Concord Grape Jelly

Name: Concord Grape Jelly
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 jars
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2 kg Concord grapes (stems removed); 1/2 cup water; 5 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 package pectin (regular (57 g))

75 min 4 jars Medium

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Concord Grape Jelly

Delight in this homemade Concord grape jelly, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.

Prep

30 min

Cook

45 min

Total

75 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Concord grape jelly is a classic treat that brings back memories of harvest season with its rich, fruity flavour. This jelly is not only a delicious spread for your morning toast but also a delightful accompaniment to cheese platters. Making homemade jelly can seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy the sweet taste of Concord grapes all year round. It's a rewarding process that captures the essence of fresh grapes into a jar.

Instructions

Prepare the Grapes

Wash the Concord grapes thoroughly and remove them from their stems. Place the grapes in a large pot.

Pro tip: Ensure all stems are removed to avoid bitterness.

Cook the Grapes

Add 1/2 cup of water to the pot with the grapes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cooking until the grapes are soft and release their juices, about 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Strain the Juice

Pour the cooked grapes through a jelly bag or cheesecloth set over a bowl. Let it drip for several hours or overnight to extract the juice. Do not squeeze the bag if you want a clear jelly.

Pro tip: For a clearer jelly, allow gravity to do the work.

Measure the Juice

Measure out 4 cups of grape juice and pour it back into the cleaned pot.

Pro tip: If you have less juice, adjust sugar and pectin accordingly.

Add Sugar and Pectin

Add the pectin to the grape juice and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the sugar all at once and return to a full boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Pro tip: A rolling boil cannot be stirred down.

Test for Setting

Remove from heat and test the jelly by placing a small amount on a cold spoon. If it gels, it's ready. If not, boil for another minute and test again.

Pro tip: The jelly should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.

Jar the Jelly

Ladle the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Seal with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure jars are properly sealed to avoid spoilage.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Ensure your grapes are ripe for the best flavour and natural sweetness.
Use a jelly bag or cheesecloth for a clear jelly.
Test the jelly with a spoon to check the setting point.
Store in sterilized jars to extend shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make easy grape jelly?

Use Concord grapes, sugar, and pectin. Cook the grapes, strain the juice, add sugar and pectin, boil, and jar.

What is the setting point for jelly?

The setting point is when the jelly reaches 105°C (221°F) and wrinkles when pushed.

How long does grape jelly last?

Unopened, it lasts up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, use within a month.

Can I use less sugar?

You can reduce sugar, but it may affect the setting. Consider using low-sugar pectin.

What's the best way to sterilize jars?

Boil jars in water for 10 minutes or use a dishwasher on the hottest setting.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Concord grape jelly is ready, enjoy it spread over warm toast, or use it as a sweet contrast on a cheese board. Its rich flavour pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like Brie or sharp cheddar. For storage, ensure your jars are properly sealed and sterilized. The jelly can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and use within a month.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

Protein

Fat

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