Rose Petal Jelly

Rose Petal Jelly

I must admit I was really pleased at the color of the rose petal jelly. I have dark red roses and while I knew the jelly would not end up that dark I wasn’t exactly sure what color I would get.  To start one of my floral jellies I always make a vinegar/petal infusion first.* I prefer a jelly that isn’t too sweet and the vinegar really helps. Here is the recipe- directions for making the rose vinegar are at the bottom of the post.

Rose Petal Jelly

3 1/2 cups rose petal vinegar**

1/2 c. lemon juice

1 package powdered pectin

5 c. sugar

Wash and prep jars and get water bath heating up. Place rose vinegar in pan and add lemon juice and pectin. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Add sugar and return to the boil. Stir often. Once mixture gets to a full rolling boil, boil 1 minute. Remove jelly from heat and skim off any foam. Ladle hot liquid into jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims and adjust lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for 4 oz. and 8 oz. jars. Remove jars to cooling rack and check seals once they have cooled down. Yield: about 7 half pint jars or  13-14  (4 oz.) jars.

*To make the infusion just put rose petals in a clean jar and cover with vinegar. Close up the jar and let the mixture steep for a week or longer. When you are ready to use the vinegar, strain it and then pour through a coffee filter to get it really clear. Use roses that are not sprayed with anything and vinegar that is 5% acidity. I like a cup of petals for every cup of vinegar for a nice strong flavor. I have gone with 1 cup petals and 2 cups vinegar and it was still pretty good.Because some roses are more fragrant than others results may vary.

**For 3 1/2 cups of rose petal vinegar you will need 3-4 cups of blossoms and 3 1/2 cups of vinegar.