Kudzu Blossom Jelly Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 6 Half-Pint Jars
Serving Size: 36 servings
Description:
Kudzu, an often-overlooked wildflower that blooms between late July and September, offers a truly unique flavor. With its delicate purple flowers, the plant is known not only for its rapid growth but also for its stunning fragrance, reminiscent of grapes. Kudzu blossoms make an exceptional jelly that can be enjoyed in a variety of waysโspread over cream cheese, drizzled over waffles, or melted on top of vanilla ice cream. This jelly has a floral, subtly sweet taste thatโs unlike any other. Before harvesting the blossoms, be sure to check that the area is free of chemicals and pesticides.
While the preparation time doesn’t include the overnight steeping process, this recipe is simple and accessible, ideal for beginners and experienced canners alike. The result is a charming jar of homemade jelly that adds a delightful touch to any table.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kudzu blossoms | 4 cups |
| Boiling water | 4 cups |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | 5 cups |
| Pectin (powdered) | 1 package (1.75 oz) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 3.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 27.8 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Kudzu Blossoms:
- Begin by washing the kudzu blossoms thoroughly with cold water. Once clean, drain the blossoms well to remove any excess water. Place them into a large bowl, ready for the steeping process.
-
Steep the Blossoms:
- Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the blossoms, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the mixture cool slightly before refrigerating it. Cover the bowl and allow the blossoms to steep in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This will extract the full flavor from the blossoms.
-
Strain the Liquid:
- After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh colander into a Dutch oven, discarding the blossoms. You should now have a floral, slightly grayish liquid ready for the next step.
-
Add Lemon Juice and Pectin:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 package of powdered pectin. Set the Dutch oven over high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. The boiling liquid should not stop even when stirred.
-
Add Sugar:
- Once the mixture is at a rolling boil, add in the 5 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture back to a full boil, and continue boiling for 1 minute while stirring constantly. This helps the jelly set properly.
-
Skim Foam:
- After the mixture has boiled for a minute, remove it from the heat. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface using a spoon. This step will ensure the jelly has a smooth, clear finish.
-
Fill the Jars:
- Immediately pour the hot jelly into hot, sterilized half-pint jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar to allow for expansion during the sealing process. Be careful not to spill any jelly on the rims of the jars.
-
Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure there is no jelly residue that could prevent the lids from sealing properly. Cover the jars with sterilized metal lids, and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight.
-
Process the Jars:
- Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure they are fully sealed. This helps preserve the jelly for long-term storage.
-
Cool and Store:
- After the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, check that each jar has sealed by pressing down in the center of the lid. If it doesnโt pop back, the jar is sealed. Store in a cool, dark place.
Notes:
- The liquid extracted from the kudzu blossoms will appear gray until lemon juice is added, turning it into a vibrant, golden jelly color.
- If you are not familiar with foraging for kudzu, make sure the area is pesticide-free to ensure the purity and safety of your jelly.
- Kudzu jelly is best enjoyed within a year for optimal flavor, though it can last longer if stored in proper conditions.
Enjoy Your Homemade Kudzu Blossom Jelly!
Whether served as a sweet topping for your morning breakfast or as an unexpected gift, this jelly brings a touch of natureโs beauty to any table. Try it drizzled over your favorite desserts or spread on fresh bread for a delightful treat. With its delicate floral notes, Kudzu Blossom Jelly is sure to become a favorite in your canning repertoire.
