Apple-Mint Jelly (Less-Sugar)

🍏🌿 Apple-Mint Jelly (Less-Sugar) 🍏🌿

Apple-Mint Jelly is a delightful and versatile condiment that combines the sweetness of apples with the refreshing flavor of mint. It’s a perfect accompaniment to various dishes, from roasted meats to cheese platters. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

📜 History:
Apple-Mint Jelly, like many fruit jellies, has a long history rooted in traditional preservation techniques. The practice of making fruit jellies dates back centuries, where it was initially used as a way to store and enjoy the flavors of fruits beyond their harvest season. Mint was later introduced to enhance the flavor profile, adding a refreshing twist.

🥇 Components:

• Apples: You’ll need about 4 cups of chopped apples. Varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work well.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: About 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves. Spearmint or peppermint both add a pleasant minty flavor.
• Sugar: You can use less sugar compared to traditional recipes, about 2 cups.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup of lemon juice to add a tangy kick.
• Pectin: 1 packet (around 1.75 oz) of low-sugar pectin.

📝 Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Leave the peels on, as they contain natural pectin.

2. Make Mint Infusion: In a saucepan, combine the mint leaves and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then strain out the mint leaves to get a mint-infused liquid.

3. Cook the Apples: In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, mint-infused liquid, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the apples become soft and mushy.

4. Add Sugar and Pectin: Stir in the sugar and pectin. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and passes the gel test. To test for the gel point, place a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.

5. Can the Jelly: Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings.

6. Process the Jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re properly sealed. This will help preserve the jelly.

7. Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, check the seals. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apple-Mint Jelly may vary, but on average, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, including preparation, cooking, and canning. It’s a rewarding and delicious project that’s well worth the effort.

Enjoy your homemade Apple-Mint Jelly! 🍏🌿🍯👩‍🍳

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple-Mint Jelly (Less-Sugar):

Nutrition Facts (per 1 tablespoon serving):

• Calories: Approximately 30 calories
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugars: 7g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 0%

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: Apple-Mint Jelly is relatively low in calories, making it a reasonable choice for those watching their calorie intake.

2. No Fat or Sodium: It contains no fat and is naturally low in sodium, which is beneficial for heart health.

3. Moderate Sugar Content: While it does contain sugar, using less sugar in this recipe reduces the overall sugar content compared to traditional jellies. However, it’s still important to consume it in moderation, especially if you have dietary restrictions or concerns about sugar intake.

4. Vitamin C: Apple-Mint Jelly provides a small amount of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.

5. No Protein or Fiber: It doesn’t provide significant amounts of protein or dietary fiber, so it’s not a source of these nutrients.

6. Mint’s Potential Health Benefits: Mint is known for its potential digestive benefits and its ability to provide a refreshing taste. It may help with digestion and provide a feeling of freshness after meals.

7. Apple’s Natural Pectin: Apples are a good source of natural pectin, which is a soluble fiber that can aid in digestive health.

Remember that the specific nutritional content may vary depending on the exact ingredients and preparation method used. While Apple-Mint Jelly can be a tasty addition to your meals, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.