Grape Jelly

Grape jelly

Grape Jelly is not vegan because unlike blueberry, strawberry, raspberry or blackberry jam, you need Certo to make it gel. There is a plant-based version, but it's not something I can find here in town so I will probably need to order it online. For now, I guess I'll use the last couple boxes of Certo I have in my pantry.

Grapes on the vine

Grape arbor

Grape Jelly Recipe

Grape jelly is super easy to make but can make a huge mess.

Remove all the grapes off the stems and remove any green grapes. Rinse and transfer to a pot.

Bring to boil:
3 lbs grapes

Heat to a roiling boil then cook for 10 - 15 minutes, until grapes split and seeds separate from the fruit.

4.5 lbs of Concord grapes

Wrap in cheesecloth and hang overnight to drain juice.

Grape juice draining through linen

It's important not to squeeze the cheesecloth or linen while the grapes are draining. Just let them strain through on their own, overnight if possible. Squeezing can yield a cloudy result; we want the jelly to look like clear jewels.

Straining grape juice through linen

Combine:
4 cups grape juice
1 package pectin

Bring to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir while at a rolling boil for one minute. Turn heat down to low.

Stir in:
6 1/2 cups sugar

Let sugar dissolve, then remove from heat. Pour into sterilized Mason jars. Process in water for 15 minutes.

Grape jelly