Description
Homemade Crab Apple Jelly promises pure autumn magic with its crimson jewel-toned spread. Rustic preserving techniques blend traditional wisdom and simple ingredients, delivering delightful sweetness you’ll savor on warm toast or biscuits.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Fruits and Liquid:
- 8 cups fresh crab apples
- 4 cups water
Sweeteners:
- 3 cups white sugar
Spices and Aromatics:
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse and remove stems from crab apples, then slice into quarters.
- Combine crab apples, cinnamon, and water in a large cooking pot, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 15 minutes until fruits soften.
- Position a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a clean container and transfer the cooked mixture, permitting the liquid to drain naturally overnight without applying pressure.
- Measure exactly 4 cups of extracted juice and return to the pot, bringing to a gentle simmer while carefully removing any emerging foam from the surface.
- Incorporate sugar into the simmering juice, continuously stirring and monitoring the temperature until the mixture reaches precisely 220-222°F, which typically requires about 25 minutes of consistent heating.
- Carefully transfer the molten jelly into pre-sterilized jars, ensuring a 1/4 inch gap remains at the top for proper sealing.
- Meticulously clean jar rims with a sterile cloth, secure lids tightly, and submerge in a rapidly boiling water bath for exactly 5 minutes.
- Remove jars and allow them to rest undisturbed for 12-24 hours at room temperature, ensuring complete cooling and seal formation.
- Verify jar seals by gently pressing the center of each lid before storing in a cool, dark pantry.
Notes
- Choose firm, unblemished crab apples for the best flavor and clarity in your jelly.
- Use a candy thermometer to precisely monitor the jelly’s temperature for perfect consistency.
- Avoid squeezing the fruit during straining to keep the jelly crystal clear and prevent cloudiness.
- Experiment with adding other warming spices like star anise or cardamom alongside cinnamon for a unique twist on traditional crab apple jelly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg