Harvesting the Sweetness: Making Crabapple or Apple Jelly

In the realm of homemade preserves, few things match the satisfaction of crafting your own jelly. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s become a summertime tradition in my household: Crabapple or Apple Jelly.

This delightful spread is as versatile as it is delicious, and the best part? The main ingredient is often free! Thanks to the generosity of friends and neighbors with an abundance of apple and crabapple trees, we are often gifted with the freshest fruit, (which spares them the effort of cleaning up fallen apples).

A Gift from Nature

Crabapple (or apple) jelly is one of those wonderful recipes that allow you to use what you have on hand. Whether you’re using tart, tangy crabapples or the more familiar sweetness of regular apples, this jelly is always a hit.

I’ve found that many people appreciate the unique flavor profile that crabapples bring to the table. Their tartness lends a distinctive edge to the jelly, making it a standout in any breakfast spread. However, if your family’s palate isn’t particularly fussy, regular apples work just as beautifully. In fact, in my house, we happily enjoy the jelly made from either fruit.

In my family, this jelly is far from being just a spread for toast or a filling for PB&J sandwiches. We love to use it as a flavorful accompaniment to ham and turkey, adding a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements savory meats.

It also makes a fantastic glaze for ham or chicken breasts, transforming a simple dish into a gourmet experience. The versatility of this jelly truly shines in our kitchen, making it a valued staple beyond breakfast.

The Versatility of Apples

One of the delightful perks of using regular apples for this jelly is the bounty of leftover pulp. This isn’t just a byproduct—it’s a treasure trove of flavor that can be transformed into delectable apple sauce and apple butter.

These extras make the most of your apple haul and add a comforting, homemade touch to your pantry staples. Imagine spreading creamy apple butter on warm toast or serving a dollop of fresh apple sauce with a pork roast. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are undeniably delicious.

The Recipe: Crabapple or Apple Jelly

Now, let’s get to the recipe itself. Whether you’re a seasoned jelly maker or a newbie looking to try your hand at preserving, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Crabapple Jelly / Apple Jelly

Recipe by Jessie

Cuisine: Canning and PreservingDifficulty: Easy

Servings

13

250 ml jars

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Whether you prefer the distinctive tang of crabapples or the classic sweetness of regular apples, this clear, amber-colored apple jelly is a treat for any occasion. Enjoy it spread on toast, as a glaze for meats, or any other way your imagination takes you.

Ingredients

• 7 c apple juice (learn how to extract the juice here)

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

• 9 c sugar

• 1 pkg (57 g) powdered pectin

Directions

• In a large pot (I suggest an EXTRA large pot, as this will foam up dramatically while boiling), add the apple juice, lemon juice, and pectin.
• Stirring constantly, bring to a full boil.
• Add sugar, return to heat and bring to a full boil while stirring continuously.
• Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat and skim off any foam that forms on top.
• Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
• Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and secure the bands.
• Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
• Remove from water bath, let cool, and store in a cool, dark place until opened. Keep refrigerated after opening.

Notes

• Note that once you remove this jelly from the heat and stop stirring, a “skin” quickly forms on top. This is perfectly morning and there is nothing wrong with this, so don’t worry about trying to remove it.

A Community Effort

Making Crabapple or Apple Jelly isn’t just about the delicious end product; it’s also about the sense of community and connection that comes from sharing nature’s bounty. Every time I spread this jelly on a piece of toast, I’m reminded of the friends and neighbors who contributed to this sweet endeavor. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best ingredients are the ones we share.

So, next time you see those apples hanging heavy on a neighbor’s tree, don’t hesitate to ask if you can help lighten their load. You might just end up with a pantry full of beautiful, homemade jelly—and a heart full of gratitude.