Select fresh spring herbs such as chives, thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, or parsley. Pick herbs in the morning for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Wash Herbs
Rinse herbs thoroughly in a colander under cold water to remove dirt, dust, and insects.
Chop Herbs
Roughly chop the herbs to release their juices and ensure they infuse well into the jelly. Measure out 1 cup of chopped herbs.
Cook and Steep Herbs
Combine the chopped herbs, ¾ cup white wine, ½ cup water, and ½ cup white wine vinegar in a stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes.
Prepare Canner and Lids
While the herb mixture steeps, wash and inspect three 8-ounce jars for cracks or chips. Sterilize jars by placing them in the canner filled with hot water and heating over medium heat. Warm lids in a small saucepan with water on low heat to soften the adhesive.
Strain Liquid
Pour the herb mixture through a mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup, discarding the solids. You should collect approximately 1¾ cups of liquid.
Add Pectin
Return the strained liquid to the saucepan. Stir in 3 tablespoons of powdered pectin until fully dissolved.
Add Sugar
Gradually add 2½ cups plus 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a hard boil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Boil for 1 minute.
Test the Jelly
Perform a gel test by placing a small spoonful of jelly on a cold plate. If it holds its shape and doesn't run, it's ready for canning.
Fill the Jars
Using a canning funnel and ladle, fill each sterilized jar with the hot jelly, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles by running a knife around the edges of the jar.
Apply Lids and Rings
Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel to ensure a clean seal. Place warmed lids on each jar and screw on the rings until finger-tight.
Process Your Jars
Place the filled jars back into the water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of boiling water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes (adjust for elevation if necessary).
Let Jars Cool
After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes. Remove jars with a jar lifter and place them upright on a cooling surface to rest undisturbed for 24 hours.
Test Your Lids and Rings
After 24 hours, press the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Label sealed jars with the date and store in a cool, dark place. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated or frozen and consumed within a few days.
Notes
Herb Selection: Use only fresh, tender herbs for the best flavor and infusion.
Sugar Adjustment: Adjust sugar to taste, especially if using tart herbs.
Jar Preparation: Ensure all jars are free from cracks and properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Storage: Properly canned herb jelly can last up to a year. Always inspect seals and contents before use.