Cloudy fruit juice when straining seeds out.

Question

I am working my second batch of mixed berry jelly! The first time everything went perfect, this time i am concerned. I use the frozen mixed berries from kroger and let them thaw completely in the fridge. Then i get to smushing them and removing the seeds. I have run them through a mesh colander so far and i am concerned because the juice that i am getting is not translucent. It is very cloudy. Is this due to too much air in the juice? Will it clear up once i start cooking it? I am running it through a cheese/milk bag now to get the remaining seeds out. Also is there an easier seed removal process? Than you in advance!!

Wendy · Answer

To clarify small amounts of juice, stock, etc… I have used an unbleached coffee filter or paper towels lining a colander with success.

HalfPint · Answer

I'm not sure why fresh juice tends to be cloudy. I think it has to do with the fibers and organic matter (eg. skin, pith, pulp, pectin, etc) in whole fruit. Fresh squeezed fruit juice tends to clear up with cooking. Commercial juices are strained with a finer mesh than what you might have. It would not hurt to use a jelly bag strainer and then cook the juice since you are making jelly.

As for easier seed removal: I suggest using an electric juicer (which would remove the seeds and bulk of the pulp) and then run the juice through a jelly bag, for the finer particulates.

Let us know the results. Best of luck!

Cloudy fruit juice when straining seeds out.

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