Classic Concord Grape Jelly: Homemade Preserve from Scratch

Concord Grape Jelly

If you’re craving the sweet taste of homemade grape jelly, this easy Concord grape jelly recipe will have your pantry stocked with vibrant, fruity goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Grape Jelly

This classic fruit preserve brings a pop of summertime sweetness to toast, scones, or ice cream. With deep purple hues and a hint of citrus, it’s no wonder grape jelly remains a staple in American pantries.

Ingredients for Homemade Grape Jelly

• 3 ½ pounds Concord grapes, stems removed
• ½ cup water
• 7 cups granulated sugar
• 1 (1.75-ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foam)

Instructions for Perfect Concord Grape Jelly

1. Cook the grapes: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine grapes and water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until grapes burst, about 15 minutes.
2. Extract the juice: Mash gently with a wooden spoon. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes. Discard solids.
3. Measure and mix: Return exactly 6 cups of juice to the pot. Whisk in powdered pectin until fully dissolved.
4. Sweeten and boil: Bring juice–pectin blend to a hard boil. Quickly stir in sugar, return to a full boil, and maintain for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Finish and jar: Remove from heat. Skim off foam, then stir in lemon juice and butter (if using). Ladle hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
6. Process for sealing: Seal jars with lids and rings. Process in a boiling-water bath for 5 minutes. Remove and cool completely.

Quick Tips & Variations

• Overnight drip: For crystal-clear jelly, let the mashed grapes drip in cheesecloth-lined colander in the fridge overnight.
• Spice it up: Stir in a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean pod during the simmer for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Low-sugar option: Use low-methoxyl pectin and substitute part of the sugar with a sugar alternative, following package instructions.

Nutritional Information

Enjoy and share your homemade grape jelly with friends and family, and savor the timeless taste of this classic American preserve.