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Mom’s Fruit Relish: A Taste of Autumn Sunshine

The scent of Mom’s Fruit Relish instantly transports me back to late summer afternoons, the air thick with humidity and the promise of cooler days ahead. I remember standing on a step stool, barely tall enough to see into the enormous preserving kettle, mesmerized by the bubbling concoction of vibrant fruits and vegetables. The sweet-sour aroma filled the entire house, a fragrant announcement that autumn, and all its bounty, was just around the corner. It was a labour of love, a family affair, and a taste that has stayed with me throughout the years.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 4-5 hours
Yields: 8 pint jars
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Vegan

Ingredients

20 ripe beefsteak tomatoes
8 pears
8 peaches
6 large onions
2 red bell peppers
4 cups white sugar
1 quart vinegar
2 tablespoons pickling salt
2 tablespoons pickling spices (tied up in a cheesecloth bag)

Equipment Needed

Large preserving kettle
Sharp knives
Cutting boards
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheesecloth
String
Hot, sterilized canning jars with lids and rings
Ladle

Instructions

This recipe is a significant undertaking, so it’s best tackled with a friend or family member. This collaborative effort makes the process much more enjoyable and efficient! Have your large preserving kettle ready and waiting.
Prepare the tomatoes: Peel, seed, and dice the tomatoes. A quick dip in boiling water for about 30 seconds makes peeling easier. Transfer the diced tomatoes to the preserving kettle.
Prepare the pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Add the pear slices to the kettle.
Prepare the peaches: Peel, remove the pits, and slice the peaches into 1/4-inch thick slices, similar to the pears. Add the peach slices to the kettle.
Prepare the onions: Peel and finely chop the onions. Finely chopped onions will integrate best into the relish. Place the chopped onions into the kettle.
Prepare the bell peppers: Remove the seeds from the red bell peppers and dice them. Add the diced red peppers to the kettle.
Add the remaining ingredients: Add the sugar, vinegar, and pickling salt to the kettle. Prepare a small bag using cheesecloth and string, and fill it with the pickling spices. Tie it securely and add it to the kettle. This allows the spices to infuse flavour without leaving bits in the finished relish.
Bring to a boil, then simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. It’s important to note that this shouldn’t be a gentle simmer; you want a steady, active simmer to help the relish thicken properly.
Simmer and stir: Let the mixture simmer for two to three hours, or until it reaches a thick consistency. This is where patience comes in! Be sure to stir the mixture frequently, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent sticking and burning.
Discard spice bag: Once the relish has reached your desired thickness, carefully remove and discard the cheesecloth bag containing the pickling spices.
Ladle and seal: Ladle the hot relish into prepared, hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the rings fingertip-tight.
Processing (Optional): My mother-in-law, from whom I learned this recipe, never processed the jars, and neither do I. We simply store them in the refrigerator. However, if you prefer to process the jars for longer shelf life, especially if you plan to store them at room temperature, process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for pint jars. Adjust processing time according to your altitude, as directed by safe canning guidelines.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Tomato Prep Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute for fresh. Drain them well before adding them to the kettle. About 6-8 (28 oz) cans of diced tomatoes should be equivalent to 20 fresh.
Spice it Up: For a spicier relish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeno pepper to the mixture.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet relish, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Start with 3 cups and taste as it cooks, adding more if needed.
Thickening Help: If your relish isn’t thickening as much as you’d like after a couple of hours, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the simmering mixture. Stir it in well and let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Preventing Burning: To prevent the relish from scorching on the bottom of the kettle, use a heavy-bottomed pot and stir frequently, especially as it thickens.
Sterilizing Jars: Sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes prior to filling with the relish. You can also run them through the sanitize cycle on your dishwasher.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Mom’s Fruit Relish is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served chilled as a condiment with grilled meats, poultry, or fish. It’s also delicious spooned over cream cheese or brie, served with crackers as an appetizer. Try it as a topping for burgers or sandwiches for a sweet and tangy twist.

Unprocessed relish should be stored in the refrigerator and will last for several weeks. Processed, sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerated processed relish should be consumed within a few weeks.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 1/2 cup serving size)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210 kcal	11%
Total Fat	0.5 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	220 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	52 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	4 g	16%
Sugars	45 g	90%
Protein	1 g	2%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.

Variations & Substitutions

Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavour.
Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruits like cranberries, plums, or even grapes. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly, depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Spicier Version: Add a finely diced jalapeno or serrano pepper for a spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds for a milder heat.
Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a smoky depth of flavour to the relish.
Brown Sugar: Substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavour.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I really need to peel the tomatoes?
A: Peeling the tomatoes is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just be aware that the relish will have a slightly chunkier texture.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: While fresh fruit is preferred, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Thaw the fruit completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the kettle.

Q: My relish is too watery. How can I thicken it?
A: Continue simmering the relish for a longer period of time, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid evaporates. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help thicken it.

Q: How long will the relish last in the refrigerator?
A: Unprocessed relish stored in the refrigerator will typically last for several weeks. Processed and sealed jars can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.

Q: What is the best way to sterilize canning jars?
A: There are several methods for sterilizing canning jars. You can boil them in water for 10 minutes, run them through the sanitize cycle on your dishwasher, or bake them in the oven at 200°F for 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Mom’s Fruit Relish is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of tradition, a reminder of warm memories, and a celebration of seasonal bounty. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, embrace the process, and create your own batch of this delicious relish. The rich aroma filling your kitchen will be its own reward. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make it your own, and most importantly, share the joy of this flavourful creation with friends and family. Serve alongside a roasted chicken or pork tenderloin for a delightful autumn meal. Enjoy!

Mom’s Fruit Relish Recipe