Apple Jelly Recipe for Canning
Yields: About 6 pints Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 cups apple juice
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pouch (1.75 oz) liquid pectin
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
- Pot holder
Instructions:
Prepare the Apple Juice:
- Wash and core apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Wash and core the apples, but don't peel them.
- Extract juice: You can use a juicer, or simmer apples with a small amount of water until they break down and release juice. Strain the juice through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
Make the Jelly:
- Prepare jars and lids: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water and sterilize them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Combine juice and sugar: Pour the apple juice into a large pot and add the sugar. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a rolling boil. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Add pectin: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the liquid pectin. Return the pot to medium-high heat and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil.
- Cook for 1 minute: Continue to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Can the Jelly:
- Ladle into jars: Skim any foam off the top of the jelly. Using a canning funnel, carefully ladle the hot jelly into the sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
- Wipe rims and seal: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Center lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
- Process in water bath: Place jars in a water bath canner, ensuring the jars are covered by at least an inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 10 minutes.
- Remove and cool: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter and place them on a clean, dry towel to cool completely.
- Check seals: After jars have cooled, press down on the center of the lids. If they don't flex, the seal is good.
Storing and Enjoying:
- Store in a cool, dark place: Store your sealed jars of apple jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
- Enjoy: Spread your homemade apple jelly on toast, biscuits, or use it in baking recipes.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality pectin: Liquid pectin will result in a smoother, more consistent jelly.
- Don't overcook the jelly: Overcooked jelly can be cloudy or become too firm.
- Test the set: You can test the set of the jelly by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate. If it gels within a few minutes, it's ready.
With a bit of effort and these simple steps, you can create a delicious and long-lasting batch of apple jelly!