Elderberry Jelly Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups of fresh elderberries
• 4 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 1 package of powdered pectin
• 4 cups of granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Rinse the elderberries and remove the stems. Place them in a large pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the berries are soft and tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Mash the berries with a potato masher until they are well broken down.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down on the solids to extract all the juice. Discard the solids and measure out 3 cups of the juice.
5. Return the juice to the pot and stir in the lemon juice and pectin. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
6. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Continue boiling for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture reaches the gel stage (test by dropping a small amount on a cold plate and seeing if it firms up).
7. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids and bands.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

Serving Suggestions

Elderberry jelly is a delicious addition to toast, crackers, biscuits, and even as a glaze for grilled meats. It also makes a great gift for friends and family!

Verdict

Making elderberry jelly is a bit time-consuming, but the end result is well worth it. The jelly is rich in flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a great way to preserve the taste of summer and can be enjoyed year-round.