Sugar & Spice Beet Jelly
This delightful Beet Jelly is a colorful and flavorful twist on traditional jellies. The vibrant crimson color derived from fresh beets is not only visually appealing but also adds a natural sweetness and earthy undertone that is sure to impress. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness that perfectly balances the sugars, while the pectin ensures a perfect gel-like consistency. Ideal as a spread on toast, a topping for desserts, or a unique addition to cheese boards, this Beet Jelly is sure to be a conversation starter. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and watch them fall in love with this unexpected yet delicious blend of flavors!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beets
8-10 (Peeled)
Water
5 cups (For simmering)
Lemon Juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Dry Pectin
1 package (Standard fruit pectin)
Sugar
6 cups (Granulated)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the beets and placing them in a large pot with 5 cups of water.
2
Bring the water to a simmer and cook the beets for approximately 30 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
3
Once tender, strain the liquid from the beets, measuring out 4 cups of the vibrant beet juice. Discard the beet solids or use them in another dish.
4
Transfer the measured beet juice into a large clean pot and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the dry pectin.
5
Put the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil while stirring constantly.
6
Once boiling, carefully add all of the granulated sugar at once. Stir to dissolve completely and return the jelly to a rolling boil. Boil for exactly 1 minute, continuing to stir.
7
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the hot beet jelly into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) of headspace at the top.
8
Seal the jars tightly with lids and rings, then process them in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
9
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sugar & Spice Beet Jelly?
It is a vibrant crimson jelly made from fresh beets, lemon juice, and pectin, offering a unique blend of natural sweetness and earthy undertones.
How many beets do I need for this recipe?
You will need between 8 to 10 beets for this recipe.
Should the beets be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the beets should be peeled before being placed in the pot for simmering.
How much water is required to simmer the beets?
You need 5 cups of water to simmer the beets.
How long should I cook the beets?
Cook the beets for approximately 30 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
How much beet juice is needed for the jelly base?
You need to measure out exactly 4 cups of the strained beet juice.
What should I do with the beet solids after straining?
You can discard the beet solids or use them in another dish; they are not used in the jelly itself.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of pectin is used in this recipe?
Use one package of standard dry fruit pectin.
How much sugar is required for the Beet Jelly?
The recipe requires 6 cups of granulated sugar.
At what point do I add the sugar?
Add the sugar all at once after the beet juice, lemon juice, and pectin mixture has reached a full, rolling boil.
How long does the mixture boil after adding the sugar?
Once the mixture returns to a rolling boil after adding sugar, it should be boiled for exactly 1 minute.
Is constant stirring necessary?
Yes, you should stir the mixture constantly while bringing it to a boil and during the final 1-minute boil.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave approximately 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) of headspace at the top of each jar.
What is the canning process for this jelly?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
How should the jars be cooled?
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before moving them to storage.
What are the storage recommendations?
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings (jars).
What are the primary flavor notes of this jelly?
It features a natural sweetness, earthy undertones from the beets, and a refreshing tartness from the lemon juice.
Can this jelly be used for desserts?
Yes, it is recommended as a topping for desserts or even paired with panna cotta.
Is this jelly suitable for a cheese board?
Absolutely, it makes a unique and flavorful addition to any cheese board.
What color is the final product?
The jelly has a vibrant, deep crimson color.
Is this a good recipe for gifting?
Yes, its unique color and flavor make it an excellent gift for friends and family.
What is the consistency of the Beet Jelly?
The pectin ensures the jelly reaches a perfect gel-like consistency.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Jellies and Fruit Spreads.
Does this recipe use granulated sugar?
Yes, 6 cups of granulated sugar are used to sweeten and help set the jelly.
Is the lemon juice for flavor or preservation?
Both; it adds refreshing tartness to balance the sugar and provides the acidity necessary for the pectin to set.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include jelly, beet, homemade, preserving, sweet, spreads, and canning.
Can I use this on toast?
Yes, it is ideal as a spread on toast.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: beets, water, lemon juice, dry pectin, and sugar.