Purple Hull Pea Jelly
A vibrant jelly made from purple hull pea juice, offering a sweet and earthy flavor profile perfect for spreading or dessert garnishing, ideal for Southern cuisine lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 cups purple hull pea juice
- 5 cups sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- After shelling peas, wash about 3 gallons of the hulls in 2 to 3 different waters.
- Place the hulls in a large kettle and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and boil for about 20 minutes.
- Strain the liquid from the hulls.
- Measure the liquid in a large pan.
- Add Sure-Jell and stir until dissolved.
- Add sugar to the mixture.
- Bring this to a full rolling boil and boil for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Let stand for about 5 minutes.
- Skim the foam and pour into hot jars, then seal.
Tips & Substitutions
When making Purple Hull Pea Jelly, ensure you measure the juice accurately for the best set. If you don't have Sure-Jell, you can substitute with another pectin product, but follow the package instructions for ratios. Skimming the foam is essential for a clear jelly. If you prefer a sweeter jelly, adjust the sugar to taste, but keep in mind that it may affect the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Purple Hull Pea Jelly is delightful spread on toast or biscuits. It also pairs beautifully with Spicy Cabbage Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside cheese platters or as a glaze for meats. For an interesting twist, use it as a topping for yogurt or desserts, adding a unique flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of Purple Hull Pea Jelly in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator and consume within three weeks. To reheat, gently warm the jelly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Purple Hull Pea Jelly contains roughly 282 calories, with 6g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 13g 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 fresh purple hull peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh purple hull peas. Just shell and wash them thoroughly before boiling to extract the juice. Fresh peas may yield a slightly different flavor profile, but they will work well in this recipe.
How can I tell if my jelly has set properly?
To check if your Purple Hull Pea Jelly has set, you can perform the spoon test. Dip a cold spoon into the jelly; if it coats the spoon and holds its shape without running off, it's set. If not, you may need to boil it a bit longer.
What can I do with leftover pea hulls?
Leftover pea hulls can be composted or used in the garden as organic matter. They can also be blended into a garden mulch. Alternatively, consider using them in crafting projects for kids, similar to modeling clay.
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).