Grape Jelly Recipes

GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Tip the grapes into a large saucepan set over a low heat, then cover and leave to gently cook for 5 mins until the juices start to run. Take a potato masher or fork and mash up the grapes. Leave to cook for about 10 mins more, mashing every now and again until the grapes are falling apart. Place a clean tea towel or kitchen cloth in a sieve set over a bowl, then pour the grape mixture into this. Let the mixture drip through for at least 1 hr or preferably overnight.
• Measure out the juice (you should have about 600ml) and pour it into a pan along with the sugar and lemon juice. Set the pan over a high heat and bring to the boil. Skimming any scum as it boils, let the mixture bubble until the temperature reaches 105C on a sugar thermometer. If you don't have one, put a small plate in the freezer for 5 mins, then pour a little of the juice onto the cold saucer. After 1 min, run your finger through; if the jam wrinkles slightly, it's ready. Pour the hot jam into a sterilised jar. Will keep unopened for up to 3 months.

GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Sterilize and dry jars for jelly, and set side. I like to use my dishwasher. New lids are recommended for best results.
• Combine grape juice and pectin in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and stir one minute at a rolling boil. Stir in sugar for a few minutes to completely dissolve. Remove from heat.
• Ladle the hot jelly into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. Wipe rims of jars with a clean dry cloth. Cover with a lid and ring to seal. Let stand 24 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate. Jelly may take up to a week to set. Once set, it is ready to serve. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, once set. If canning for long term storage, process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes, or contact your local extension for processing times in your area.

CONCORD GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Sort and wash grapes, and remove stems. Place them into a large kettle and crush them. Add water, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and extract juice. Allow the juice to stand in a cool place overnight to prevent the formation of crystals in the jelly.
• Strain the juice through a double thickness of damp cheesecloth. Measure 4 cups of the juice into a large pot. Stir in the sugar. Quickly bring to a full rolling boil. Stir in pectin, and allow to boil hard for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and skim off foam. Pour into hot sterile jars, and process for 5 minutes in a boiling water bath.

GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Combine fruit and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, partially covered, mashing occasionally with a potato masher, until fruit is very soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer mixture to a fine sieve set over a heatproof bowl; let drain without pressing on fruit, 4 hours. Strain again through sieve lined with damp cheesecloth. Measure juice; you will have 3 to 4 cups.
• In a large heavy-bottomed pot, bring juice to a boil. Add 3/4 cup sugar for each cup of juice. Add lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Return to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, 8 to 12 minutes. To test if jelly is done, dip a large metal spoon in, lift it horizontally above pot, and let mixture drip back in. Jelly is done when mixture has thickened slightly and drops of it slide together off spoon in a sheet. (Temperature should register 221 degrees on a candy thermometer.) Skim foam from top.
• Ladle jelly into clean containers, leaving 3/4 inch of headroom. Let cool completely. Cover, label, and refrigerate up to 1 month, or freeze up to 1 year.

GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• First make the grape juice using clean washed grapes.
• To 3 1/2 pounds of clean grapes add 1 1/2 cups water.
• Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
• Strain and squeeze out all of the juice with a jelly cloth, or whatever means you have.
• In a very big pan, put 5 cups of the juice.
• Add the fruit pectin to the juice.
• Mix well.
• On high heat, bring to a full rolling boil, and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in sugar all at once, and bring back to a full rolling boil, again boil hard for 1 minute stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat, skim off foam and pour into hot jars.
• If using paraffin, pour hot paraffin in on top of jelly.
• Or seal with canning lids.

GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Wash grapes. Remove stems.
• Put grapes in a pan with the water.
• Bring to a boil.
• Lower heat to a simmer, then cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat, mash the grapes.
• Put mashed fruit in a jelly bag.
• Let drip for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.
• Measure how much juice you got. You need 1 litre (4 cups / 32 oz) of juice. If you didn't end up with that, see notes below.
• Put the juice in a pot.
• LIQUID SWEETENERS (HONEY, AGAVE, LIQUID STEVIA, ETC): See special directions below before proceeding further.
• DRY SWEETENERS (SUGAR, SPLENDA, POWDERED STEVIA, ETC): Mix the pectin powder with the sugar in a small bowl or a measuring cup, set aside. Add the lemon juice and the calcium water to the pot. Bring pot contents to a boil, then add pectin mixture.
• ALL SWEETENERS: When pot returns to a boil, let boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Skim surface scum off OR if desired strain again one last time through a jelly bag.
• Ladle into 125 ml (4 oz) or quarter-litre (1/2 US pint / 8 oz) jars.
• Leave 1 cm (1/4 inch) headspace.
• Debubble, adjust headspace if needed.
• Wipe jar rims.
• Put lids on.
• Process in a water bath or steam canner.
• Process jars for 10 minutes; increase time as needed for your altitude.

CERTO GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
• Stem and crush grapes thoroughly, one layer at a time. Place in saucepan. Add water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 min., stirring occasionally. Place three layers of damp cheesecloth or jelly bag in large bowl. Pour prepared fruit into cheesecloth. Tie cheesecloth closed; hang and let drip into bowl until dripping stops. Press gently. Measure exactly 4 cups juice into 6- or 8-qt. saucepot.
• Stir sugar into juice in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 5 min. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

WILD GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Wash and stem the Wild Grapes (4 cup).
• Place in a saucepan and crush with a potato masher. Add Water (1/4 cup), cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.
• Strain out the juice and discard the pulp and seeds. Let the juice sit overnight to let the tartrate crystallize and settle to the bottom of the container or cling to the sides.
• Carefully pour off the juice into a measuring glass. Add in an equal amount of Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cup).
• Bring to a rapid boil and boil until it is thickened.
• Pour into mason jars, seal and refrigerate.
• Enjoy!

SURE.JELL® CONCORD GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
• Stem and crush grapes thoroughly, 1 layer at a time. Place in large saucepan; add water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 min., stirring occasionally. Place 3 layers of damp cheesecloth or jelly bag in large bowl. Pour prepared fruit into cheesecloth. Tie cheesecloth closed; hang and let drip into bowl until dripping stops. Press gently. Measure exactly 1-1/4 qt. (5 cups) prepared juice into 6- or 8-qt. saucepot.
• Stir pectin into juice in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 5 min. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• To extract grape juice, stem the grapes into a stockpot or saucepan and add 1/2 cup water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil while mashing the grapes to encourage them to release their juice. Continue to cook until the grapes completely fall apart, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and strain through a jelly bag or double layer or cheesecloth. Allow the juice to strain for at least 2 hours.
• Refrigerate the juice overnight to allow tartrate crystals to separate out.
• Strain the cold juice through the cheesecloth again. Pour carefully, and leave the tartrate crystal sediment behind at the bottom of the jar. Not all grapes form visible tartrate crystals, but this is a good precaution anyway and will prevent crystals in the finished grape jelly.
• If you're starting with purchased grape juice, skip these steps and begin below.
• Add 4 cups of grape juice to a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, ensuring that the fills the pot no more than 1/3 of the way (mixture will foam). Add the powdered pectin and stir to dissolve. (Don't add the sugar yet.)
• Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and boil 1 minute.
• Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Bring the mixture back to a hard boil and boil 1 minute before turning off the heat.
• Ladle the grape jelly into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Store in the refrigerator for a refrigerator jam and use within 3-4 weeks.
• If canning, process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes if under 1,000 feet in elevation. Add 1 minute to the processing time for every additional 1,000 feet.
• Check jar seals after 24 hours, and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use. Properly canned and sealed jars should maintain quality on the pantry shelf for 12-18 months.

HOW TO MAKE GRAPE JELLY

Steps:

• Start with around 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of grapes. The better quality grapes you choose, the better quality jelly you'll have once you finish cooking them. While red or Concord grapes are the most common when making jelly, there's no right grape to choose. Pick a grape that you like the taste of and that you can get a lot of. You can use either seeded or seedless grapes, as well as grapes that are green, white, or red. This will affect the look and taste of your finished jelly, but it will be delicious nonetheless. If you don't have easy access to fresh grapes or don't want to cook them into juice yourself, you can use grape juice instead and skip to Part 2. Make sure the grape juice you choose is made fresh and doesn't have any added sugar.
• Take the grapes off their stems and wash them. Go through and methodically pick the grapes off the stems before throwing the grapes into a large bowl or colander. Once all the grapes have been removed from the stems, use cold water to give them a good wash and to rinse away any dirt or anything else you don't want in your jelly. If you're particularly worried about your grapes being clean, or if you notice any bugs on them as you de-stem them, give the grapes a slight squeeze over your cooking bowl to split the fruit from its skin. This will let you see if anything is wrong with the inside of the grape and easily remove the skin.
• Transfer the grapes to a large pot and add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water. Place a big, heavy-bottomed pan over an element on your stovetop and pour in your grapes. Add around 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water to the pot. This should be just enough to stop your grapes from scorching without watering down your juice too much. Depending on the size of your pot, you may need to add more water to stop the grapes from burning. This is absolutely fine. It's much better to have a very slightly weaker grape jelly than it is to have jelly that tastes burnt.
• Crush the grapes up slightly. This will help release some of the grape juice and speed up the cooking process overall. Use a potato masher or a large wooden spoon to press the grapes down into the bottom of the pan, squishing them slightly. Repeat until all of the grapes are slightly crushed. If you don't want to crush your grapes and cook them to remove the juice, you can run them through a juicer instead. This may take a little longer but will give you a perfectly pure grape juice to turn into jelly.
• Bring the grapes to a boil and then simmer. Turn the element on your stove to a medium-high heat and bring your grapes to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning. Once they have reached a boil, reduce the heat to low so that your grapes can begin simmering. Bringing your grapes to a boil for the first time might take a while. Have patience and let them cook to bring out the most juice.
• Simmer the grapes for around 10 minutes. Once the grapes have lowered to a simmer, cover the pot and leave it to cook for approximately 10 minutes. Every few minutes, take the lid off the pot and give the grapes a stir with a large wooden spoon to move them around and agitate them a little. Simmering your grapes is what will extract all of the juice and give you something to work with when making jelly. Keep the temperature low and let them cook.
• Strain the grapes to collect at least 4 cups of juice. After the grapes have been given time to simmer and are sitting in a lot of liquid, you need to strain them. Place a cheesecloth in a strainer over a large bowl, or use a jelly bag or strainer to separate the juice from the pulp. Slowly and carefully pour the juice through your strainer, being careful not to spill any. If you don't want to strain your juice, you could also process the juice and the pulp in a blender or food processor until it makes a smooth puree. This will change the texture of your jelly slightly, but will also be much easier than using a sieve. It may take a while for the juice to strain through the fabric strainers. You can use something to squeeze the grapes and speed up the process, or just leave it overnight to strain by itself. This is a good point to begin preparing any jars that you'll be using to store your jelly.

OLD FASHIONED GRAPE JAM (NO PECTIN ADDED)

Steps:

• Seed grapes as discussed above by squeezing the grape flesh out of the skin and then cooking the pulp down. Put the pulp through a fine mesh strainer and then re-combine the filtered pulp with the grape skins.
• Add the skins and pulp into a saucepan along with the sugar and cook the mixture until it reaches gel stage, about 10-15 minutes. Experienced jam makers can watch for when the type of bubbles change and take on a glossy look. To be sure, test the consistency on a plate that's kept in the freezer or with a candy thermometer.
• Pour the jam into prepared canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Store in the refrigerator for immediate use, or process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the jars to sit in the canner for an additional 5 minutes before removing them to cool on a towel on the counter.
• Allow the jars to rest for 24 to 48 hours to completely gel.