Pomegranate Jelly
A vibrant, sweet-tart pomegranate jelly with deep fruity flavor, perfect for spreading on bread or as a colorful addition to breakfast or holiday tables.
Ingredients
- 4 cups juice (from 10 to 12 pomegranates)
- 7 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut 10 to 12 fully ripe pomegranates in half and ream on an orange juicer to extract juice.
- Place the pomegranate halves in a jelly cloth or bag and squeeze out the juice.
- Measure 4 cups of juice into a very large saucepan.
- Add 7 1/2 cups of sugar to the juice.
- Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Stir in Certo (pectin) immediately and bring to a full boil.
- Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, skim off foam with a metal spoon, and quickly pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars.
- Cover each jar immediately with 1/8 inch of hot paraffin.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fully ripe pomegranates, as they yield the most juice. If you don't have pectin, you can substitute with apple juice for a natural thickening agent. To avoid crystallization, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before boiling. Stir constantly to prevent scorching, especially as the mixture thickens.
Serving Suggestions
Pomegranate jelly is a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with toast, bagels, or as a glaze for meats. It can also be swirled into yogurt or used as a filling in pastries. For a delightful dessert, serve it alongside Kay's Quick Dessert or drizzled over Robertson's Fruit Salad for a refreshing treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pomegranate jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month. If you want to use it in recipes like Orange Slush Salad or as a topping for desserts, simply scoop out the desired amount and let it soften at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pomegranate Jelly contains roughly 423 calories, with 9g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 20g 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 store-bought pomegranate juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pomegranate juice if you're short on time or pomegranates. However, fresh juice will yield a more vibrant flavor and color. Ensure the juice is 100% pure without added sugars or preservatives for the best results.
What can I do if my jelly doesn't set?
If your jelly doesn’t set, it may be due to insufficient boiling time or not enough pectin. You can reheat the jelly and add more pectin, following the package instructions. Make sure to boil it for at least one minute to achieve the right consistency.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While you can reduce the sugar, it’s important to know that sugar acts as a preservative and helps the jelly to set. Reducing sugar may result in a runnier consistency and a shorter shelf life. Try using a sugar substitute designed for canning if you want to lower the sugar content.
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).