FRUIT OF THE VINE

From the vine....

to the sink ...

to the glass!

In celebration of my successful pruning efforts last spring and in honor of the beautiful grapes that just couldn't go to waste, I spent the late afternoon and early evening making grape juice the old fashioned way. I cooked the grapes, smashed them up, and ran the "mash" through cheese cloth to extract the juice.

Boy, oh boy, was it worth the effort!! Totally organic, no sugar added, thick, pulpy, tart juice. When I drink it, I'll probably add a little water to cut down on the thickness and perhaps a tiny bit of stevia to balance the tartness, but it's really quite succulent without any "doctoring." (It reminds me of communion juice when I was a kid.)

The deep red color makes me think I could color paper pulp with it. The stains on my wall from where I slopped it around a couple of times indicate that the color sticks without any trouble. Perhaps, I'll save the "mash" and see if I can make some paper before it ferments. (Then I'd have alcoholic paper! What a concept!)

I share the spirit of "the fruit of the vine" with all...I have to boast a bit...I've really been into reclaiming the grapes, and I think I've succeeded!!!

Namasté.....