Equipment
Large pot (15- 19 Liters or16–20 quart)
Water bath canner
Knife
Cutting board
Mandolin (Optional)
Large spoon or ladle
Canning funnel
Jar lifter
Lid lifter
Half-pint canning jars with lids and rings
Fine sieve or cheesecloth
Dishwasher or boiling water for jar sterilization
Ingredients
Pomegranates (fully ripe):
8–9 large fruits (approx. 2.2 kg / 5 lb), or
1.25 litres (5 cups) unsweetened pomegranate juice
Lemon juice (bottled or fresh): 60 ml (¼ cup)
Granulated sugar: 900 g (4½ cups)
No-sugar-needed pectin:
1¼ boxes (approx. 70 g / 2½ oz total)
Preparation
1. Prepare the pomegranates
Wash fruit thoroughly. Cut in half and remove the arils. Discard rinds and membranes.
2. Extract the juice
Place arils in a pot and gently crush. Heat over medium heat until nearly boiling. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the juice
Pour cooked fruit through a jelly bag or cheesecloth-lined sieve. Allow juice to drain naturally for at least 20 minutes. Do not press solids for a clear jelly.
4. Prepare for canning
Wash jars and keep hot until ready to use. Place lids in hot (not boiling) water.
5. Heat the juice
Measure 1.25 litres / 5 cups of juice into a clean pot. Stir in lemon juice.
6. Add pectin
Mix pectin with 60 ml (¼ cup) of the sugar. Stir into the juice. Bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
7. Add sugar
Add remaining sugar all at once. Return to a full boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Test the set
Remove from heat and test using the chilled spoon or plate method. If too loose, add additional pectin (1–2 tbsp), return to boil for 1 minute, and retest.
9. Jar the jelly
Ladle hot jelly into hot jars, leaving 6 mm (¼ inch) headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids, and screw bands fingertip-tight.
10. Process
Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude as required).
11. Cool and store
Remove jars and let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Check seals before storing.
A vibrant, jewel-red jelly with a bright, tart flavour that pairs beautifully with toast, yogurt, pastries, or cheese boards.