Concord Harvest Jam
Experience the taste of your own backyard with this delightful Concord Harvest Jam. A blend of fully ripened and slightly unripe Concord grapes from our home vineyard provides a tantalizingly tangy and beautifully set grape jam. This jam is rich in natural grape flavor and has an enticing deep purple hue that delights the senses. The inclusion of unripe grapes enhances the pectin content, ensuring a perfect set without additional additives. Perfect for spreading on toast, or adding a dollop to your yogurt or oatmeal, this jam is as versatile as it is delicious. This recipe yields 6 half-pint jars, making it ideal for gifting or stocking your pantry. Savor the essence of summer all year long!
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Concord grapes
5 lbs (washed, de-stemmed)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
Honey
2/3 cup (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
No-sugar-needed pectin
1 box (49 g) (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and de-stemming the Concord grapes thoroughly. Use a mix of ripe and a handful of unripe grapes to naturally boost the pectin for a better set.
2
In a large pot, combine the grapes with 1/2 cup of water. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grapes are soft and starting to break down.
3
Pass the softened grapes through a food mill to remove the skins and seeds, collecting the pureed grape pulp in a clean pot.
4
Place the pot with the grape pulp over medium-high heat. Stir in the sugar and honey until fully dissolved.
5
Reduce the heat to a low boil and continue cooking, stirring regularly, for about 15-20 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
6
Add the lemon juice and pectin. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a hard boil, stirring constantly. Maintain the boil for 3 minutes to ensure proper activation of the pectin.
7
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw on the bands fingertip-tight.
8
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (10 minutes per 1/2 pint or pint jar). Adjust timing for altitude if necessary. Once processed, remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed for at least 12 hours.
9
Check the seals and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Concord Harvest Jam?
Concord Harvest Jam is a homemade grape spread made from a blend of ripe and slightly unripe Concord grapes, creating a tangy and naturally set preserve with a deep purple hue.
How many grapes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 5 lbs of Concord grapes, which should be washed and de-stemmed before starting.
Why does the recipe suggest using some unripe grapes?
Including a handful of unripe grapes naturally boosts the pectin content, which helps the jam achieve a better set without needing as many additives.
What are the main ingredients besides grapes?
The ingredients include 1/2 cup of water, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 2/3 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and one 49g box of no-sugar-needed pectin.
How long do the grapes need to cook initially?
The grapes should be cooked over medium heat for about 20 minutes until they are soft and beginning to break down.
How do I remove the grape skins and seeds?
Once the grapes are softened, pass them through a food mill to separate the pureed pulp from the skins and seeds.
When do I add the sweeteners?
Stir in the sugar and honey once the grape pulp has been collected in a clean pot and placed over medium-high heat.
How long should the pulp simmer before adding pectin?
After adding sugar and honey, reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
How long is the final hard boil?
After adding the lemon juice and pectin, bring the mixture to a hard boil and maintain it for exactly 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
Why is the 3-minute hard boil important?
The 3-minute hard boil is necessary to ensure the proper activation of the pectin so the jam sets correctly.
How many jars does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 half-pint jars.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
You should leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar before sealing.
How do I process the jars for preservation?
Process the filled and sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Do I need to adjust the processing time for altitude?
Yes, you should adjust the boiling water bath timing based on your local altitude if necessary.
How long should the jars cool after canning?
The jars should be left to cool undisturbed for at least 12 hours after being removed from the water bath.
How long does the sealed jam last?
Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
What should I do if a jar does not seal?
If a jar fails to seal, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed sooner rather than later.
Is the lemon juice required?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are used to help with the set and flavor balance.
Can I use regular pectin instead of no-sugar-needed pectin?
The recipe specifies no-sugar-needed pectin; using other types may require different sugar ratios to set properly.
What is the best way to serve Concord Harvest Jam?
It is delicious on toast, or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal.
How many servings are in one batch?
Based on the yield, there are approximately 48 servings per batch.
What is the color of the finished jam?
The jam has an enticing, deep purple hue characteristic of Concord grapes.
Do I need to peel the grapes before cooking?
No, the grapes are cooked whole and then the skins are removed using a food mill.
What kind of honey is best?
The recipe does not specify a type, so a standard wildflower or clover honey works well.
Can I use this recipe for other grape varieties?
While designed for Concord grapes, other slip-skin grapes may work, though the flavor and pectin levels will vary.
Why add water to the grapes at the start?
The 1/2 cup of water prevents the grapes from scorching as they begin to release their juices.
Should I stir the jam while it boils?
Yes, you should stir regularly during the thickening phase and constantly during the hard boil to prevent burning.
What is 'fingertip-tight' for jar bands?
Fingertip-tight means screwing the band on until you feel resistance, then just a tiny bit further using only your fingers, not your whole hand.
How do I check the seals?
After 12 hours, press the center of the lid; if it does not flex up and down, it is sealed.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners in canning?
Yes, this is a standard water-bath canning recipe that is great for those familiar with basic kitchen tools and a food mill.