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Prickly Pear Jelly

Side Dish 🥗Snack 🍿 Gluten-FreeVegetarian 🥦Vegan 🌱Plant-Based 🌻

Prickly Pear Jelly captures the vibrant magenta hue and subtly floral, melon-like flavor of cactus fruit, brightened with a touch of lemon. It sets to a glossy, spoonable texture thanks to pectin, delivering a balance of sweetness and tang that’s lovely on toast, biscuits, or cheese boards. Ideal for gifting or stocking the pantry after a seasonal harvest.

  • Prep30 min
  • Cook30 min
  • Serves24
  • DifficultyMedium
Prickly Pear Jelly
  1. 1

    Simmer 3 pint-size jars in a large pot of water until the jelly is ready. Wash the lids and rings in warm, soapy water.

  2. 2

    Slice the ends off each prickly pear. Make one long vertical slit down each. Use the slit to grip the skin and peel it off. Discard the peel.

  3. 3

    Place the peeled pears in a blender and purée in batches until liquefied. Press the puréed mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Discard the pulp and seeds.

  4. 4

    Measure 3 cups of prickly pear juice and pour it into a large pot. Add lemon juice and pectin; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar and return to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook at a boil until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  5. 5

    Pour the prickly pear jelly into the hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the inside of the jars to release any air bubbles. Wipe the jar rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with the lids and screw on the rings.

  6. 6

    Place a rack in the bottom of a stockpot and fill it halfway with water; bring to a boil. Lower the jars, spaced 2 inches apart, into the boiling water using a holder. Add more boiling water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover the stockpot, and process for 15 minutes.

  7. 7

    Remove the jars from the stockpot and set them on a cloth-covered or wood surface several inches apart. Let cool for at least 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure it does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark place.

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