🍎 Mock Apple Ring Jelly
The Most Surprising Canning Recipe Ever – Zucchini That Tastes Like Cinnamon Apples
📌 In This Article
🍎 The Surprising Story
"Spiced apple rings. Except, they weren't actually apples – they were zucchini." 🍎✨
During the Great Depression, resourceful home cooks discovered that zucchini could be transformed into something remarkable. With the right combination of lime, spices, and cinnamon red hots, humble zucchini rings became a convincing substitute for expensive spiced apples. This recipe is a jelly version of that classic mock apple ring – a spread that tastes exactly like cinnamon-spiced apples, but is made entirely from garden zucchini [citation:6][citation:3].
The secret? The zucchini becomes translucent and absorbs the sweet, spiced syrup, turning into a jelly that's bright, tangy, and unmistakably apple-like [citation:3].
💬 The magic: "The zucchini's role is purely structural. It provides the body and the perfect neutral canvas for the other flavors to shine." [citation:3]
📦 Ingredients – Makes 6-8 Half-Pint Jars
For the Zucchini Preparation
- 🥒 2 gallons zucchini rings – peeled, cored, sliced ½-inch thick [citation:6]
- 🧂 2 cups pickling lime – food-grade calcium hydroxide [citation:6]
- 💧 8 quarts water – for the lime soak
- 🍎 1 cup vinegar – white or apple cider
- 🔴 1 small bottle red food coloring
- 🧂 1 tablespoon alum
For the Spiced Syrup
- 💧 3½ cups water
- 🍎 3½ cups vinegar
- 🍬 10 cups granulated sugar
- 🌿 8 cinnamon sticks
- 🔴 2 packages (14 oz each) Red Hot candies [citation:6]
💡 Pro tip: "Use pickling lime, also called food-grade calcium hydroxide, found with canning supplies. It helps keep the zucchini crisp."
📅 The 4-Day Timeline
At a Glance
- Day 1: Soak zucchini rings in lime water for 24 hours [citation:6]
- Day 2: Rinse, soak in ice water for 3 hours, then simmer in vinegar, food coloring, and alum for 2-3 hours. Pour hot spiced syrup over rings and let sit overnight [citation:6]
- Day 3: Drain syrup, heat and pour back over rings. Let sit another day [citation:6]
- Day 4: Heat syrup, pack rings into jars, cover with syrup, and process in water bath [citation:6]
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Day 1 – The Lime Soak
- Peel and core zucchini. Slice into ½-inch thick rings [citation:6].
- Mix 2 cups lime with 8 quarts water in a large non-reactive container.
- Add zucchini rings, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover and let soak for 24 hours [citation:1][citation:6].
💡 Pro Tip
The lime soak firms up the zucchini, giving it that crisp, apple-like texture [citation:1].
Day 2 – Rinse, Soak, and Simmer
- Drain the zucchini rings in a colander [citation:1].
- Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all traces of lime [citation:6].
- Place rings back in the container, cover with fresh water, and let stand 2-3 hours [citation:1].
- Drain and rinse again [citation:1].
- In a large pot, combine the zucchini rings with 1 cup vinegar, red food coloring, 1 tablespoon alum, and enough water to cover [citation:1][citation:6].
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until the rings are translucent [citation:6].
⚠️ Important: "Rinsing very thoroughly is essential to remove all traces of lime." [citation:1]
Day 2 (continued) – Make the Syrup
- While rings simmer, make the syrup: In a large pot, combine 3½ cups water, 3½ cups vinegar, 10 cups sugar, 8 cinnamon sticks, and 2 packages Red Hots [citation:6].
- Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and candies dissolve.
- Drain the simmered rings and discard the liquid.
- Pour the hot syrup over the rings. Let sit overnight [citation:6].
Day 3 – Repeat the Syrup
- Drain the syrup from the rings and set it aside.
- Heat the syrup to boiling, then pour it back over the rings.
- Let sit for another day [citation:6].
Day 4 – Jar and Process
- Heat the syrup to boiling one final time [citation:6].
- Sterilize 6-8 half-pint jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes [citation:1].
- Pack the zucchini rings into hot jars [citation:1].
- Pour the hot syrup over the rings, leaving ¼-inch headspace [citation:1].
- Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and apply lids (fingertip-tight) [citation:1].
- Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes [citation:1][citation:6].
- Remove jars and cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals [citation:1].
💡 Pro tip: "For the best flavor, let the jars cure for 2 weeks before opening – the flavors will meld beautifully."
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Mock Apple Ring Jelly
- 🥒 Use large zucchini: The bigger the zucchini, the better the texture for rings.
- 🧂 Rinse thoroughly: Any remaining lime will make the rings bitter [citation:1].
- 🔴 Don't skip the Red Hots: They provide both color and cinnamon flavor [citation:6].
- 🌿 Add extra cinnamon sticks: For a more intense apple spice flavor.
- ⏱️ Don't rush the process: Each day is important for developing the right texture and flavor [citation:6].
- 🎁 Perfect for gifting: These jars make stunning, conversation-starting gifts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does it really taste like apples?
Yes! The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and vinegar creates an authentic spiced apple flavor. The zucchini becomes translucent and absorbs all the flavors [citation:3].
❓ Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes – yellow squash works beautifully in this recipe [citation:6].
❓ Is pickling lime safe?
Yes – it's food-grade calcium hydroxide. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly [citation:1].
❓ Why do I need to repeat the syrup on Day 3?
This ensures the rings absorb maximum flavor and become fully translucent [citation:6].
❓ How long does this jelly last?
Properly sealed jars last up to 18 months in a cool, dark pantry.
❓ Can I use a different candy?
The Red Hots are key – they provide both cinnamon flavor and color [citation:6].
❓ What if my jars don't seal?
Refrigerate unsealed jars and use within 2-3 weeks.
❓ Can I make this without the 4-day process?
The multiple-day process is essential for developing the right texture and flavor [citation:6].
❓ What's the best way to serve this?
Spread on toast, use as a pie filling, or serve alongside roast meats.
❓ What are signs of spoilage?
Bulging lids, off odors, or mold – discard immediately.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ MOCK APPLE RING JELLY ║
║ Zucchini That Tastes Like Cinnamon Apples ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 6-8 half-pint jars | TIME: 4 days
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE ZUCCHINI:
- 2 gallons zucchini rings (peeled, cored, ½" thick)
- 2 cups pickling lime
- 8 quarts water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 small bottle red food coloring
- 1 Tbsp alum
FOR THE SYRUP:
- 3½ cups water
- 3½ cups vinegar
- 10 cups sugar
- 8 cinnamon sticks
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Red Hot candies
DAY-BY-DAY INSTRUCTIONS:
Day 1: Soak zucchini rings in lime water (2 cups lime + 8 qts water). Cover and stand 24 hours.
Day 2: Drain and rinse rings thoroughly. Soak in fresh water 2-3 hours. Drain and rinse again.
Simmer rings in 1 cup vinegar, food coloring, alum, and water to cover for 2-3 hours.
Make syrup: boil water, vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, and Red Hots.
Drain rings, pour hot syrup over, and let sit overnight.
Day 3: Drain syrup, heat to boiling, pour back over rings. Sit another day.
Day 4: Heat syrup one final time. Pack rings into sterilized jars.
Pour syrup over, leaving ¼" headspace.
Process in water bath 20 minutes.
Cool 12-24 hours. Check seals.
STORAGE: 18 months (cool, dark place).
"You'll never believe this isn't made from real apples. Your family will be amazed!" 🍎✨
© CanningRebels — Mock Apple Ring Jelly | The Most Surprising Canning Recipe Ever
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