Jamie Oliver Mint Jelly Recipe

The Jamie Oliver Mint Jelly Recipe is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy preserve that brings a vibrant pop of flavor to everything from roast lamb to crusty toast. The first time I tried it, I was amazed at how easy it was to make—and how versatile it turned out to be. With fresh mint and a few pantry staples, this homemade jelly became an instant favorite. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 ½ cups packed fresh mint leaves and stems
• 2 ¼ cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 drop of green food color
• 3 ½ cups white sugar
• 3 fluid ounces of liquid pectin

How To Make Jamie Oliver Mint Jelly

Prep the Mint:

Start by rinsing your mint leaves and stems thoroughly. Then toss them into a medium saucepan and give them a good crush using the bottom of a glass, a jar, or even a potato masher. This helps release all that lovely minty oil. Pour over the boiling water, cover the pot, and let everything steep for 10 minutes. The aroma at this point is already irresistible!

Strain and Mix:

Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, then measure out 1 2/3 cups of the liquid. Return this to the saucepan and stir in the lemon juice and a drop of green food coloring. The coloring is optional, but it does give the jelly that vibrant, classic look.

Sweeten and Boil:

Next, add the sugar and crank the heat up to high. Stir often and keep a close eye—it’ll go from simmer to rolling boil quite quickly. Once it’s bubbling away, pour in the liquid pectin and keep stirring for about one more minute to help it all set properly.

Jar It Up:

Take it off the heat and skim off any foam with a metal spoon to keep your jelly looking clear. Carefully pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars while it’s still liquid. Seal the jars tightly.

Water Bath Process:

For long-term storage, you’ll need to process the jars. Place a rack in a large stockpot and fill it halfway with water. Bring it to a boil, then gently lower in the jars, making sure they’re spaced out with at least 2 inches between them. Add more water if needed to cover the jars by an inch, then cover and process for 10 minutes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this on a lazy Saturday afternoon when I had a surplus of garden mint. It filled the kitchen with such a fresh scent! We ended up having it with lamb that evening, and even tried it the next morning on toast—it was that good. What I love most is how it captures the essence of mint without being overpowering. Super clever and super tasty.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Mint: Dried mint just won’t cut it here—fresh is key to the flavor.
• Color Carefully: Start with one drop of food coloring—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Boil them or run through a hot dishwasher cycle for safe canning.
• Skim Foam Promptly: Do this right after boiling to keep the jelly clear.
• Check for Set: If you’re unsure if it’s set, do a spoon test—place a bit on a cold plate, wait a few seconds, and see if it wrinkles when pushed.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Mint Jelly Recipe

At Room Temperature:
If sealed and processed properly, these jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year.

In the Fridge:
Opened jars will last for about 5 days in the fridge.

In the Freezer:
Not ideal for jelly, but if needed, use freezer-safe jars and leave room for expansion. Keeps for up to 6 months.

Reheating:
If your jelly becomes too thick, you can gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 73
• Carbs: 19g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 17g
• Fibre: 0.4g
• Sodium: 4.1mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I make this without pectin?
You can, but it won’t set quite as firmly. You’d need to cook it longer to reduce and thicken naturally.

Does it taste like toothpaste?
Totally not! The lemon and sugar balance out the mint, making it fresh, not medicinal.

Can I use spearmint or peppermint?
Yes! Spearmint is more traditional, but peppermint gives it a cool twist.

Is it good for gifts?
Absolutely. It looks beautiful in jars and makes a thoughtful homemade present.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce
• Jamie Oliver Stilton Sauce For Steak
• Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce