Spiced Muscadine Grapes
A flavorful spiced grape preserve highlighting the natural sweetness of muscadines infused with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice—perfect for spreads, desserts, or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the muscadine grapes and slip the pulp from the skins.
- Steam the pulp over hot water in a double boiler until it can be mashed through a sieve to remove seeds.
- Combine the skins and pulp.
- Tie the spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice) loosely in a cheesecloth bag and lightly pound them.
- Add the vinegar, sugar, and spice bag to the grape mixture.
- Cook the mixture until it becomes very thick.
- Remove the spice bag from the mixture.
- Pack the hot preserve into pint jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar mouths and adjust the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use ripe muscadine grapes and ensure they are thoroughly washed. If you don't have whole spices, ground spices can be used but adjust the quantities to taste. For a twist, consider adding a splash of citrus juice to brighten the flavors. This recipe can also be adapted using different types of grapes if muscadines are unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced muscadine grape preserve makes a delightful addition to cheese boards or can be spread on toast. It also pairs beautifully with Ernie'S Quick And Easy Chili, adding a sweet contrast to savory dishes. For a refreshing drink, mix with sparkling water for a unique twist on a fruit punch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spiced muscadine grapes in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within a few weeks. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Muscadine Grapes contains roughly 224 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 11g 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 muscadine grapes for this recipe?
Yes, frozen muscadine grapes can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe. This may slightly alter the texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How long can I store these preserves?
When properly canned and sealed, the spiced muscadine grapes can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor and quality.
What dishes can I pair spiced muscadine grapes with?
These preserves are versatile and complement a variety of dishes. They can be served alongside meats, like roasted pork or chicken, or used in desserts such as cheesecakes or as a topping for vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to charcuterie boards.
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).