Bee Balm Jelly

Why Make This Recipe

Bee Balm Jelly is a delightful way to utilize the vibrant blossoms of the bee balm plant. Not only does it capture the unique flavor of the flowers, but it also offers a beautiful, aromatic jelly perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts. Making this jelly is a great project for any home cook looking to try something new, whether you have bee balm growing in your garden or you find it fresh at the market. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a touch of nature into your kitchen.

How to Make Bee Balm Jelly

Ingredients

2 cups fresh bee balm blossoms (or 1 cup dried blossoms)
1 box Low Sugar Pectin (1.75 oz low sugar pectin, such as Sure Jell No Sugar)
1 to 2 cup sugar
1 cup vinegar (either wine vinegar, white vinegar, cider, or rice vinegar)
¼ cup lemon juice
4 cups water (or 2 cups water and 2 cups white wine)

Directions

Sterilize your jars before beginning your jelly. This way, they are clean and ready to be filled when the jelly reaches the right consistency.
Gather and prepare your bee balm by cleaning and de-stemming 2 cups of fresh petals.
Make the bee balm tea by transferring the blossoms to a heat-safe container. Boil 2 cups of white wine and 2 cups of water (or just 4 cups of water if you prefer). Pour this hot mixture over the blossoms and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Strain the flowers from the liquid and pour the liquid into a large saucepan or jam pot. Add the lemon juice, vinegar, and pectin to the mixture. Stir and bring it to a boil.
Boil for a full minute before adding the sugar. Stir and boil again for another full minute, then remove from heat.
Ladle the jelly into prepared jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Clean the rims and cap the jars. For canning, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet in elevation). For refrigerator jelly, allow jars to cool to room temperature before storing in the freezer or refrigerator.

How to Serve Bee Balm Jelly

Bee Balm Jelly is wonderful on toast, biscuits, or scones. It also makes a great topping for yogurt or ice cream. You can even use it as a sweet glaze on meats or in salad dressings to add a floral note to your meals.

How to Store Bee Balm Jelly

Store sealed jars of Bee Balm Jelly in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. If you’ve made refrigerator jelly, keep it in the fridge for up to three weeks or freeze it for longer storage.

Tips to Make Bee Balm Jelly

Ensure the bee balm blossoms are fresh for the best flavor.
Taste your jelly before adding all the sugar; adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Use a whisk to make stirring easier when adding pectin and sugar.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, you can try adding other herbs, like mint or lavender, to your bee balm tea for extra flavor. Experiment with different types of vinegar to see which flavor you prefer.