How to Make Homemade Concord Grape Jelly

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Wash the grapes and cook with sliced apples

Wash the Concord grapes thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Place the cleaned grapes and sliced apples into a large pot — the grapes will fall apart as they cook, while the apple slices should hold their shape and add texture. Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar to the pot to help soften the fruit and draw out the juice. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture simmers, then let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the grapes are fully softened.

Step 2 — Strain the grape-apple mixture

Strain the cooked liquid through a metal strainer first, without cheesecloth, to remove the seeds and skins. Then strain it again using cheesecloth to catch any fine particles the first pass missed. Rinse out the pot before returning the strained liquid to it, ready for the next round of cooking.

Step 3 — Add the remaining sugar and boil again

Add the rest of the sugar to the grape pulp and stir until fully dissolved. Bring the mixture back to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes, then strain it again using cheesecloth to keep the jelly smooth and clear.

Step 4 — Strain again and add lemon juice

Squeeze out as much juice as possible from the cheesecloth, reserving the liquid for the final boil. Add the juice of one lemon to the strained liquid — this helps balance the sweetness and supports a good set — then bring the mixture back to a rolling boil.

Step 5 — Skim the foam and boil to the desired thickness

Skim off any foam that rises to the top of the pot and discard it, since this foam contains impurities. Continue boiling the jelly for another 10 minutes until it reaches the desired thickness. To test whether it's ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate, let it cool, and run your finger through the centre — if it wrinkles, the jelly has set.

Step 6 — Fill and seal the sterilized jars

Fill sterilized jars with the hot jelly, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean to make sure there's no jelly on the lid or rim, which is important for a proper seal. Place the lids and rings on the jars, but don't tighten them too much yet.

Step 7 — Process the jars in a hot water bath

Process the filled jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes at a full boil (212°F/100°C). This step is what makes the jelly shelf-stable, so make sure the jars are fully submerged for the entire processing time.

Step 8 — Cool and store the sealed jars

Remove the jars from the hot water bath and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface. As they cool, you should hear a "pop" as each lid seals. If any jars don't seal properly, refrigerate them for immediate use or reprocess within 24 hours. Once cooled, remove the rings and store the sealed jars in a cool, dry place for up to one year.

Frequently asked questions

What materials and equipment do I need for making homemade Concord grape jelly?
You will need about one large shopping bag full of Concord grapes, apples, the juice of one lemon, measuring cups, a plastic funnel, a ladle, tongs, sugar (4 to 6 cups), jars and lids, a wooden spoon, gloves or oven mitts, a strainer with cheesecloth, and a large pot.

How do I remove impurities from Concord grape jelly foam?
Skim off any foam that rises to the top of the pot while the jelly boils and discard it. This foam contains impurities, and removing it keeps the finished jelly clear.

What are some ways to enjoy homemade Concord grape jelly?
Homemade Concord grape jelly is delicious with cream cheese, spread on toast, or given as a homemade gift for loved ones.

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