How to Make Jelly or Jam from Lilly Pilly Fruits?
Definition: Lilly Pilly fruits are small, colorful berries that grow on evergreen trees native to Australia. These fruits are known for their tart flavor and high pectin content, making them ideal for making delicious jelly or jam.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of Lilly Pilly fruits
- 4 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 packet of pectin
- Water
Instructions:
Wash the Lilly Pilly fruits thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.Place the fruits in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them.Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the fruits are soft.Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the fruits to release their juices.Line a large bowl with a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer and pour the fruit mixture into it.Gently squeeze the cloth or strainer to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.Measure the extracted juice and pour it back into the saucepan.Add an equal amount of sugar to the juice and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.Add the lemon juice to the mixture and bring it to a rolling boil.Gradually add the pectin while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.Boil the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.Remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.Pour the hot jelly or jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.Seal the jars tightly and let them cool at room temperature.Once cooled, store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or process them in a water bath canner for long-term storage.See also How to identify nutrient deficiencies in Keriberry plants?
Enjoy your homemade Lilly Pilly jelly or jam spread on toast, scones, or as a delightful addition to your favorite desserts!
Keywords: fruits, mixture, pectin, saucepan, making, remove, minutes, strainer, stirring