Making your own Concord grape jelly is a delightful way to capture the sweet-tart, musky flavor of fresh grapes in a jar. Whether you want to enjoy it on toast, with cheese, or as a nostalgic treat, homemade jelly is worth the effort. Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you make delicious Concord grape jelly right at home.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
– 3 pounds of Concord grapes (washed and stemmed)
– ½ cup water
– 7 cups granulated sugar
– 1 pouch of liquid fruit pectin (like Certo)
– Sterilized canning jars and lids
Step 1: Extract the Grape Juice
Start by placing the grapes in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the ½ cup of water to prevent sticking. Using a potato masher, crush the grapes to help release their juice faster.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Next, strain the cooked grapes through a jelly bag or cheesecloth-lined strainer over a large bowl. Let the juice drip for a couple of hours until you have about 4 cups of pure grape juice. This juice will have an intoxicating aroma and rich color-this is the heart of your jelly.
Step 2: Prepare the Jelly Mixture
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the 4 cups of extracted grape juice with 7 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well to mix.
Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pouch of liquid pectin and stir continuously for exactly one minute. This step is crucial to activate the pectin and achieve the perfect jelly consistency.
Step 3: Skim the Foam and Jar the Jelly
Remove the pot from heat and skim off the foam that forms on the surface for about 5 minutes. This helps give your jelly a clear, beautiful finish.
Immediately ladle the hot jelly into your sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Seal with sterilized lids and screw on the bands firmly but not too tight.
Step 4: Process the Jars for Preservation
To ensure your jelly is safely preserved, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. This step seals the jars and prevents spoilage.
You’ll know you’ve done it right when you hear the lids “pop” as they seal while cooling. Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Perfect Concord Grape Jelly
– Seed removal: Concord grapes have seeds, but since you’re straining the juice, the seeds won’t affect the jelly. If you want an ultra-smooth jelly, some recipes suggest removing seeds before cooking, but it’s optional.
– Measuring is key: Accurate measurement of grape juice and sugar ensures your jelly sets properly-not too runny or too stiff.
– Sterilization: Always sterilize jars and lids before use to avoid contamination and extend shelf life.
– Pectin alternatives: Some recipes use powdered pectin or even no pectin at all, but liquid pectin like Certo is easy and reliable for beginners.
Enjoy the jewel-like color, intoxicating aroma, and sweet-tart taste of your homemade Concord grape jelly. It’s a wonderful way to savor the flavors of the season and share a bit of homemade goodness with family and friends.
Making Concord grape jelly is easier than you think-give it a try and taste the difference fresh, homemade jelly makes!
Would you like a recipe for Concord grape jelly without pectin or tips on how to use your jelly in creative ways? Just ask!