Mint Jelly
A bright, jewel-toned jelly with a refreshing burst of cool mint and a touch of tangy apple. Perfect alongside roast lamb, spread on toast, or as a glaze for grilled meats.
For 32 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Cook the apples to extract pectin.
1.Chop apples into large chunks, including skins and cores for natural pectin.2.Place apples in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until apples are very soft.TIPDo not stir too vigorously — keeping the fruit pieces intact helps the jelly stay clear. - prep · ~120 min
Strain the apple juice.
1.Dampen the jelly bag or cheesecloth and suspend it over a large bowl.2.Pour the cooked apple mixture into the bag.3.Let it drip for at least 2 hours without squeezing for a clear jelly.TIPSqueezing the bag will make the jelly cloudy. Patience yields a jewel-clear result. - boil · ~10 min
Infuse the apple juice with mint.
1.Measure 4 cups of the strained apple juice into a clean saucepan.2.Bring the juice to a rolling boil.3.Add all the fresh mint leaves and blanch for 30 seconds.4.Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.5.Strain again, discarding the mint leaves.TIPBlanching the mint briefly sets the bright green color and releases its essential oils. - boil · ~15 min
Cook the jelly to setting point.
1.Return the infused juice to the saucepan and stir in the sugar and lemon juice.2.Place over high heat and bring to a hard, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.3.Boil rapidly until the mixture reaches 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer, about 10-15 minutes.4.Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.TIPTo test without a thermometer, dip a cold metal spoon in — it should sheet off in a wide, flat drip at the setting point. - assemble · ~5 min
Jar and seal the jelly.
1.Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in a pinch of salt.2.Ladle the hot jelly into warm, sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.3.Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids immediately.4.Let cool completely at room temperature until set.TIPInvert the jars for 5 minutes after sealing to sterilize the lids, then turn right-side up to cool.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use Granny Smith apples for their high natural pectin, which helps the jelly set properly.
- 2Resist the urge to squeeze the jelly bag — a clear drip gives a crystal-clear final jelly.
- 3Blanch the mint for exactly 30 seconds to lock in its bright green color and fresh flavor.
- 4Use a candy thermometer for accuracy; the jelly sets firmly at 220°F (104°C).
- 5Skim foam promptly during boiling to prevent a cloudy, bubbly surface on the set jelly.
- 6Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year; refrigerate after opening.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-swap
Replace mint with fresh basil, lemon balm, or rosemary for a different herbal jelly that pairs well with cheese or roasted vegetables.
low sugarLow-sugar
Reduce sugar to 3 cups and add a teaspoon of low-sugar pectin; the jelly will be softer and less sweet, suitable for savory glazes.
spicedSpiced
Add a cinnamon stick and 3 cloves to the apple-mint infusion for a warm, spiced jelly that complements lamb or holiday ham.
no appleNo-apple
Use 4 cups of unsweetened white grape juice instead of apple juice for a milder base that lets mint shine even more.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Fresh mint contains menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative stress.
Digestive Aid
Mint has traditionally been used to soothe digestion and relieve mild stomach discomfort, making this jelly a pleasant addition to rich meals.
Low in Fat
This jelly is naturally fat-free, offering a guilt-free way to add flavor to meats and toast.
Contains Natural Pectin
Apples provide soluble fiber in the form of pectin, which can help support healthy cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh mint is essential for this recipe — dried mint lacks the essential oils needed for bright flavor and will not give the same clean, vibrant taste.
