Pomegranate Jelly Recipe

Introduction

Pomegranate jelly offers a vibrant, tangy flavor that brightens any breakfast or snack. Made from fresh pomegranate juice and a touch of lemon, this jelly is a delightful way to enjoy the season’s jewels year-round.

A clear glass jar filled with thick, dark red pomegranate jelly, with a shiny silver spoon partially dipped into the jelly, showing its thick texture. Behind the jar are pieces of opened pomegranate fruit revealing bright red seeds with a glossy surface and some loose seeds scattered around. Everything sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups pomegranate juice (from 5-6 pomegranates)
  • 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups sugar (see note below)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 box (1.75 oz) pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: To extract the pomegranate juice, break apart the pomegranates, removing the peel and white membranes. Place the arils (fruit-covered seeds) in a saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, mashing the fruit to release the juice. Strain through cheesecloth or a jelly bag to collect the juice. (Alternatively, use bottled pomegranate juice.)
  2. Step 2: Pour the pomegranate juice into a deep saucepan. Stir in the pectin and lemon juice, but do not add sugar yet. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add the sugar gradually, stirring to combine. Return the mixture to a hard boil and continue boiling for 1 minute. The mixture will foam, so use a deep pot to avoid overflow.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and carefully ladle the hot jelly into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
  5. Step 5: Seal the jars with two-part lids.
  6. Step 6: To can, prepare a water bath canner. Process the jars for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool on a towel at room temperature. Check seals after 24 hours. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed quickly.

Tips & Variations

  • Adjust sugar quantity to your taste preference; less sugar results in a tarter jelly.
  • For easier juice extraction, roll the pomegranates firmly before opening to loosen the arils.
  • Add a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean during boiling for a spiced variation.
  • If you prefer a freezer jam, skip the canning step and store jars in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Storage

Properly canned and sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Refrigerate any jars that do not seal properly and use within a few weeks. For refrigerator-only jelly, it will keep for several weeks, and frozen jelly can last up to 6 months. Always allow jars to cool completely before refrigeration or freezing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled pomegranate juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled pomegranate juice can be used as a convenient alternative if fresh juice is not available. Make sure it is 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives for best results.

What if my jelly doesn’t set properly?

If the jelly is too runny, it may need to be boiled a little longer or you can add a bit more pectin and re-cook to achieve the desired consistency. Be sure to follow the boiling times carefully and use a deep pot to prevent boiling over.

Print
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Pomegranate Jelly Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: About 4 half-pint jars 1x

Description

This Pomegranate Jelly recipe transforms fresh pomegranate juice into a sweet, tangy jelly perfect for spreading on toast or serving with cheese. Using pectin and lemon juice, the jelly achieves the ideal set with a burst of fruity flavor. Whether canned for long-term storage or refrigerated to enjoy fresh, this homemade jelly is a delightful way to preserve the vibrant taste of pomegranates.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups pomegranate juice (from 56 pomegranates)
  • 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups sugar (adjust according to taste)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 box (1.75 oz) pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
  • 1/2 cup water (for juice extraction)

Instructions

  1. Extract juice: Break apart the pomegranates by removing the peel and white membranes. Place the arils in a saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, mashing the fruit to release the juice. Strain through cheesecloth or a jelly bag to obtain 3 1/2 cups of juice. Alternatively, use bottled pomegranate juice.
  2. Combine pectin and lemon juice: Pour the pomegranate juice into a deep saucepan. Add the pectin and lemon juice, but do not add sugar yet. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute to activate the pectin.
  3. Add sugar and boil: Stir in the sugar completely. Return the mixture to a hard boil and boil vigorously for 1 minute while stirring constantly. The mixture will foam, so ensure the pot is deep to avoid spills.
  4. Jar the jelly: Turn off the heat and carefully ladle the hot jelly into prepared sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
  5. Seal jars: Seal the jars with two-part lids to ensure a proper vacuum seal during processing.
  6. Process jars (optional): For long-term storage, process the sealed jars in a prepared water bath canner for 10 minutes. Remove jars and allow to cool on a towel at room temperature. After 24 hours, check seals. Jars that are not sealed should be refrigerated and used promptly.
  7. Storage: Properly canned and sealed jars can be stored in the pantry for 12-18 months. Alternatively, the jelly can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.

Notes

  • Adjust sugar amount between 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups based on your sweetness preference and pomegranate juice tartness.
  • Use deep pots to prevent boiling over when the jelly foams during boiling.
  • Canning is optional; the jelly is safe and delicious stored in the fridge or freezer without canning.
  • Ensure jars are sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage when canning.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pomegranate jelly, homemade jelly, fruit jelly, pectin jelly, canning jelly, fruit preserves

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