Blend mint and water:
Blend mint and 2 cups water in the jar of a blender until mint is finely chopped.
Bring to boil and steep:
Transfer to a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let steep 45 minutes.
Strain:
Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into bowl; reserve liquid (1 3/4 to 2 cups). Discard mint.
Boil jelly:
Return liquid to saucepan; add lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute.
Add pectin:
Add pectin, and return to a boil; cook 1 minute.
Pectin needs one full minute to activate. Set a timer to make sure it boils long enough.
Stir in food coloring
Remove from heat; stir in food coloring.
Skim:
Skim surface of jelly.
Transfer to a container, and chill:
Transfer to a large container; let cool completely. Cover; let chill overnight.
Serve or store:
Transfer to a serving dish, or store in the refrigerator.
The Best Way to Store Mint Jelly
When properly stored, our mint jelly recipe will last for five days. Simply seal it in an airtight container and keep it cool in the refrigerator.
If you use a canning technique to preserve the mint jelly, it will last up to one year.
Other Ways to Use Mint Jelly
While mint jelly and lamb are a classic pairing, there are many other ways to use leftover mint jelly:
- Brushed over fatty fish like salmon while grilling.
- Mixed with lemon or lime juice in a marinade for pork chops.
- Spread over bread for a hint of sweetness in grilled cheese.
- Whisked into your favorite salad dressing instead of honey or sugar.
- Stirred into yogurt or tahini to make a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mint jelly the same as mint sauce?
Both pair well with lamb, but mint jelly is a sweet jellied condiment. Mint sauce is thinner and more acidic, similar to pesto.
What is the best way to store mint jelly?
Our mint jelly should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than five days. Once opened store-bought mint jelly should also be refrigerated.
Can you freeze mint jelly?
Yes. Ladle jelly into clean jars, seal tightly, and freeze for up to six months. Leave about 1/2-inch of space at the top of each jar because the jelly will expand slightly in the freezer.