Canning Isnāt Just for Fresh Produce š (Hot Take)
Hot Take: You donāt need fresh fruit to can! Frozen works just as wellāand the results are absolutely delicious.
Instead of chasing the āfreshestā or trendiest ingredients, I turned to what I already had. A friend gave me extra jalapeƱos, and my freezer was hiding bags of fruit Iād almost forgotten about. Together they became:
š« Blueberry JalapeƱo Jelly
š Strawberry JalapeƱo Jelly
ššš« Mixed Fruit JalapeƱo Jelly
Ingredients & Basic Recipe
I use Sure-Jell pectin and follow their directions for each type of fruit (amounts of fruit and sugar vary depending on the recipe). Hereās the basic process I used for my jalapeƱo jellies:
Ingredients (per batch):
ā¢ 2 cups fruit of choice
ā¢ jalapeƱos (i donāt seed mine and and measure with my heart)
ā¢ 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
ā¢ Sugar (amount based on Sure-Jell fruit chart)
The best part? It tasted amazing, cleared space in my freezer, and filled my pantry shelves. Now thereās room for our cow and pig from the butcherāand plenty of space for deer and bird season.
Homesteading isnāt about always chasing new things. Itās about using what you have, making it work, and creating something good. Frozen, freshāit doesnāt matter. What matters is turning it into something delicious your family will enjoy.
#lemon8contest#AskLemon8#canningseason #preservingtheharvest #homesteadinglife
#preservingtheharvest #pepperjelly #jalapenojelly #freezerfinds #fromscratch #scratchcooking #homesteadinglife #pantrystaples #homemadegoodness #easyrecipes #simpleliving
Canning frozen fruits is a fantastic way to preserve seasonal flavors while reducing food waste and making the most of ingredients you already have. Contrary to popular belief, fresh produce isn't the only option for canningāthe results using frozen fruit can be equally tasty and satisfying. For those interested in making jalapeƱo jellies, combining frozen berries like blueberries and strawberries with fresh jalapeƱos creates a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Using Sure-Jell fruit pectin simplifies the process, ensuring your jelly sets properly regardless of the fruit choice. Typically, the recipe calls for 2 cups of fruit, jalapeƱos to taste (unseeded or seeded based on preference), one box of Sure-Jell, and the appropriate amount of sugar as indicated on the pectin chart. Incorporating jalapeƱos without seeding imparts a stronger spicy kick, which perfectly complements the natural sweetness from the berries. Mixing different fruits, such as a combination of blueberries, strawberries, and other freezer finds, adds complexity and depth to the jelly. Beyond the taste, canning frozen fruits helps clear freezer space and allows homesteaders to efficiently use what they have, reinforcing sustainable practices. It also frees up pantry space for other essentials like meat from local butchers, ideal for those embracing a homesteading lifestyle. For best results, ensure that fruit is fully thawed before cooking and follow Sure-Jellās liquid and sugar ratios carefully. Proper sterilization of jars and lids is vital to ensure food safety and extend shelf life. Additionally, labeling jars with the date and contents helps keep your pantry organized. This method supports simple living and scratch cooking ideals, encouraging homemade goodness without the pressure of sourcing only fresh, in-season produce. Whether preserving a harvest, stocking up for colder months, or experimenting with unique jelly combinations, canning frozen fruits with jalapeƱos offers both practical and delicious rewards to your kitchen.
Can you make a post of how you make your jelly?? With like the instructions on the canning process?? Iām really wanting to start canning but I honestly donāt know where to start!