Low Sugar Strawberry Jelly

Jelly vs Jam is there a difference? HECK YEAH! Jellies contain only the delicious juice from berries, while jams also contain the skins and in some cases the seeds. Making jelly is very easy, all you have to do is follow the directions exactly. Seven years ago, my jelly was awarded the Blue Merit at the Indiana State Fair because I followed the directions exactly, and if done each time the results are always the same. I use the directions from the no/low sugar sure jell fruit pectin. Below are the general steps....


Step One- Gather all necessary supplies
- boiling water canner
- funnel
-jar lifter
- jars, lids, and bands
- cheesecloths and strainer
- cane sugar
- strawberries
-sure jell fruit pectin

Step Two- Boiling water
Fill canner with enough water that when jars are placed inside they are covered by the water by at least two inches. Bring the water to a boil. Fill a medium saucepan 2/3 full of water and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and place lids in water until ready to use.

Step three- Prepare the jars and bands.
Clean the jars and bands in hot soapy water, then rinse in warm water.  Keep jars and bands in hot water until ready for use.. If not, jars will crack and break.  Don't believe me just ask Miata Guy.

Step four- Prepare the fruit

Wash the berries, and remove the stems. Place a strainer over a large bowl and place a cheesecloth doubled over the strainer. Crush berries one layer at a time and allow juice to drain through the cheesecloth and into the bowl.  It's important that only the juice gets through, no seeds and no skins.

Step five- Cooking the juice

Use the exact amount of juice the recipe calls for and heat in a medium saucepan. Add pectin and 1/4 of the sugar. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly, then add the remainder of the sugar. Return mixture to a full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim off any foam with a metal spoon.

Step six- Filling the jars
Ladle the juice immediately into prepared jars and fill 1/8th from the top of the jar.  Wipe the rim and treads, then cover with lid and band screwing tightly.

Step Seven- Process jars

Place jars in elevated rack in canner, and lower rack into canner.  Cover and gentle boil for 5 minutes. 

Step Eight- Cool Jars
Remove jars from canner and place upright on a towel to cool completely.  Check the seals once jars are cool.

Step nine- label and enjoy

Label your jars with contents, amount, and date processed. Enjoy!