How To Make Grape Jelly – with Low Sugar Pectin
Learn how to make grape jelly using low sugar pectin.
Why I Like Using Pectin for Grape Jelly
Technically, grapes have enough natural pectin that you actually don’t need any commercial pectin. It will set up very nicely, if you add enough sugar and you follow the procedures for testing for the gel set of your jelly. It’s totally doable if a traditional grape jelly recipe with minimal ingredients is important to you.
Many, no pectin grape jelly recipes call for about 4 cups of grape juice and 5-7 cups of sugar. That’s a lot of sugar! And yes, you’re only eating a little at a time, but I’m like jams and jellies that taste more fruity than sweet.
I also like the quick, easy and consistent results I get when I add commercial pectin. So, I add pectin, specifically low sugar or no sugar added pectin.
For more information about different pectin varieties click here for a Comparison Chart on Pectin Varieties.
Recipe for Low Sugar Pectin Grape Jelly
Grape Jelly
Makes fabulous almond butter and jelly sandwiches! Using no sugar needed pectin provides consistent results that let the fruit flavor shine.
Servings: 5 half pint jars
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups Grape Juice
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1 package No Sugar Pectin
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, combine grape juice, lemon juice and pectin. Mix until pectin is fully dissolved.
- Stir and bring mixture to a full boil.
- Add honey.
- Return mixture to a hard boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and remove any foam.
- Pour into hot jars leaving a 1/4”( 7mm) headspace.
- Wipe rim with clean cloth and seal with hot sealing lid.
- Screw band on top and tighten finger tight.
- Process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars, cool undisturbed for 24 hours and check seal.
Notes
Yields 5 half pint (250 ml) jars
The National Center for Home Food Preservation says sterilizing jars is not needed if jars are processed for 10 minutes or longer.
Remember to always adjust processing time for altitude.
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Getting Grape Juice
You can use pretty much whatever kind of grape juice you have access to. Even store bought juice will work. And for a real twist – you could even use white grape juice!
Of course, the romantic, idealized version of grape jelly starts with fresh picked grapes stomped in a barrel to press out pure juice – or something like that!
Since I don’t have any grapes of my own, I opt for picking grapes offered up by friends and family and then using the steam juicer to prep the juice. Although stomping them with Lucy would be so much fun!
Have you tried making grape jelly? If you have any questions, let me know, I’d be happy to help. You can connect with me by leaving a comment below or via Instagram @getgettys or Facebook @GettyStewart.HomeEconomist.
Getty Stewart is a Professional Home Economist, speaker, frequent media guest and writer dedicated to putting good food on tables and agendas. She is the author of several recipe books on enjoying and preserving fruit, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener. Sign up to get articles by Getty delivered to your inbox. You’ll get recipes, practical tips and great food information like this.
Can we make a triple batch at 1 time?
Pectin manufacturers don’t recommend doubling or tripling batches because the large volume changes how quickly the liquid returns to a boil and takes to cook which may impact the pectin and cause it to fail (overcooking it makes the bonds weak and undercooking doesn’t activate it properly). So, you’re not guaranteed a good set if you double or triple the batch.
Can I make grape jam instead of jelly using the same recipe? Thanks, I also plan to do the water bath so I don’t have put in the freezer . Will be stay good for one year ? Thanks
I have not made grape jam before, our local grapes have too many seeds. The low sugar pectin should work for jam too though, but double check the instructions with your pectin. And yes, if you hot water bath process your jam it should last a year or longer.
Hello, I would like to try this recipe. However, you mentioned 1 package No Sugar Pectin. I need to know the exact amount to use for this recipe as I have the Ball Low or No Sugar Needed Pectin 4.7 oz container. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you
Hello
One package Of dry pectin is 49 grams or 1.7 oz.
Enjoy.