Mandrake Or May Apple Jelly
Mandrake or May Apple Jelly offers a unique, sweet-tart flavor with a natural, earthy undertone, perfect for homemade preserves and enjoyed by those who appreciate wild fruit delicacies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the mandrake fruit into small pieces without peeling.
- Add water and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
- Crush the fruit with a masher and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a jelly bag and squeeze out the juice.
- Add coloring if desired.
- Combine 7 cups of juice with Sure-Jell in a large pot.
- Place over high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a hard boil.
- Stir in sugar immediately after reaching a boil.
- Bring to a full rolling boil and boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Skim off any foam with a metal spoon and pour into jelly jars.
- Top the jars with paraffin to seal.
Tips & Substitutions
When cutting the mandrake fruit, ensure you wear gloves as it can be irritating to the skin. If you can't find mandrake, consider using a similar fruit like elderberries for a different flavor. Be sure to use fresh Sure-Jell for the best gelling results. If you prefer a less sweet jelly, reduce the sugar slightly while maintaining the juice-to-pectin ratio.
Serving Suggestions
Mandrake jelly is delightful spread on warm biscuits or toast and pairs beautifully with Apricot-Glazed Ham Slice for a festive meal. Try it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt, or serve alongside cheese for an elegant appetizer. For a refreshing drink, mix it with sparkling water for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jelly jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. To reheat, simply warm the jelly gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandrake Or May Apple Jelly contains roughly 229 calories, with 2g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen mandrake fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mandrake fruit, but be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help maintain the consistency and flavor of your jelly.
How can I tell if my jelly has set properly?
To check if your jelly has set, use the spoon test: dip a spoon into the jelly and let it cool slightly. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it has set properly.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by about one cup if you prefer a less sweet jelly, but make sure to keep the ratio of juice to pectin the same to ensure it sets correctly. Experimenting with less sugar can create a more balanced flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).