From Our Soil to Our Soul

Whole Muscadine Grape Jam

Muscadine and Scuppernong Grapes - Our Southern Grapes - are wonderfully nutritious products that are often neglected and unused because of the skins and seeds. The skins are tough and a bit bitter and the seeds are a bit difficult to remove from the meat of the grape although they are completely safe to eat. They make a great sweet wine available from Wadmalaw's Deep Water Vineyard on Bears Bluff Road and the skins are used to make Scuppernong Pie, a southern tradition. Whole Scuppernong and Muscadine Grape Jam offers one of the most complete nutritional Jam with less sugar and NO Pectin, simple and rather quick results.

The only thing missing is the stem: I have a hard time throwing away any eatable food, even grape skins on muscadine and scuppernong grapes- which are actually very good for you but are bitter and tough. Can't say I minded throwing the seeds away but what a 'pain' they are to get out of the pulp. And the SEEDS are so nutrient dense. My solution: Whole Grape Jam

1. Wash grapes - cut in 1/2 - add to large pot with water and sugar
2. Bring to a low boil stirring frequently to avoid sticking and to completely melt sugar and cook the grapes and skins.
3. Allow to cook, stirring frequently 20 to 30 minutes or until temperature reaches about 230° to 240°- soft ball stage.
4. To test- drop a small spoonful of jam onto a frozen plate. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes; if jam appears to gel, it is ready. If not, continue cooking and test again after several minutes.
5. While grapes are cooking, prepare jars by placing clean jars in boiling water with caps and rings to heat and sterilize.
6. When grapes are at soft ball stage, transfer small amounts of hot grapes and syrup to the blender and blend very well on high until ALL seeds and pulp are pulverized.
7. Pour pulverized grapes into jars, wipe jar rims to remove any particle of grape, seal with lids and bands.
8. Place in water bath canner and boil for at least 10 minutes. Remove and place on dry cloth and allow to cool completely.
9. Check for sealed lids and re-process in water bath canner if some are not sealed. Make sure to completely clean jar rim and use a new cap.
10. Label and enjoy! VERY nutritious Jam!

I'm always available for questions or help. 843-709-8295 [email protected]

Grapes are available for pick your own for $5/lb - scuppernong and muscadine. Already picked $25/ 4 qt bucket.

Preparing for the COLD

Mother Nature can be brutal at times. In Charleston, this cold is serious because we seldom experience it. It's not the humans that can't live with it, it's all the other things-pipes, hoses, equipment cooling systems, greenhouse structures, etc.