Acacia Flower Jelly

 Ingredients: 4 cups of acacia flowers (very well pressed = 325 g) 3 cups of water (750 ml) 4 tablespoons of lemon juice 4 apples 1 box of pectin 4 cups of sugar (880 g, but I only used 800)

To prepare a delicious acacia flower jelly, start by gathering fresh acacia flowers, preferably in the early morning when their aroma is most intense. Make sure the flowers are clean and free of impurities, then wash them carefully under a stream of cold water. Once cleaned, cut the flowers from the clusters, being careful to keep only the intact flowers.

Once you have the flowers prepared, bring a large pot of water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, pour it over the prepared acacia flowers, ensuring they are completely covered. Cover the pot with a lid and let the flowers infuse for 24 hours. This step is crucial, as the infusion time will allow the delicate flavors from the flowers to be extracted.

The next day, take a strainer and strain the infusion, keeping the aromatic liquid and discarding the flowers. At this point, you can squeeze the flowers in your hands to remove excess liquid. The resulting infusion should be mixed with the juice of a fresh lemon and peeled apples, sliced. If the apples are organic, you can leave the skin on, as it contributes to the final flavor of the jelly. When adding pectin, make sure to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.

Bring the mixture to a boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. After this period, strain the mixture again to eliminate any apple remnants. This is an important step, so to achieve a clear jelly, you can use a fine cheesecloth or an absorbent paper towel. Once you have obtained the clear liquid, put it back on the heat and add all the sugar at once. Continue to boil until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Meanwhile, prepare the jars you will use for preservation. It is essential that they are properly sterilized. Once the jelly is ready, pour it into the jars, making sure to strain it again through a fine sieve to achieve a clear texture. Seal the jars immediately, then prepare a larger pot in which to place a towel at the bottom. Arrange the sealed jars in the pot, adding water, making sure that the water level is two fingers below the jar lid.

Put the pot on the heat and boil for 15 minutes, starting from the moment the water reaches boiling point. This process will ensure better preservation of the jelly. When ready, let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Acacia flower jelly can be enjoyed on slices of bread with butter, as a topping for semolina pudding, or as an ingredient in various cakes. This recipe will not only provide you with a delicious product but also an experience filled with the flavors of spring.

 Tags:  sugar fruits apples lemon gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes recipes for children fat-free recipes