A sweet, floral jelly that uses the petals of a poplar perennial flower.
Ingredients
1 quart jar (4 cups) lightly packed fresh peony petals (any green parts removed); approx. 2 large flowers
5 cups boiling water
1 package Sure-Jell or other powdered pectin
3 cups organic cane sugar
1 small organic lemon
Instructions
Place the petals in a large bowl.
Boil the 5 cups of water and pour over the petals.
Cover with a plate and allow to steep for 6 hours.
Strain off the liquid into a clean stainless steel pot; allow to drain for 5 minutes, then discard the petals into your compost.
Squeeze the juice from your lemon into the peony water (I held my fine mesh strainer over the pot to avoid any seeds or pulp from the lemon). Add the pectin.
Bring the mixture to a full boil, and quickly stir in the sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, skim any foam, and ladle into sterilized jars.
Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before storing in a cool, dry, dark location.
Makes approx. 7 half-pints.
Recipe by Yellow Birch Hobby Farm at https://www.yellowbirchhobbyfarm.com/peony-jelly/