Imagine the sweet, tangy burst of homemade Concord grape jelly spreading across your morning toast, a delightful treat that takes you back to simpler times. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create this luscious, vibrant jelly that not only tastes incredible but also fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh grapes. Whether you're looking to impress your friends at brunch or simply want to savor a taste of summer year-round, this easy recipe will have you reaching for your toast again and again. Ready to dive into the world of homemade preserves? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 half-pints
Ingredients
- 4 cups Concord grapes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package pectin
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of Concord grapes, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1 package of pectin. Make sure your jars and lids are clean and sterilized.
- Rinse the Concord grapes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Remove the stems and any damaged grapes. Place the cleaned grapes in a large pot.
- Using a potato masher or fork, crush the grapes to release their juice. You should have a mixture of crushed grapes, skins, and seeds.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the crushed grapes to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help extract more juice from the grapes.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the grape mixture into a large bowl or another pot. Press down on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
- Measure the amount of grape juice you have. You should have around 3 cups of juice. If you have less, you can add a little water to reach the desired volume.
- Return the grape juice to the pot and add 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and the package of pectin. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, continue boiling for 1-2 minutes to ensure the pectin activates properly.
- After boiling, remove the pot from heat. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface using a spoon.
- Carefully ladle the hot grape jelly into the prepared sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the sterilized lids on top of each jar and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch.
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean towel or cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed properly. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade Concord grape jelly!
Tips
- Choose Ripe Grapes: For the best flavor, use fully ripe Concord grapes. They should be deep purple and slightly soft to the touch.
- Sterilize Jars: Make sure your jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling them with jelly. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
- Juice Extraction: When crushing the grapes, don’t be afraid to really mash them up to release as much juice as possible. The more juice you extract, the better your jelly will be!
- Monitor the Boil: Keep a close eye on the boiling process once you add the pectin. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: To test if your jelly is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. If it gels and holds its shape, it’s ready to be jarred.
- Water Bath Processing: Ensure your jars are fully submerged during the boiling water bath process to create a proper seal. This step is crucial for long-term storage.
- Cool Down: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps ensure a proper seal and prevents spoilage.
- Storage: Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
