Canning Raw Vegan Apple Cider Recipe Made Easy

There’s nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing taste of raw vegan apple cider, especially when it’s homemade and perfectly canned for long-lasting enjoyment. This recipe brings the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples to life without any cooking or additives, preserving all the vibrant nutrients and flavors.

Whether you’re looking to stock your pantry with healthy beverages or want a unique gift idea for friends and family, canning raw vegan apple cider is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the apple harvest season, turning those fresh apples into a delicious drink that’s ready whenever you crave it.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through every step of making and canning your own raw vegan apple cider, ensuring your cider is safe, flavorful, and beautifully preserved. Get your jars ready, and let’s dive into this delightful project!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This raw vegan apple cider recipe is a fantastic blend of health, taste, and convenience. Because it’s raw, all the naturally occurring enzymes and vitamins in the apples remain intact, offering a fresh and nourishing drink that’s unlike anything store-bought.

The canning process locks in the freshness without compromising the natural flavors or nutritional benefits.

Unlike traditional cooked ciders, this raw version maintains a vibrant, natural apple flavor with a crisp finish. It’s also vegan-friendly and free from preservatives, refined sugars, and additives.

Not only will you enjoy a delicious and healthy cider, but you’ll also experience the satisfaction of making it yourself. Once canned, it’s perfect for gifting or storing for months, providing a wholesome refreshment any time you desire.

Ingredients

• 10 pounds of fresh organic apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup raw organic cane sugar or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to preserve color and add brightness)
• Filtered water (as needed for blending)

Equipment

• Large food-grade fermenting bucket or glass fermenter with airlock
• Juicer or high-speed blender (for extracting apple juice)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (for straining pulp)
• Canning jars (quart or pint-sized with lids and rings)
• Water bath canner or large pot with rack
• Jar lifter and funnel (for safe jar handling)
• Thermometer (to check water bath temperature)
• Clean kitchen towels and workspace

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly to remove dirt and residues. Remove any stems or blemished parts, but you can leave the skin and cores intact for added flavor and nutrients.
2. Extract the Juice: Use a juicer to extract fresh apple juice. If you don’t have a juicer, cut the apples into chunks and blend in a high-speed blender with a little filtered water until smooth. Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp.
3. Sweeten and Add Lemon Juice: Pour the juice into your fermenting bucket or glass fermenter. Stir in the raw cane sugar or maple syrup if using, and add the fresh lemon juice to help preserve the color and add a hint of tartness.
4. Fermentation (Optional): If you want a slightly fermented cider with natural carbonation, cover the fermenter with a clean cloth or airlock and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. This step is optional for raw cider and depends on your taste preference.
5. Prepare Canning Jars: Sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until ready to fill.
6. Fill the Jars: Using a funnel, pour the raw apple cider into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean to ensure a proper seal.
7. Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until fingertip tight.
8. Process in Water Bath: Place the jars in a water bath canner filled with boiling water. Ensure jars are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Process for 10 minutes to ensure a safe seal while preserving the raw qualities of the cider.
9. Cool and Store: Carefully remove jars using a jar lifter and place on a clean towel to cool. You should hear a popping sound as jars seal. Check seals after 24 hours by pressing the lid center; it should not flex up and down.
10. Store Properly: Store your canned raw vegan apple cider in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 7 days.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. This balance creates complexity and natural sweetness without needing much added sugar.

• Natural Sweetener Alternatives: Substitute raw cane sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for different flavor profiles.
• Add Spices: Infuse your cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise during fermentation for a spiced version.
• Non-Fermented Option: If you prefer non-fermented cider, skip the fermentation step and proceed directly to canning.
• Carbonation Tip: To create naturally sparkling cider, ferment in sealed bottles with an airlock, but be cautious of pressure buildup.
• Using Different Apples: Try heirloom apple varieties for unique and vibrant cider flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This raw vegan apple cider is incredibly versatile. Serve chilled on a hot day as a refreshing and hydrating drink.

It’s also lovely warmed gently with a cinnamon stick for a cozy fall beverage. Pair it with light vegan snacks such as almond crackers or fresh fruit slices for a simple treat.

Use this cider as a base for smoothies or mocktails, or combine it with sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint or a slice of apple.

To explore more vegan-friendly recipes that complement this cider beautifully, try our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or dive into the savory flavors of the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

Canning raw vegan apple cider is an incredibly rewarding process that captures the essence of fresh apples in a healthy, nutrient-rich beverage. This recipe allows you to enjoy the natural flavors without any heat processing, preserving the vital enzymes and vitamins that often get lost in cooked ciders.

With simple ingredients and straightforward methods, you can create a refreshing cider that’s perfect for sipping year-round or gifting to loved ones.

By following the careful canning instructions, you ensure your cider stays fresh and safe to enjoy for months. Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delicious way to celebrate the apple harvest and elevate your homemade beverage game.

For more unique and wholesome recipes, don’t forget to check out our Horse Cough Syrup Recipe and Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe, both perfect additions to your culinary repertoire.

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