Making Redbud Jelly: A Fun and Delicious Adventure to have with your kids!
As a parent, it is always a releaf (pun intended) when warmer weather means I can kick the kids out of the house again. Spring brings with it a burst of colors, sounds, and smells. One of the most beautiful sights is the blooming of redbud trees. In our neck of the woods this happens right about the middle of March. Their vibrant pink/purple blossoms aren’t just beautiful—they’re edible! Making redbud jelly is a fantastic way to enjoy these blooms, and it’s a perfect activity to share with kids. Here’s how to turn this simple foraging project into a fun and tasty experience for the whole family.
Why Redbud Jelly?
Redbud trees are in the legume family and are related to peas and beans. Redbud blossoms have a mild, slightly sweet pea-like flavor that makes for a unique and delicious jelly. The process of harvesting, steeping, and cooking the blossoms teaches kids about nature, food preparation, and the joy of creating something homemade. It makes a connection between us, our food, and nature. Let’s face it: we all need a little less screen time. The resulting jelly has a gorgeous pink hue that kids will love spreading on their toast or my favorite biscuits.
What You’ll Need
2-3 cups of fresh redbud blossoms (free of pesticides and pollution)
4 cups of water
1 package of powdered pectin
4 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Medium saucepan
Strainer or cheesecloth
Clean glass jars with lids (for canning)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather the Blossoms
Start by heading outside with your kids to collect redbud blossoms. Show them how to gently pluck the flowers without damaging the tree. Make it a game to see who can find the brightest blooms!
Pro Tip: Aim to collect blossoms from trees in clean areas away from busy roads or sprayed fields.
2. Prepare the Flowers
Back home, sort through your blossoms to remove any leaves, stems, or bugs. Rinse them gently in cool water.
3. Make the Redbud Tea
Place the cleaned blossoms in a medium saucepan and pour 4 cups of water over them. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Let the blossoms steep for 1-2 hours, during which the water will take on a soft pink or lavender hue.
Once steeped, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into a clean bowl. Discard the blossoms, keeping the beautifully colored liquid—this is your redbud tea.
4. Cook the Jelly
Pour the redbud tea back into the saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. The liquid will brighten into a stunning pink! Stir in the powdered pectin and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sugar all at once and stir continuously until the mixture returns to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into clean glass jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, then seal with lids. If you plan to store the jelly long-term, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
6. Enjoy!
Let the jelly cool and set for several hours before enjoying it. Kids will be thrilled to taste the sweet and tangy jelly they helped create. Spread it on toast, add it to yogurt, or use it wherever you use jelly.
Tips for Making It Fun for Kids
Teach as You Go: Explain how flowers can be food and talk about the importance of respecting nature while foraging.
Let Them Measure: Measuring ingredients is a fun way to sneak in some math practice.
Decorate the Jars: Provide markers or stickers so kids can decorate labels for the jelly jars.
Gift It: Encourage kids to gift their homemade jelly to family or friends, sharing the joy of their creation.
The Joy of Redbud Jelly
Making redbud jelly with kids isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the time spent together, the lessons learned, and the memories made. It’s a simple way to celebrate the beauty of spring and teach kids the magic of turning flowers into food. So grab a basket, find a blooming redbud tree, and start your delicious adventure!
