Make your own grape jelly.
Homemade Concord grape jelly is more flavorful than commercial grape jelly, and a good way to preserve Concord grapes before they spoil. The canning technique requires some special items that some modern kitchens may not have on hand, such as a stove-top canner. The USDA recommends using either a boiling-water canner or a pressure canner to ensure safe home processing; open kettle and steam canners or canning processes using other appliances, such as a microwave or dishwasher, are not recommended.
Since Concord grape jelly does not have a long processing time, the simpler, less expensive boiling-water canners are generally used.
Instructions
1. Sterilize glass jars by placing them in the canner and filling with boiling water until they are submerged, with one inch of water over the tops. Boil for at least 10 minutes.
2. Wash grapes thoroughly. Remove any stem pieces.
3. Pour water into the cooking pot. Add grapes. Over medium heat, crush grapes thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover pot and reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Strain juice through cheesecloth or jelly strainer into a large bowl. Return 6 1/2 cups of juice to the pot. Add pectin.
6. Stir juice and pectin constantly over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Add sugar and continue to boil for 1 minute.
7. Fill sterile jars with ladle and funnel until there is a 1/4 inch space at the top. Wipe the mouth of each jar clean. Place the flat piece of the lid on top. Screw the second piece of the lid on top until it's tight.
8. Place filled jars in canner. Cover with boiling water by 1 to 2 inches. Boil for 5 minutes at altitudes below 1,000 feet. Boil for 10 minutes at 1,000 to 6,000 feet, or 15 minutes at 6,000 feet or higher. Shut off heat and sit for 5 minutes before removing jars.
9. Remove jars from canner. Jars should sit in a cool place for 12 to 24 hours before opening, but jelly is safe to eat as soon as it cools.
Tags: grape jelly, Boil minutes, boiling water, Concord grape, Concord grape jelly, grapes thoroughly,