Published: Nov 4, 2017 · Modified: Sep 20, 2022 by Nicoletta · 67 Comments

Concord Grape Jelly (pectin-free)

Concord Grape Jelly (pectin-free), has that deep, mystic, plum color, and a sweet grape flavor that goes well with a nice slice of toast, or better yet paired with delicious cheese on a platter, perfect for those up and coming parties.

Song of the day: Black - Pearl Jam

Before winter decided to surprise us and snow arrived to cover the beautiful Autumn colors with its pure white brightness, we were enjoying mild temperatures and outdoors activities. Proof is, that looking outside our backyard, everything seems to be frozen at summer time.

We did not have time to put everything away, pillows, bamboo table and chairs, some of the plants and statues. I guess we were living in denial that maybe this would be a long Autumn and a warm winter. But that wasn't the case. A heavy blanket of snow covers now everything.

We cannot complain about what Summer and Autumn have given us in terms of produce. Our kitchen has been bustling with canning and preserving for a while (no pickling for me, I just cannot stand vinegar). So many jars, mostly jams, jellies, and chutney, are standing tall and proud on our pantry shelves, and few of them are going to become -hopefully welcomed- Christmas presents.

Concord Grapes

My in-laws' garden has a tiny but very fruitful concord grape vine tree, that climbs alongside their backyard fence. They had received some seeds and Loreto's father was quick and curious to see if it would grow in this rather not so friendly grape growing climate. You see, my father in law Americo had a vineyard in Italy, producing 23,000 liters of wine that they sold and people came to buy. Growing grapes is in his blood, this time his craft was put to the test. Loreto said that when he asked his father if he thought they would grow he, in his usual calm and humorous way, said: "we will plant them and see what happens". Their garden faces south and for the longest time, he had them planted against the house, which produced a few grapes. Americo had an aha moment one day as he was playing in the garden and a bountiful one at that, and thought about another place that would be better for growing grapes, out came the shovel, and the vine was transplanted beside a fence where to date that vine has grown and spread its wings bringing us quite an abundance of grapes. I can see where Loreto gets his drive, just like his father he is quick to act on those aha moments.

It's funny every year we are all amazed at this miracle that makes a not so suitable climate provide an explosion of little dark bunches of juicy grapes. Last year we made some Concord grape syrup that we used on pancakes, waffles, yogurt and smoothies. This year, the production was even more luscious and we thought to make Concord Grape Jelly sans pectin.

From our garden to your table, Concord Grape Jelly (pectin free)

I asked our fellow Canadian bloggers for a good, trusted recipe for Concord grape jelly and one of our blogger friends, Jen, Mud on her Boots, sent me a recipe that she had used and felt it might help. It is a recipe from Bernardin, the Mason jar's maker. It is an easy recipe that only requires very few ingredients, a specific tool that makes your life easier and that we invested in buying, and a whole lot of patience.

First step

In order to make the jelly, first you need to make the juice.

The aroma that comes off the stove is amazing (and a bit intoxicating). That sweet floral grape scent reminds us of the winemaking season, which Loreto is in the process of doing these days. I stirred and crushed the grapes with a wooden spoon releasing all those luscious juices and I am really excited to make this Concord Grape jelly.

Second step

In order to get the juice, you need to strain the skin, pulp, and seeds.

Loreto purchased this Jelly strainer from Barb's Kitchen, a place in Edmonton where you can go to find anything to do with cooking, from utensils, pots, pans, dried goods and baking needs, plus a whole lot more. If you are a foodie and ever in Edmonton, check out Barb's Kitchen, you won't be disappointed. One thing I wanted to say is that this process is quite messy especially when the juice drops splash and droplets go everywhere, and grape juice is not the easiest to get out! Loreto came to the rescue and wrapped plastic wrap around the legs and bowl, and there you have it, messy problem solved.

Third step

When all the juice has dropped, the next phase is pretty easy. Add the Concorde grape juice, sugar, and lemon juice to a pot. We used a heavy cast pot which holds the heat nice and evenly. Bring this to a boil and what happens is this sheen starts to form on top and the bubbles get thicker and stronger and you know you are so close to the end. Look at that deep color, so rich looking and I bet it tastes incredible.

Finally, canning

Pour that amazing jelly into some sterilized jars, put the lids on and close nice and tight. Then, place into a canning pot just covering the jars with water and put a lid on the pot. Bring to boiling point, and the only thing left is to get them out using a jar tong that Loreto also bought at Barb's Kitchen, let them cool, and put them on the shelf, well not all of them. After all, we have to try it!

Concord Grape Jelly (pectin-free)-pinterest

I love the texture very Jello-like and so shimmery and deep in color. I toasted a slice of bread and slathered it with the grape jelly. One bite in and I am in awe at the intense, sweet but not too sweet, flavor of the jelly. It is like silk to my tongue and bite after bite I am experiencing that wonderful flavor of the Concord grapes. The best part is we know where they were grown, we definitely know that they are organic, and the most amazing thing is they were grown in a place where grapes are unheard of growing in. There are some things that can't be explained, and so what! The fact remains this Concord Grape Jelly (Pectin Free) has amazing flavor and texture, and so it is!

Enjoy!