Looking for a unique and delicious jelly recipe? This sugar-free mayhaw jelly recipe is perfect for any occasion!
Made with all-natural ingredients, this jelly will surely be a hit with your friends and family. So why not give it a try today?
What is Mayhaw?
Native to the southeastern United States, mayhaw is a member of the Crataegus family. Small and tart, mayhaw berries make jams, jellies, and sauces.
The fruit is also sometimes used in pies or made into wine. Mayhaw trees are typically found in swampy areas and can grow 20 feet tall.
The tree produces white or pink flowers in the springtime, and the berries ripen in May or June.
Because of their fragility, mayhaw is difficult to transport and is not often found in supermarkets. However, they can sometimes be purchased at farmers’ markets or through special orders.
For those unable to find mayhaws, any type of tart berry can be used as a substitute in recipes.
Can I make Mayhaw jelly at home?
Mayhew’s are small, tart berries that grow on trees in the southeastern United States.
While they can be eaten fresh, they are most commonly used to make jelly.
Making mayhaw jelly at home is fairly simple, and the finished product is a great addition to any pantry.
To make mayhaw jelly, you will need about two pounds of mayhaws, sugar, water, and pectin.
Once you have gathered your ingredients, cook the mayhaws with sugar and water until the berries pop and release their juice.
Then add the pectin and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Making your mayhaw jelly is a fun way to enjoy this seasonal fruit, and it makes a wonderful gift for family and friends.
What ingredients do I need to start?
To make this sugar-free mayhaw jelly recipe, you’ll need
Mayhew’s berries: These may be easy to find if you live in the southern US, but if not, you can usually order them online.
Water: Just a half cup is needed to help cook down the mayhaws.
Stevia extract powder: This natural sweetener will give the jelly its sweetness without adding sugar. You can find stevia extract powder online or at some health food stores.
Lemon juice: The acidity from the lemon juice helps to set the jelly.
Liquid pectin: This will help the jelly thicken and set properly. You can find liquid pectin online or at some grocery stores.
Mayhaw Jelly Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayhaws berries
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Stevia extract powder
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Liquid pectin
Instructions
- Wash the mayhaw's and remove any stems.
- Add the mayhaws, water, stevia extract powder, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the liquid pectin and stir well.
- Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and ladle the jelly into clean jars or containers.
- Allow the jelly to cool completely before sealing the jars or containers.
- Then, enjoy your sugar-free mayhaw jelly!
Can I add, remove, or replace some ingredients?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with the ingredients in this recipe.
For example, you could try using a different type of berries or fruit instead of the mayhaw. You could also add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the jelly.
If you don’t like the taste of stevia, you could try using honey or another type of sweetener in its place.
And if you don’t have liquid pectin on hand, you could try using fruit pectin or gelatin.
Just keep in mind that changing the recipe may affect the jelly’s taste, texture, and overall quality.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. However, remember that you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long can I store this jelly?
Mayhaw jelly can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Be sure to label the jars or containers with the date, so you know when the jelly was made.
Tips and tricks for a better jelly
First of all, if you can’t find mayhaws, you can substitute another type of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- You can use either fresh or frozen mayhaw’s for this recipe.
- Add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice for a tart jelly.
- For a sweeter jelly, reduce the amount of water to 1/4 cup.
- To make a spiced jelly, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the mixture before boiling.
- To thicken the jelly, add one tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the mixture before boiling.
- For a smooth jelly, blend the mixture with an immersion blender before boiling.
- To make fruit leather, spread the cooked mixture onto a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper and dehydrate at 115 degrees Fahrenheit until dry (about 12 hours).
- To can the jelly, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of berries used. Start checking for doneness after 5 minutes of cooking time.
Try adding other flavors to the jelly, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or orange juice.
Things to serve with homemade Mayhaw Jelly
Mayhaw jelly is a delicious, tart fruit spread perfect for toast, muffins, and biscuits. It can also be used as a glaze for meats or in cocktails.
Here are 12 ideas for what to serve with mayhaw jelly:
- Toast: Spread mayhaw jelly on top of hot toast for a simple and delicious breakfast or snack.
- Muffins: Mayhaw jelly makes a delicious topping for muffins. Try it on top of banana muffins or blueberry muffins.
- Biscuits: Add a dollop of mayhaw jelly to your next batch of biscuits for a sweet and tangy treat.
- Cocktails: Add a tablespoon of mayhaw jelly to sparkling wine or cocktails for a unique twist.
- Ice cream: Top your favorite ice cream with mayhaw jelly for a delicious dessert.
- Fruit salad: Add some mayhaw jelly to your next fruit salad for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
- Cheese plate: Mayhaw jelly makes a great accompaniment to cheese plates and charcuterie boards. Try it with sharp cheddar cheese or goat cheese.
- PB&J sandwich: Upgrade your classic PB&J sandwich by using mayhaw jelly instead of grape jelly. Trust us; you won’t be disappointed!
- Oatmeal: Stir some mayhaw jelly into oatmeal or porridge for a tasty breakfast option.
- Pancakes: Adding some mayhaw jelly to pancakes is a great way to add flavor without overdoing it on the syrup front! Try it on top of whole wheat pancakes or buttermilk pancakes.”
Final Words
Making mayhaw jelly is a great way to use up this seasonal fruit. And, since it is sugar-free, it is a healthier option than most store-bought jellies. In addition, this recipe is easy to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
Similar Recipes from HotSalty:
