Place three half-pint jars in a large canner. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let them sterilise for 15 minutes to eliminate any bacteria. Turn off the heat, then add the lids to the hot water. Avoid boiling the lids to protect their sealing rings.
Add the apple peels and cores to a large stainless steel or enamel pot. Pour in the water, ensuring the scraps are fully submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until the cores turn mushy and the water has reduced by half. This creates a naturally pectin-rich liquid base.
Once cooked, pour the mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove solids. Don’t press too hard; gentle straining keeps the jelly clear. Measure the strained liquid, as this will determine the sugar and lemon juice needed for perfect setting.
Return the measured liquid to the pot. For every cup of apple liquid, add ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 220°F (104°C); the gel point where the jelly will set once cooled.
Remove sterilised jars and lids from the canner. Ladle the hot jelly into the jars, leaving a ½-inch headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean, screw on lids securely, and process the jars in boiling water for 5 minutes. Allow them to cool before storing.
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