Ground Cherry Preserves

Capture the essence of late summer with homemade Ground Cherry Preserves, a delightful spread that showcases the sweet, tangy charm of these golden, husk-covered gems. This simple recipe combines ripe ground cherries with granulated sugar, a splash of lemon juice, and just a hint of water to create a preserve bursting with natural flavor and vibrant color. Whether left slightly chunky for rustic texture or made smoother with the optional addition of pectin for a firmer set, these preserves are perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or spooning over desserts. With a quick prep time and versatile storage options, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy the unique taste of ground cherries all year round.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 4 cups Ground cherries (husked and washed)
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Pectin (optional for a firmer set)

Directions

Step 1

Husk and rinse the ground cherries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2

Place the ground cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 3

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the ground cherries start to release their juices.

Step 4

Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cherries, leaving others whole for texture.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the preserves thicken.

Step 6

If you prefer a firmer set, stir in the pectin during the last 5 minutes of cooking and ensure it dissolves completely.

Step 7

To test the consistency, place a small amount of the preserves on a chilled plate. Let it sit for a minute and run your finger through it—if it holds its shape, it's ready. If it's still too thin, cook for another 5 minutes and test again.

Step 8

Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the preserves cool slightly.

Step 9

If planning to store the preserves for a longer period, transfer the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal with lids and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Step 10

Alternatively, allow the preserves to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1506.7 grams (1506.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2047

Total Fat 6.90g	9%
Saturated Fat 0.70g	3%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 11mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 517.50g	188%
Dietary Fiber 27.20g	97%
Total Sugars 461.80g
Protein 18.40g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 77mg	6%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 1726mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.8%

Protein: 3.3%

Carbs: 93.8%