Homemade Grape Jelly
Indulge in the rich, sweet, and fruity flavor of homemade grape jelly, a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories of summer harvests. This simple yet satisfying recipe is crafted with care, using ripe grapes to create a luscious jelly that's perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. Made with love by my husband, who is also an expert canner, this jelly captures the essence of freshly picked grapes. Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you create a pantry staple that will have your friends and family begging for more. Enjoy the taste of homemade goodness all year round!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grape Juice
5 cups (Freshly made from approximately 3 1/2 pounds of ripe grapes.)
Sure-Jel Pectin
1 box (1 3/4 ounces) (Use as is.)
Granulated Sugar
7 cups (Add directly during cooking.)
Water
1 1/2 cups (Used for cooking the grapes.)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the grape juice: wash and clean the grapes thoroughly.
2
In a large pot, combine 3 1/2 pounds of cleaned grapes with 1 1/2 cups of water.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes to soften the grapes.
4
Once done, strain the grape mixture through a jelly bag or fine cloth, pressing to extract all the juice. You should collect 5 cups of juice.
5
Pour the grape juice into a larger heavy-bottomed pot. Sprinkle the Sure-Jel pectin over the juice and stir until thoroughly mixed.
6
Over high heat, bring the juice and pectin mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring continuously.
7
Once boiling, add in all 7 cups of granulated sugar at once, stirring to dissolve completely.
8
Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil hard for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly.
9
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
10
Pour the hot grape jelly into prepared sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
11
You can either seal the jars with canning lids or, if preferred, pour hot paraffin wax over the top to seal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Grape Jelly?
It is a sweet and fruity spread made from fresh grapes, sugar, and pectin, perfect for toast and cheese pairings.
How many pounds of grapes do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 3 1/2 pounds of ripe, cleaned grapes.
How much grape juice should I extract?
The recipe requires exactly 5 cups of strained grape juice.
What type of pectin is used in this grape jelly recipe?
The recipe specifies using one 1.74-ounce box of Sure-Jel pectin.
How much sugar is required for the jelly?
You will need 7 cups of granulated sugar to achieve the proper set and sweetness.
How much water is added to the grapes during the initial cooking?
Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the grapes before simmering.
How long should the grapes simmer?
After bringing to a boil, cover and simmer the grapes for 10 minutes to soften them.
How do I extract the juice from the cooked grapes?
Strain the mixture through a jelly bag or fine cloth, pressing to extract all the juice.
When do I add the Sure-Jel pectin?
Sprinkle the pectin over the 5 cups of grape juice in a heavy-bottomed pot and stir until mixed.
What is the first boiling step in the jelly-making process?
Bring the juice and pectin mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring continuously.
How do I add the sugar to the boiling juice?
Add all 7 cups of sugar at once and stir until it is completely dissolved.
How long is the final boil after adding sugar?
Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil hard for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly.
What should I do after the final one-minute boil?
Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
What are the two options for sealing the jelly jars?
You can use standard canning lids or pour hot paraffin wax over the top to seal.
Do the jars need to be sterilized?
Yes, the hot jelly should be poured into prepared sterilized jars.
Why is a heavy-bottomed pot recommended?
A heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent the sugar and juice mixture from scorching during the high-heat boiling process.
Can I use this jelly as a gift?
Yes, homemade grape jelly is a delightful pantry staple that makes an excellent gift for friends and family.
What is the flavor profile of this jelly?
It has a rich, sweet, and fruity flavor that captures the essence of freshly picked grapes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: grapes, water, pectin, and sugar.
Is it necessary to wash the grapes?
Yes, start by thoroughly washing and cleaning the grapes.
What does 'full rolling boil' mean?
A boil that continues to bubble vigorously even when the mixture is being stirred.
Can this jelly be used with savory foods?
Yes, it is specifically recommended for pairing with various cheeses.
How is the foam removed?
The foam is skimmed off the surface with a spoon after the pot is removed from the heat.
Why is it important to boil for exactly 1 minute?
The specific timing ensures the pectin reacts correctly with the sugar to create the perfect jelly set.
What is the texture of the finished product?
The result is a luscious, smooth, and spreadable fruit jelly.
Is this recipe suitable for canning beginners?
Yes, the instructions are designed to be accessible for both new canners and seasoned pros.
What is the role of the husband in this recipe description?
The recipe was crafted with love by the author's husband, who is described as an expert canner.
Can this jelly be eaten immediately?
While it can be enjoyed after cooling, it is typically sealed for long-term pantry storage.
What is a jelly bag used for?
A jelly bag is used to filter out the grape skins and pulp, leaving only the clear juice for the jelly.