Bright and fresh, this homemade basil jelly adds a surprising herbal twist to your cheese boards and sandwiches. Perfect for savoring summer flavors year-round, this creative craft turns garden herbs into a gourmet spread that’s both vibrant and unique. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, basil jelly is an easy and rewarding project that highlights the delicious potential of fresh basil.

Presentation

The finished basil jelly glows with a delicate green hue, thanks to a couple of drops of food coloring. Its smooth, clear texture makes it visually appealing, especially when spooned over soft cheeses or served as a shiny glaze on roasted vegetables or grilled meats. When poured into glass jars and sealed properly, it also makes a beautiful homemade gift that captures the essence of summer in a jar.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups water
6 1/2 cups sugar
Two 3 oz pouches Certo liquid pectin
2 drops green food coloring

Instructions

Sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rims using a dishwasher. Let them dry completely.
Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves.
In a large pot, combine the basil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, water, and food coloring.
Heat the mixture until it just begins to boil.
While heating, measure out the sugar into a separate bowl.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
Bring it to a hard boil, then add both pouches of Certo liquid pectin.
Return to a hard boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the basil leaves from the mixture.
Immediately pour the jelly into the sterilized jars.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel, place the lids on top, and tighten the rims.
Turn the jars upside down on a towel for 5 minutes, then flip right-side up and allow them to cool completely.
Once cooled, check that the jars have sealed by pressing the button on the lid. If the lid pops up, the jar isn’t sealed and should be refrigerated.

Benefits of This Craft

Making basil jelly is more than just a fun DIY kitchen project. It offers several benefits:

Preservation of herbs: This recipe is an excellent way to use up surplus basil before it wilts or loses flavor.
Natural and homemade: Unlike store-bought jellies filled with additives, this version is made with fresh ingredients.
Creative gifting: Basil jelly in a charming glass jar makes a delightful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or holiday baskets.
Culinary versatility: It can be used as a condiment, glaze, or even a sweet-savory dessert topping.

Tips

Use freshly picked basil for the most aromatic flavor. Avoid basil that has started to flower, as it can taste bitter.
Add only 2 drops of food coloring for a natural green tone. More could result in an artificial look.
Be precise with your boiling times. Overcooking the pectin may result in a jelly that doesn’t set properly.
If your jelly doesn’t set after cooling, you can re-boil it with additional pectin.
Make sure jars are completely dry before filling to prevent contamination or spoilage.

What Does It Taste Like?

Basil jelly has a sweet, tangy, and herbal flavor that’s truly unique. The sugar balances out the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice, while the basil imparts a soft, slightly peppery undertone. The result is a jelly that’s refreshing and aromatic, pairing wonderfully with savory dishes like grilled chicken or cheese, as well as breakfast items like toast or scones.

How to Store

Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year. Always check the seal before use. If the lid pops up, it hasn’t sealed properly and should be refrigerated. Once opened, the jelly should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 3 weeks. For those who prefer not to can, simply store the jelly in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a couple of weeks.

This basil jelly recipe is an ideal way to turn simple herbs into a gourmet spread that lasts all year. Its unique flavor and elegant appearance make it perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply treating yourself. The recipe is straightforward, even for beginners, and requires just a few kitchen basics. With its fresh taste and versatility, basil jelly is a rewarding project that showcases the creativity and satisfaction of DIY kitchen crafts.

For More DIY craft ideas, visit Cookfastly’s recipe collection and explore an ever-growing range of inspirations to spark your next homemade creation.

FAQ

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for this recipe because it releases more essential oils and flavor when steeped. Dried basil will not produce the same aromatic jelly.

Is it necessary to use food coloring?
No, food coloring is optional. However, it gives the jelly a beautiful green hue that emphasizes the basil theme.

Can I use powdered pectin instead of liquid?
This recipe is specifically tested with Certo liquid pectin. Substituting powdered pectin may require altering the recipe proportions and process.

How do I know if my jelly has set properly?
After cooling, gently press the center of the lid. If it does not move or pop up, the jar is sealed, and the jelly should be properly set.

Is basil jelly suitable for kids?
Yes, basil jelly has a sweet and tangy flavor that many kids enjoy, especially when spread on toast or paired with cream cheese.