Herb Jelly is a low-sugar or low-honey cooked jelly made with Pomona’s Universal Pectin. Pomona’s Pectin contains no sugar or preservatives and jells reliably with low amounts of any sweetener.
You can use any herb you wish in this jelly. It is fine to double or triple the recipe. Be sure to double or triple all of the ingredients. And be sure you have enough room in your water-bath canner for the number of jars you will make.
Servings 3 cups
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups water or apple juice
- 1 cup fresh herb of your choice leaves and stems, packed tightly
- Make an herbal infusion by bringing the above ingredients to a boil then turn off the heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the herb.
- Make Herb Jelly with:
- 2 cups herbal infusion (from above)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or lemon juice *if herbal infusion is water based
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice *if infusion is apple juice based
- 2 teaspoons calcium water see step #1
- ¼ cup up to ½ cup honey or ½ cup up to 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons Pomona’s Pectin powder mixed with sweetener
Instructions
- Before You Begin, prepare calcium water.To do this, combine ½ teaspoon calcium powder (in the small packet in your box of Pomona’s pectin) with ½ cup water in a small, clear jar with a lid. Shake well. Extra calcium water should be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
- Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Wash lids and bands and set aside.
- Prepare the herbal infusion.
- Measure the herbal infusion into saucepan.
- Add calcium water and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and mix well.
- Measure sugar or room temperature honey into a bowl. Thoroughly mix pectin powder into sweetener. Set aside.
- Bring infusion to a full boil. Add pectin-sweetener mixture, stirring vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes to dissolve the pectin while the jelly comes back up to a boil. Once the jelly returns to a full boil, remove it from the heat.
- Remove hot jars from canner and fill jars with (marmalade/jam/jelly), leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Remove trapped air bubbles, wipe rims and put on lids and screw bands, tightening bands only to “fingertip tight” (until resistance is met, and then just the tiniest bit more).
- Place jars in the hot water, on the rack inside the canner. (Make sure jars are upright, not touching each other or the sides of the canner, and are covered with at least 1-2 inches of water). Place the lid on the canner, bring the canner to a rolling boil, and boil for 10 minutes. (Add 1 minute additional processing time for every 1000 feet above sea level.)
- Turn off heat and allow canner and jars to sit for 5 minutes. Then, remove jars from canner.Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Then, confirm that jars have sealed, then store properly. Eat within 1 year. Lasts 3 weeks once opened.
Sharon Sopczynski
I infused lilacs 2 days ago put in refrigerator and forgot about them. Are they still good to use today for jelly
Audrey L.
We have not experimented with this, but I feel like 2 days is pushing it. Check for spoilage, off-odors, sliminess or any signs of fermentation. Use your best judgment. It may be fine if they were well covered.
Mallory
What is the consistency of this jelly? I followed the recipe and mine was very liquidity. I added more pectin and it was still not “jelly” consistency
jerelyn madison
I used this recipe to make white and pink clover jelly. It turned out delicious and perfect. My husband was afraid to try “weeds from the yard” but said it was very good. Beautiful pink color too. Side note, we do not use any chemicals on our property, so I know the clover was safe.
Rebecca
Can I use this recipe with the Mimosa Tree flower?
Shelby Collings
We have never tried it so we cannot say for sure.
Teri Villwock
Looking for a lavender- mint jelly recipe
Can you help me??
Jen
Would it be safe to leave a few specks of the herb for texture?
Shelby Collings
Hello Jen,
We cannot say for certain, but we imagine that it would be just fine!
nancy
can you use flower petals instead of herbs for this recipe?
Shelby Collings
Hello Nancy,
We would recommend using one of our Violet Jelly for that.
Nancy
thank you Shelby, can I also use this recipe for ‘flower petal’ jelly’s like nasturtium or dandelion or lilac?
Shelby Collings
You are most welcome! We would recommend using one of our Violet Jelly for that.
Nancy
any size jar?
Shelby Collings
We recommend using 4-8oz jars 😊
Dave
This sounds great, but what would I eat it with? Any suggestions on how to use an apple basil jam?
Shelby Collings
Hello Dave,
We would eat that on cheese and crackers, with a grilled pork or smoked salmon, over cream cheese with some yummy crackers or even on a savory scone! 😊 Enjoy!