Concord Grape Jam

I decided to finish off my delicious Concord Grapes from our local orchard by making one last batch of yummy jam. 

This was one of the first jams I learned to make and remains one of my favorites.  

These are also one of the best grapes to choose if you like making your own Grape juice.  

Growing your own grapes is easy if you take the time to care for them.

The first thing you want to do is prepare your fruit for making jam.

Wash your grapes under cool water.  Mine are all organic so I don't have to worry about pesticides.

Remove all good grapes as you wash them and put in a bowl.

Next you will want to slip the skins from your grapes.  This is a little time consuming, but a must if you want good jam.

This is the skins

  

This is the pulp

Bring your pulp to a boil over med/high heat and boil for about 10 minutes.  Strain through a sieve or food mill to remove seeds.

Put about 1/2 to 3/4 of your skins in a blender or food processor and chop.  They will be almost pureed, but not completely.

Cook skins over med/high heat for about 10 minutes.  Add them to the strained pulp.  Stir well.  This is your prepared fruit for your jam.

Now let's make the Jam

Ingredients



 5 cups prepared fruit

1 cup of water

1 Box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin

A pat of butter

7-1/2 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl

Mix fruit, pectin, water and butter in a med/large pot.  Over high heat, bring mixture to a boil that can't be stirred down.  Add sugar and return to a boil.  Boil for exactly one minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam you need to. 

Ladle into clean, sterile jars leaving 1/8 inch headspace. 

 Wipe rims of jars with a paper towel dipped in vinegar to ensure a good seal.  Put on lids and rings and tighten finger tight.

 Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.  Turn off heat.  Remove lid and wait 5 minutes.  Place jars on counter to cool for 24 hours. 

 Label and Store.