Preserving Method: Water-Bath-Canning

Makes about 6 (8 oz) half pint jars

Rich in antioxidants and bold flavor, pomegranates are an excellent fruit to make jelly. Serve this with both sweet and savory meals.

You will need

• 3-1/2 cups prepared or bottled pomegranate juice (about 7 to 10 large or 2 16-oz bottles)
• 6 Tbsp Ball®RealFruit™ Classic Pectin 1/2 tsp butter or margarine, optional
• 5 cups sugar

Directions

1. HEAT jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
2. PLACE pomegranate juice in a 6- or 8-quart saucepan. Gradually stir in pectin. Add up to 1/2 tsp butter or margarine to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly.
3. ADD entire measure of sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary.
4. LADLE hot jelly into hot jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
5. PROCESS in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

Quick Tip: To juice pomegranates, roll room-temperature fruit on a counter top, pressing it firmly to soften without breaking the skin. Holding the pomegranate over a fine sieve set over a bowl, use a sharp knife to cut out blossom end (crown), including the pith. Juice will begin to spurt out as soon as you puncture the skin. Using your hands, squeeze juice and seeds into sieve. Open the fruit and using a small spoon scrape remaining seeds into sieve. Use the back of a large spoon to press out any remaining juice from seeds. Measure 3-1/2 cups juice.

Note: Wear rubber gloves to keep your hands from being stained.

Photo Credit: @wholefully