Crabapple Jelly

Crabapple Jelly

This Crabapple Jelly is steeped in family tradition and features the best of the season.

Childhood Memories

Crabapple jelly takes me instantly back to my childhood. Crabapples have been part of my existence since I was little. One of my earliest crab apple memories were of my Gido taking us apple picking. Though we never really got to do any picking as the trees were so tall that ladders where needed.

Then there where the trees in my grandmother’s backyard. And though as I kid I wasn’t a huge fan of crab apples I was truly amazed at how fantastic her crabapple jelly was. It was the most wonderful pink color and not at all tart like the apples. After she passed away I remember one afternoon my grandfather giving me his last jar of  jelly. It was the best gift I ever received.

Flash forward a few years. I was at work some someone had asked if I wanted some crabapples. My thoughts immediately went to the jelly that I enjoyed so much in the years before. I was excited at the chance to try and do this!

making jelly

 

I went and bought jars, a box of Certo and began my journey into jelly making.

Crabapple Jelly

Crabapple Jelly
 
Recipe type: Condiment
Cuisine: Preserved
Ingredients
  • To make juice:
  • 4 quarts of crabapples
  • 6 cups of water
  • To make jelly:
  • 7 cups of prepared crabapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 box of Certo pectin crystals
  • 9 cups of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
Instructions
  1. Remove the blossom and stem ends from 4 quarts of crabapples.
  2. Half apples and place in a large pot, do not peel or core.
  3. Cove with water.
  4. Place a lid on the pot and bring to a boil.
  5. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Crush pulp and cover and simmer 5 minutes longer.
  7. Place the simmered apples into a jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth.
  8. Now place in a colander and set over a large bowl or pot to catch the juice.
  9. For a clearer jelly do not squeeze the juice out, let it drip.
  10. Up to ½ cup of water can be added if you do not get sufficient juice.
  11. In a large sauce pan stir together crab apple juice, lemon juice and pectin crystals.
  12. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  13. Stir in the sugar.
  14. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
  15. Return to a hard boil for one minute.
  16. Remove from heat.
  17. Ladle jelly into sterilized jars laving a ¼ inch of headspace.
  18. Apply lid and screw bands finger tip tight.
  19. Place the jars into a hot water bath and process 5 minutes.
  20. Remove jars and allow to cool fully.

 

 

 

The finished jelly has a beautiful pink hue from the skins of the apples.

Store the jelly in a cool dark spot.

 

 

Published by Redawna

Garden & Food Writer/Educator/Photographer. NFT artist. Management Professional. Community Builder. Entrepreneurial spirit.

6 Replies on “Crabapple Jelly

  1. oooh, crab apple jelly has been on my “must try to make” list for ages! I remember eating it when I was very young and it seems to me we had a tree out back a long, long time ago (like 25 years ago) but I think the tree got sick, and so no crab apple jelly since. I can’t even remember what it tastes like because it’s been so long ?

    1. I am lucky to be in an area where crab apples trees are everywhere.
      Perhaps you can find the apples this year at a Farmer’s Market?
      It is definitely one of my most loved things to make. Such memories!

  2. My grandmother used to make crab apple jelly! I literally just finished a jar. I have no idea where to buy them though, as she always used to get hers off the tree in their yard. Perhaps the farmers market has some ?

    1. It is the best isn’t it!
      Hoping you can find the apples at the Farmer’s market and make some of your own!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.*