Grape Jelly
Grape jelly is a fruity spread that typically appears in jars or squeezy bottles. It starts life as fresh fruit or fruit juice, cooking with sugar and other ingredients until it sets like jello but less firm. Usually popular to put on toast, though it can also be used in PB&J sandwiches.
Nutrition Profile
America’s favorite jelly is actually not good for you. Grape jelly is made from a fruit that has been hailed as a wonder food, but then there’s all the sugar. It can be hard to know the facts about grape jelly. Let’s break it down.
A tablespoon (around 20 gram) serving of grape jelly contains approximately:
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 11g
How Is Grape Jelly Made?
All jellies and jams are made by combining fruit or juice with sugar and heating it at high temperatures. Technically, jelly is a fruit juice that has crystallized without the addition of pectin. Whereas jam contains fruit pulp and skin in some berries. Generally, people call jams and jellies “jelly” to keep it simple.
Historically speaking, people have been making jelly as far back as the Crusades. Making fruit last longer was especially important because it wasn’t always readily available like it is today.
Commercial jelly is made in a much higher volume. This means it traditionally does not use granulated sugar, but high fructose corn syrup instead. One reason for crude sugar’s high cost is that its prices have been steadily increasing in recent years due to soaring sugar prices. However, another issue is granulated sugar’s inability to withstand high temperatures and purify into crystals when it mixes with a large amount of water at once.
A warm mixture of sugar and fruit boiled in large containers is then cooled to a gel-like consistency before additives like pectin and citric acid are added to make sure that the jelly has the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
Organic Grape Jelly vs. Non-Organic
Flavor-wise, you should not notice too much of a difference between organic and non-organic grape jelly. Organic refers to how the grapes are grown rather than using different additives.
- No chemical pesticides
- No use of chemical-based weed killers
People often feel better when they know that only natural grapes were used to make their favorite type of jelly. However, proponents of the chemical point out that non-organic grapes are deemed safe and that the amount of any chemical used on them is negligible. In addition to this, grapes are well washed before they enter the process of making grape jelly.
Other Variations of Grape Jelly
Welch’s is famous for its Concord grape jelly. Introduced in 1869, the product was launched by Dr. Thomas Branwell Welch after he recognized its potential as a tasty treat. Today, there are both squeezy bottles and traditional jars of this most popular fruit jelly available in America.
The Valiant grape is the variety most often used for making grape jelly. It is a hardy variety that can handle cooler temperatures, and the blue grapes are more easily turned into delicious jelly.
You can use white grapes to make jelly as well. A popular choice is the Edelweiss grape, which tends to be a little earlier than other varieties but does not fare too well with cold weather.
For those interested in minimizing sugar intake, or who need to avoid blood-sugar level spikes for health reasons, low-sugar jelly is available. The sugars in jams are often replaced with an artificial sweetener, and gelatin may be added to ensure the mixture sets. This will disqualify vegan-friendly jams.
How to Make Grape Jelly at Home
If you’re wondering how to make grape jelly, there are two ways to do it:
- Use lots of fresh grapes
- Use store-bought grape juice
Fresh grapes need to be hand-picked and then washed before they can be used as juice. This is a rather time-consuming process, so many people opt for pre-made grape juice if they are in a hurry.
To make jelly, you’ll need plenty of sugar and pectin. Pectin is a naturally occurring fiber found in fruits like apples, lemons, blackberries, etc. Pectin is a natural substance that can be used to help foods like jelly, jam, and fruit preserves to set.
Grapes are naturally low in pectin, which is why adding pectin at a separate step is necessary. Hot grape juice and sugar mixed together are then cooked until the sugar has dissolved. To make this jelly have complete consistency, you can strain the pulp and skin of the grape mixture out before pouring it into the jars. The gelatin in a recipe is typically made with juice instead of skins or pulp.
Once the sugar is dissolved and any straining has occurred, pectin is added to the mix. The next step in jelly production is warming it up! Jelly sets at a temperature of about 220°F. You can buy a cooking thermometer with a “Jelly” mark to help you get the right “set” for your homemade grape jelly.
Grape jelly is usually stored in sterile jars. Home-chef’s can sterilize their jars with an oven, a microwave, boiling water, or professional cleaning solutions.
Health Benefits of Grape Jelly
Jelly has a high sugar content, so it’s worth remembering. It will last for a long time whether stored in the refrigerator or pantry. The high sugar content is what helps preserve jelly and maintain its fresh flavor without refrigeration. But, as long as you’re not eating a dollop of jelly straight out the jar, it can be helpful in limiting your own sugar intake.
There are many health benefits of grape jelly, including:
- Grapes have few if any calories
- To get the most nutritional value, pair grape jelly with protein or fat
- Grapes are cholesterol-free
- Grapes are rich in manganese, which is good for your metabolism and your bones
- Grapes are a rich source of potassium
- Grapes have copper, which is essential for healthy bones and a strong immune system
- Grapes are high in many essential vitamins including Vitamin C and K
- Concord grapes may be good for cardiovascular health
Are PB&J Sandwiches Good for You?
Peanuts, butter, and jelly sandwiched between two slices of bread are a favorite for many Americans who enjoy one or both renditions (creamy versus crunchy). This American Favorite holds even less nutritional value in the form of protein and carbohydrates than what they would get from other staple food groups.
- Peanuts are a high-quality dietary protein source
- Peanuts provide high levels of fats that are healthy
- Peanuts are rich in a wide array of vitamins and minerals including vitamin E and B6
- Peanuts are a healthy source of dietary fiber
- Peanuts help balance out the sugar in grape jelly, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches surprisingly healthy snacks
Too much salt in peanut butter can be a concern for some. An ideal way to lessen your intake of sodium is by making your own peanut butter. Making your own peanut butter is a method for controlling the amount of salt that goes into it and giving it the desired texture.
Peanut butter may also contain palm oil, which can be bad for the environment when not ethically and sustainably sourced. However, it’s another excellent reason to make your own peanut butter at home!
PB&J sandwiches are popular with kids because they’re high in protein as well as energy. This makes them a terrific, quick snack for active kids or those older who need to eat more protein. A healthier PB&J is worth thinking about as an adult. Whole wheat bread with thin layers of jelly and occasional indulgences will not send you to your grave early on but will improve your quality of life if there’s nothing planned for energy expenditure in the near future.
Healthier Grape Jelly Alternatives
There are a few alternate options for those who prefer grape-flavored jams over other types of jelly.
- Check the ingredients for added sweeteners like sugars to find a jelly without this ingredient
- Spread some fresh berry puree on top of bread to get a flavorful and healthy snack
- Canned fruit may be softer, contain less sugar
- Mix honey with fruit to create a naturally fruity and sweet snack
If you’re still craving the sweetness of grape jelly, that’s fine. It’s important to remember, however, that grapes have a number of health benefits we’ve discussed, and eating them in moderation with healthy fats or protein is a great way to keep your blood sugar levels stable.