Ingredients for Lemon Banana Preserves
- 4-5 ripe bananas, depending on size
- Lemons, Juice Of
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- Water
- Gingerroot
- Salt
- Whole Cloves
- A few drops of yellow food coloring (optional)
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How to Make Lemon Banana Preserves
- In a large Dutch oven, combine 4 cups sugar, 3 1/2 cups water, 6 whole cloves, and 1-inch of thinly sliced peeled ginger. Stir well.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Using a vegetable peeler or zester, remove the zest from 4 large lemons. Add the zest to the simmering sugar mixture.
- Juice all four lemons and add the juice to the pan. (Optional: add finely chopped lemon pulp, avoiding the bitter white pith.)
- Mash 4-5 ripe bananas (depending on size) with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Continue simmering the sugar mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Add 1 cup of water and stir well.
- Remove the cloves and ginger slices from the mixture.
- Add the mashed bananas to the pan along with a few drops of yellow food coloring (optional). Stir to combine.
- Continue cooking over low heat for about 6 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the consistency of thick applesauce. If too thin, add another mashed banana and cook for a few more minutes.
- While the preserves are cooking, sterilize your 8 half-pint jars by washing them in hot soapy water, rinsing, and placing them upside down in a 9x13 inch baking pan filled with hot water. Heat in a 275°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Heat the jar rings and lids in a separate saucepan of boiling water.
- Carefully remove the hot jars from the oven and fill them with the lemon banana preserves, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean.
- Place the hot lids and rings on the jars and tighten securely.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, ensuring the water completely covers the jars. Remove jars and let cool completely. You'll hear a 'pop' as the jars seal.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
0 g
Sugar
51g
Fat
0g
Carbs
4g
