Homemade Crabapple Syrup No Added Pectin Food

HOMEMADE CRABAPPLE JELLY WITH NO ADDED PECTIN

Steps:

• Wash the crabapples well in plain water, remove the stems, cut out any bad spots, and trim the blossom ends. Cut the crabapples in half. Use a kitchen scale to weigh out 3 pounds.
• Extract the juice by combining the prepared crabapples in a large saucepan with enough water so that the fruit is barely covered, about 3 cups.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, and cook the crabapples. Heat and simmer slowly until skins have softened, and the juices are released.
• Gently mash the crabapples with a potato masher and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook crabapples because excess heat will destroy the pectin and change the flavor and color.
• Strain the cooked fruit through a damp jelly bag or double layers of cheesecloth. Allow the crabapples to strain for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• If you want clear jelly, do not squeeze the bag. I care more for flavor rather than appearance, so I often give the bag a squeeze to press out all the flavorful juice. Discard solids.
• Wash your jars, lids, screw bands, and canning tools in hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all suds. Set aside to air dry on a clean kitchen towel.
• Place the jar rack into water bath canner, place jars in the canner, and add water to cover.
• Bring the canner to a simmer (180˚F) for 10 minutes, and keep the jars hot until you are ready to fill them.
• Measure 4 cups of crabapple juice and pour it into a saucepan, add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until jelly stage.
• Jelly stage is achieved once the temperature reaches 220˚F at altitudes of less than 1,000 feet (see notes for altitude adjustments), when the liquid forms a sheet that hangs off the edge of the spoon, and when the mixture gels on a cool plate and doesn't run when tipped.
• Lay a kitchen towel on the counter. Use the jar lifter to remove a jar from the canner, drain the water back into the canner, and place it on the towel. Keep the remaining jars in the canner so they stay hot.
• Use your canning ladle and funnel and add the hot jelly to the warm jar leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Swirl your bubble popper through to release air bubbles, and wipe the rim of the jar with a damp towel to remove any sticky residue.
• Center a lid on the jar, and screw on the band until it is fingertip tight. Use the jar lifter to place the jar back into the canner, and repeat with the remaining jars. Try to leave some space in between the jars.
• Once all the jars are in canner, adjust the water level to two inches above the jar tops.
• Cover the canner and bring to boil over high heat. Once the water boils vigorously, continue boiling for 10 minutes at altitudes of less than 6,000 ft. (adjust processing time for your altitude if necessary - see notes below).
• When processing time is complete, turn off heat and allow the canner to cool down and settle for about 5 minutes.
• Spread a dry kitchen towel on the counter. Remove the cover by tilting lid away from you so that steam does not burn your face.
• Use the jar lifter to lift jars carefully from canner and place on the towel. Keep the jars upright, and don't tighten bands or check the seals yet. Let the jars sit undisturbed for 12 to 24-hours to cool.
• After the jars have cooled for at least 12 hours, check to be sure jar lids have sealed by pushing on the center of the lid. The lid should not pop up. If the lid flexes up and down, it did not seal. Refrigerate the jar and use up within a few weeks.
• Remove the screw on bands and wash the jars. Label and date the jars. Store your jars in a cool, dark place and use within 12 to 18 months. Yields about 4 to 6 half-pint jars depending on the natural pectin level in your crabapples. Refrigerate the jelly once opened and consume within 2 weeks.

MARY WYNNE'S CRABAPPLE JELLY

Steps:

• Remove stems and blossom ends from crabapples, and cut into quarters. Place them in a large stainless steel or other non-reactive pot or saucepan. Add enough water to be able to see, but no so much that the crabapples are floating. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. The apples should soften and change color.
• Strain the apples and juice through 2 or 3 layers of cheese cloth. You should have at least 4 cups of juice. Discard pulp, and pour the juice back into the pan. Bring to a simmer, and let cook for 10 minutes. Skim off any foam that comes to the top. Next, stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Continue cooking at a low boil until the temperature reaches 220 to 222 degrees F (108 to 110 C). Remove from heat.
• Pour the jelly into sterile small decorative jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a hot water bath to seal.