Ground Cherry Preserves
Capture the essence of late summer with homemade Ground Cherry Preserves, a delightful spread that showcases the sweet, tangy charm of these golden, husk-covered gems. This simple recipe combines ripe ground cherries with granulated sugar, a splash of lemon juice, and just a hint of water to create a preserve bursting with natural flavor and vibrant color. Whether left slightly chunky for rustic texture or made smoother with the optional addition of pectin for a firmer set, these preserves are perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or spooning over desserts. With a quick prep time and versatile storage options, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy the unique taste of ground cherries all year round.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Ground cherries (husked and washed)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Pectin (optional for a firmer set)
Instructions
Husk and rinse the ground cherries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Place the ground cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the ground cherries start to release their juices.
Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cherries, leaving others whole for texture.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the preserves thicken.
If you prefer a firmer set, stir in the pectin during the last 5 minutes of cooking and ensure it dissolves completely.
To test the consistency, place a small amount of the preserves on a chilled plate. Let it sit for a minute and run your finger through it—if it holds its shape, it's ready. If it's still too thin, cook for another 5 minutes and test again.
Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the preserves cool slightly.
If planning to store the preserves for a longer period, transfer the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal with lids and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, allow the preserves to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2046 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.9 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 11 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 517.5 g | 188% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 461.8 g | ||
| Protein | 18.4 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 1726 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
