Kudzu Blossom Jelly

Kudzu's purple blooms appear in the fall. They have a grape-like aroma. Beware that there is pollen in the blooms. The jelly is a lavender-pink jewel-tone shade with an aroma of apple or plum jelly.

Yield: about 6 cups jelly

Ingredients

• 2 cups firmly packed kudzu blossoms
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 4 or 5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box Sure Jell (fruit pectin)

Instructions

1. Rinse the freshly gathered kudzu blossoms.
2. In a saucepan, bring the blossoms and water to a boil. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until blossoms are faded in color and the liquid is a deep lavender color.
3. Strain in a colander and discard the blossoms.
4. Pour liquid through a jelly bag or cheesecloth.
5. Use 4 cups of the kudzu liquid with sugar and fruit pectin, following instructions on pectin package.