This Sweet Lilac Jelly captures the delicate floral essence of spring lilacs in a beautiful, translucent spread. Perfect for toast, tea-time treats, or homemade gift jars, it’s a unique and artisanal jelly with enchanting flavor and old-fashioned charm.
2 cups fresh lilac blossoms (green stems and leaves removed)
2 cups boiling water
1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness and color)
1 box (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
4 cups granulated sugar
Gently rinse lilac blossoms to remove any dirt or insects. Place them in a large glass jar or heatproof bowl.
Pour boiling water over the blossoms, cover, and steep for 6–8 hours or overnight for a stronger infusion.
Strain the lilac infusion through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a saucepan, discarding the spent blossoms.
Add lemon juice and pectin to the infusion and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Stir in sugar all at once and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil hard for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Skim off any foam, then quickly ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Wipe rims, seal with lids, and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes if long-term shelf storage is desired.
Allow to cool and set at room temperature for 12–24 hours.
Use only blossoms from lilacs that have not been sprayed with chemicals.
Color may vary depending on blossom variety and steeping time.
Lovely when paired with soft cheeses or added to tea for floral notes.
Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/sweet-lilac-jelly/