Tag: Fireweed

I recently made a YouTube video about fireweed titled Fireweed Jelly, how to pick it, and then how to make the jelly. Here are the written instructions to go along with the video. These instructions are more specific than the video, as I had a larger quantity of fireweed. I also tend to wing things quite regularly. The fireweed jelly turned out great though, but here are the basic instructions.

8 cups fireweed blossoms – not packed in tight, but not just loosely thrown in either.

1/4 cup lemon juice

4 1/2 to 5 cups water

2 packages Sure Jell or other pectin

5 cups of sugar

Pick, wash and measure 8 cups of blossoms. Place in a large pot and add the water and lemon juice. Boil 10 minutes and strain the blossoms out of the juice. Rinse out the pan and return the juice to the pan. Juice should be a very purple color, if not, you need more blossoms.

Add the pectin to the juice and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar all at once and bring back to a rolling boil. Boil 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat and fill clean, sterile jars. Place in hot water canner and boil for 10 minutes ensure seal. Remove from canner and leave to cool overnight. Check seals to make sure they have sealed. Label and store in a cool, dark, dry location.

One note – I don’t like to use the full 2 packages of Sure Jell as it makes the jelly set up fairly hard, to the point of tearing fresh bread rather than spreading on top. After you make the first recipe, you can start to adjust to your liking and consistency.