I've treated myself to one of these..
and no it's not some weird victorian medical contraption, it's a steam juice extractor. I bought it very cheaply on Ebay from a lady whose dad used to use it for wine making. I've got such a generous harvest of fruit this year, I thought it would be a useful bit of kit.
There's basically a pan at the bottom which you fill with water, then a second pan on top that collects the juice with a funnel in the middle that directs the steam up to the fruit which sits in the top layer in a basket. It's difficult to describe, you kind of have to see it to get how it works.
So far I've used it to juice a bucketful of gooseberries, from which I made an elderflower jelly which is as clear as a bell, and the remaining pulp I used for a batch of summer chutney.
It takes up quite a bit of room and will go in the garage in the winter, so no good for anyone pressed for space but so far I'm quite pleased with the results. Cheese and chutney sandwich anyone?
I have never seen one of these before, or even knew there was such a thing!
ReplyDeleteOHHHHHH! I want one! My grapes are nearly ready now, you lucky, you!
ReplyDeleteoh how funny...I read your blog about an hour ago on my reader without looking at the pics. Over my morning cuppa I was trying to figure out what kind of juice you get from steam....steam juicer...DOH!!
ReplyDeleteHave come over to look at the pics properly (and woken up in the process!)
Looks really fab!
xx
That steam juicer looks like a magic maker when it comes to making jelly. Great invention. Makes me want to can stuff, but first I need a steam juicer.
ReplyDeleteI also want one..... Never heard of them before. Diane
ReplyDeleteI love it! Now I want one too. That jelly looks jummy! Pam
ReplyDeleteHey! Your post got me looking on ebay, and I bought and older, less classy model, but hoping it will work as well as yours! Thanks so much for posting your find!
ReplyDeleteA juice extractor is a very efficient tool - before I used a pressure cooker (only little amounts of juice I got there, e.g. for quince jelly). This extractor is worth its money! Britta
ReplyDeletecould I buy some elderflower jelly from yo? would love to try it!
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, always worth looking on ebay, well done, hope it's good for you
ReplyDeleteHi Britta, Yes I think it's really worth a try
Hi John, Of course I'd love to send you some - send me a private email with your address and I'll pop a jar in the post for you. Funnily enough I've been thinking about doing some preserves at a farmers market for a while, don't know if I'll get round to it though!
Love it ! That jam looks great, so lovely and clear. I'm looking forward to making more blackberry jam this year - I must get in those hedgerows before they all disappear!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of such a gadget. I'm so pleased for you. The jars are so clear!
ReplyDelete