Zero Waste Apple Jelly Magic, Turning Scraps into Culinary Gold.

In the spirit of sustainability and waste reduction, this Apple Jelly Recipe transforms kitchen scraps into a delightful treat. With a commitment to eco-friendly home preserving, this zero-waste approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also delivers a delicious homemade apple jelly. This recipe not only reduces waste but also elevates the essence of homemade goodness.

Ingredients:

• Peelings and cores of 6 organic apples, washed – approximately 250 g (1 cup)
• Water to cover the peels – about 75 cl (2.5 cups)
• 450 g (2 cups) sugar (approximate – measure based on the volume of collected juice)
• Juice of 1 lemon.

Instructions:

1. Begin by covering apple peels and cores with water, bringing them to a boil, and letting them simmer for 30 minutes – all without covering during cooking.
2. Next, drain the peels through a sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.
3. Measure the juice using a measuring glass, then place it in a wide saucepan to facilitate evaporation during cooking.
4. For 50 cl (1 cup) of juice, add 450 g (2 cups) of sugar. Mix the sugar and liquid, then add the lemon juice.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes.
6. While the jelly is cooking, place a plate in the freezer to test if the jelly is set at the end of cooking.
7. Wash the jars and lids, passing them through boiling water for sterilization.
8. After 25 minutes, check the consistency of the jelly by placing a drop on the pre-cooled plate. If the drop solidifies, wait for 2 minutes, then stop cooking. Otherwise, continue until reaching the gel point, checking every 5 minutes.
9. If you have a jam thermometer, check the temperature, which should be around 105 to 107°C (220 to 225°F).
10. Fill sterilized jars with hot jelly using a ladle and a jam funnel, then seal the jars with their lids.
11. Invert the jars onto the lid to sterilize the air in the jar until completely cooled or at least 15 minutes.

Notes:

• For a flavored apple jelly, add the chosen spice during the cooking of the fruit juice with sugar. For example, add 1/2 vanilla bean for a vanilla-flavored jelly or crush 3 cardamom seeds with a pestle and place them in muslin or in a stainless steel tea infuser for a cardamom version.
• This jelly is perfect for topping apple pies and cakes. Or it could be a perfect topping for crepe or brioche

Embrace sustainability in your kitchen, and with each step of this zero-waste Apple jelly recipe, relish the transformative journey from scraps to sensational delight. Try it now and let the flavors speak for themselves!