf in the kitchen
Hi Deborah, The jars can just sit on the shelf in the kitchen. They do not need to be refrigerated. Once it has been 3-4 weeks, and you open one to drink, then you need to place the remainder of the juice you did not drink in the refrigerator. But the sealed jars can sit out on the shelf in your kitchen:) Great question. Thanks for asking.
Can you use other grape varieties? We grabbed some black seedless grapes from the store that are wonderfully sweet & I’d love to be able to preserve that goodness.
Hi Becky, Thanks for reaching out. I am not sure if that would be the best way to preserve grapes from the stores. The recipe above is for making grape juice, and I believe only certain grapes would make good juice. But you could just put the grocery grapes in the freezer, and keep them longer that way!
Can I use this juice to make jelly?
Teri,
I have not tried making jelly from the juice, but I think it would work well! And what a great idea as you can make jelly later in the fall once your juice is ready and your garden isn’t overflowing from other things that need to be canned!:)
My mom uses this recipe to make juice and then uses the juice to make jelly as needed. Tastes great.
Carolyn, I did end up trying this and it worked great! Very tasty grape jelly! – Miranda
just checking, so the jars of unopened grapes can be stored with the rest of my canned green beans and etc? just dint want them to spoil.
Thanks, sounds much easier!!
Hi Donna, this recipe IS very easy! As long as you have allowed canning jars to seal by using the water bath canning method, the grape juice will be fine sitting in the pantry. Once you open a jar to use the juice, just place the jar in the fridge.
Any thoughts on using aronia berries this way?
Lindsey, I have not tried aronia berries this way. I wonder if the berries will release their juice if they have been cooked. But this canning method is so easy that I think it would be worth a try for two jars and see if you like it.
Miranda
How long are these shelf stable?
Hi Kassy, They say that canned grape juice stored in a cool dark place will last 2-5 years. Personally, I have used mine after a year and it was fine. Just make sure that your jar is still sealed and there is no strange smell. But I think it more shelf stable than most canning items:)
Hi! Was wondering if you can use green grapes (DISCLAIMER: actual green grapes not unripe purple LOL) to make white grape juice?
Thanks!
Sherry
Sherry, That sounds delicious. I have not personally tried it, but I have read where others have made homemade juice with green grapes and it makes a very pale pretty juice! But I could not find where others have used my simple canning method for green grapes, so I might try a small batch this year to see what you think.
I’m wanting to use the larger half gallon jars. We have made this recipe in years past with quarts but we need to jars for my family so I’m wanting to upsize. Any tips for doubling? Besides double the sugar and grapes, any idea for water bath timings?
Jessica, I use the same time on the water bath no matter the size jars. Just make sure your water is over the top of the canning jars that you are using.
Miranda
Any idea how many quarts of grapes you used to get 8 quarts?
Megan, You need 16 cups of grapes. So that would be 4 quarts of grapes. – Miranda
Did you ever try less sugar in your recipe? Just thinking?
I’m new to canning. Do you have to boil the lids and have them warm when putting them on the jars?
Emma, the lids and rings don’t have to be hot when you put them on. Make sure that everything has been sterilized. I like to run my jars through the dishwasher the night before I am canning. I then put my rings and lids in a bowl of boiling water to sit while I am making up my jars. Also make sure the the lip of the jars are wiped down using a clean cloth or damp paper towel before placeing the lids on top of the jar.
anyone try reducing the sugar?
Trish, I remembered that I did use 1/3 sugar in two of our jars last year. But then I forgot about it. But since none of my family noticed either, it must work fine to use just 1/3 cup of sugar. It sounds like some other readers have tried it too.
Can you use Splenda instead of real sugar?
Debbie, It may work, but I am not sure. With most canning recipes, you need the sugar to set or help preserve your food. For this recipe, you are not using the sugar to set up like jam. But since you are using the sugar to help preserve, I would be hesitant to use Splenda. Maybe try one jar and see how to goes:)
Hello I was wondering about the seeds. My husband has Canned fruits and vegetables over the years. I read this recipe to him and he said fat what about the seeds that after the juice was made and you before you could drink it you had this use a sim to get the seeds out I was just wondering what your thoughts were on that. Patty
Patty, if I understand you are wondering about drinking the juice due to the seeds. After the 4 weeks, when the grape juice is ready, you simply open the jar and strain out the grapes and seeds. The seeds are still in the grapes. You should not have any problem straining out the grapes without the seeds getting in the juice.
Try 1/3 cup sugar if you like the juice on the tart side.
Your recipe states “Pour 1/2 cup sugar into jar. Once you have 2 cups of grapes per quart jar, pour 1/2 cup of sugar into each jar over grapes.” Then at the end says “ Equipment…
8 Quart jars…
Ingredients
16 cups Concord grapes
4 cups granulated sugar” both 1/2 cups per jar = 1 cup per jar, then 8 cups of sugar are required.
Hi John, I highlighted all the steps in BOLD so you can easily see the steps. But you only put 1/2 cup of sugar into each jar once. So you only need 4 cups of sugar for 8 quart jars.
I’ve made this with cranberries and green homegrown grapes(thicker skins not the store) Are the grapes supposed to sink or float after they seal? Does floating mean something went wrong and they should get eaten first?
Hi! My grapes just seem to float around. I haven’t noticed them all sinking to the bottom.
hello!
i just tried this recipe yesterday and i have a mild concern — upon checking my jars this morning, there’s a layer of sugar sitting in the bottom and it won’t move. i was wondering if you have had this issue before.
Caitlin, Yes, that is completely normal. The sugar will gradually disappear. Mine typically is gone in the first week or two. By time your juice is ready to drink it will be all gone. Thanks for the question!
Miranda
whew! what a relief!!! thank you so much!!! i so appreciate you taking time to share a wonderful recipe and taking time to respond and educate!!! thank you so much!!!
You are welcome! Now comes the hard part…waiting a few weeks for juice to be ready! Ha!
I had this problem as well, and the sugar doesn’t seem to be dissolving. Would you recommend opening the jars, dissolving the sugar and canning only the juice (after 4 weeks) or would you dissolve when you are ready to use it?
Lisa, by time the 4 weeks is up, you won’t see any sugar. It dissolves during the 4 weeks.
Would this work with frozen grapes? I have grapes from my vines at home that have been froze for the last 11 months and I have not found a use for! If so, should I let the grapes thaw or can I use them directly from the freezer? I’m new to this!
Casey, I would think it would! I would measure them out while they are still frozen and place in canning jars. Let them thaw a little then add the sugar and then the boiling water. That way any good juice that is coming off them will be in the jar. And by thawing them a little you won’t have as drastic a temperature change when you place the boiling water on them. You want to avoid too drastic of a temperature change when canning because you don’t want to crack your jars. Hope that helps! – Miranda