Peony Jelly

Peony jelly is a delightful, aromatic preserve that captures the essence of spring in every jar. With its delicate floral notes and soft sweetness, peony jelly makes a perfect spread for your morning toast, a topping for scones, or even a unique addition to jammy thumbprint cookies. 

Peonies, known for their large, fragrant blooms, not only brighten up your garden but also lend their subtle flavor to this beautiful homemade jelly.

And while peonies are primarily admired for their beauty, turning them into jelly is a fun and unexpected way to enjoy them year-round.

Why Peonies?

Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers in the garden, celebrated for their giant frilly blooms and intoxicating fragrance. These perennial flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white, and their large, plush petals make them a showstopper in any landscape. While most of the attention on peonies goes to their ornamental value, their flowers are also edible and can be used to make a variety of culinary creations, including jellies and syrups.

The flavor of peonies is gentle, floral, and mildly sweet, with a soft hint of rose-like notes. The petals’ delicate flavor makes them an excellent candidate for jelly, which can capture the essence of spring and bring a bit of floral elegance to your kitchen.

While the medicinal uses of peonies are more commonly associated with their roots, the flowers themselves add beauty and flavor to your cooking, offering a peaceful, soothing experience with every spoonful of jelly. Plus, peony jelly is a beautiful way to preserve the fleeting beauty of this short-lived bloom and enjoy it for months to come.

What Does Peony Jelly Taste Like?

The taste of peony jelly is like a breath of fresh spring air. The flavor is soft and fragrant, with mild floral notes that remind you of roses, honey, and a hint of lavender. It has a delicate sweetness that’s not overpowering, making it a lovely choice for those who appreciate subtle floral flavors over more intense, fruity jams. The gentle essence of peonies gives the jelly a refined sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, from warm biscuits to creamy cheeses.

Peony jelly is perfect for those who enjoy floral flavors that are light and not too heavy on the palate. Its soft, honey-like sweetness with a touch of floral complexity makes it unforgettable.

Ingredients for Peony Jelly

If you’ve never made floral jelly before, don’t worry! The steps are very similar to making other types of herbal jellies or floral jellies, and the results are absolutely worth the effort. Here’s what you need to make your own peony jelly:

• 2 to 4 cups fresh peony petals (only the petals, no stems or green parts)
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 box (1.75 oz) powdered pectin (like Sure-Jell)
• 4 cups granulated sugar (or less if using low-sugar pectin)

The lemon juice in this recipe helps balance the flavor, but it also lowers the pH for preservation.  Do not skip the lemon juice!

In terms of color, the darker the peony, the darker the final color of the jelly. For flavor though, you want the most fragrant peonies, as the jelly tastes just as good as it smells.

How to Make Peony Jelly

To make peony jelly, start by picking the freshest peony flowers from your garden. Choose blossoms that are fully open and vibrant, and make sure they’re free of pesticides or other chemicals. Gently pull the petals from the flowers, discarding the stems and green parts. You’ll need about 2 to 4 cups of fresh petals, depending on the size of your blooms.

Next, place the peony petals in a heatproof jar or bowl and pour 4 cups of boiling water over them. Let them steep for about 15 to 20 minutes. As they steep, the water will take on a lovely pale pink or lavender hue and become incredibly fragrant. After steeping, strain out the petals, reserving the liquid.

Now, pour the strained peony tea into a large pot or jam pot and add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and ensures the jelly will set properly. Sprinkle in the powdered pectin and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Don’t add the sugar just yet—only the pectin at this stage.

Once the pectin has dissolved and the liquid is boiling, stir in 4 cups of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you’re using a “low-sugar” pectin, you can reduce the sugar to as little as 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on your preference. The amount of sugar you use will affect both the sweetness and the texture of the jelly, so adjust to your taste.

Bring the mixture back to a full, rolling boil and let it cook for 1 more minute. This final boil ensures the jelly thickens properly and reaches the right consistency. After the final boil, remove the pot from the heat and carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims clean before sealing with the jar lids.

Canning Peony Jelly (Optional)

If you want to preserve your peony jelly for longer, canning is a fantastic option. It’s a great way to keep that delicate flavor fresh for months to come. To start, gather your canning supplies: a water bath canner, clean jars, and new canning lids. Make sure you have enough water in the canner to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.

Once your jars are filled with jelly, wipe the rims clean and place the lids on top. Screw on the metal rings until they’re just finger-tight. Then, process the jars in the water bath canner for 10 minutes, or 15 minutes if you’re above 6,000 feet in elevation. After the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel on the counter.

If everything seals correctly, your jars will be shelf-stable for up to 12-18 months. Just be sure to refrigerate the jelly once you open it. This way, you can enjoy your homemade peony jelly throughout the year, sharing it with friends and family or simply savoring it on your own.