How to Make Grape Jelly Using Sure-Jell: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to make homemade grape jelly, using Sure-Jell is a foolproof way to get the perfect consistency and taste. Whether you have fresh grapes or store-bought juice, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious batch of grape jelly that you can enjoy on toast, in sandwiches, or even as a sweet addition to your baked goods. Here’s a simple Sure-Jell grape jelly recipe that’s ideal for beginners or seasoned canners alike!

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What You’ll Need:

Ingredients:

• 5 cups grape juice (homemade or store-bought 100% grape juice)
• 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• 7 cups granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon butter (optional, helps reduce foam)

Tools:

• Large saucepan or stockpot
• Canning jars (about 6-7 half-pint jars)
• Canning funnel
• Ladle
• Jar lifter
• Canning rack or a kitchen towel (for water bath canning)
• Canning lids and rings

Instructions:

1: Prepare the Juice

If you’re using fresh grapes, you’ll need to extract the juice:

1. Wash and remove the stems from about 4 lbs. of grapes.
2. Place them in a large pot with just enough water to cover the bottom (about ½ cup).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the grapes are soft (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Use a potato masher to crush the grapes.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to extract the juice, leaving behind the pulp and seeds.

You should end up with about 5 cups of juice.

2: Prepare the Canning Jars

1. While your juice is simmering, sterilize your canning jars by boiling them in hot water or washing them in a dishwasher with a sanitize setting.
2. Place the jar lids in simmering (not boiling) water to soften the seal.

3: Cook the Jelly

1. Pre-measure 7 cups of sugar into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Pour the 5 cups of grape juice into a large pot.
3. Add one box of Sure-Jell pectin and stir well to dissolve. (If using butter to reduce foam, add ½ teaspoon now.)
4. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (one that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred), stirring constantly.

1. Once the juice reaches a boil, add the pre-measured sugar all at once. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and let it boil hard for exactly 1 minute. Continue stirring during this time.

1. After 1 minute, remove the pot from heat.

4: Skim and Pour

1. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the jelly.
2. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.
3. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
4. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the rings until finger-tight.

5: Process the Jars (Water Bath Canning)

1. If you’re going to store the jelly for an extended period, it’s important to process the jars in a water bath.
   • Place a canning rack (or a folded kitchen towel) at the bottom of a large pot to keep jars from touching the bottom.
   • Place the filled jars into the pot and cover with hot water (at least 1-2 inches above the tops of the jars).
   • Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 5 minutes.
2. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the jars with a jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool.

6: Check Seals and Store

1. After the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing the center of the lids. If they don’t pop back, the jars are sealed properly.
2. Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. The jelly will last for up to a year.
3. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.

Tips for Perfect Sure-Jell Grape Jelly:

• Use ripe grapes: If you’re making juice from fresh grapes, use fully ripe ones for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the water bath: This is essential for ensuring your jelly is shelf-stable.
• Test the consistency: If you want to check the jelly’s consistency before filling your jars, place a small spoonful of the jelly on a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly, it’s ready!

Enjoy Your Homemade Grape Jelly!

Now you have a batch of delicious, homemade grape jelly to enjoy. This simple recipe using Sure-Jell guarantees a classic, flavorful spread that’s perfect for breakfast or anytime you want a sweet treat.

Let us know how your jelly turns out, and feel free to get creative by experimenting with different types of juices or adding a twist, like mixing grape with apple or berry for a unique flavor.

Happy canning!