Making and canning zucchini relish is a great way to preserve the summer glut of zucchini from your vegetable garden. This Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe delivers a tangy, sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with sandwiches, burgers, or as a flavorful side dish. It’s not only delicious but also versatile for various occasions such as picnics, barbecues, and holiday gatherings. The unique combination of flavors makes this relish stand out while ensuring you make the most of your fresh produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this relish accessible for beginners and seasoned canners alike.
Flavorful Blend: A perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess enhances any meal.
Great for Preserving: Utilize your summer zucchini bounty and reduce food waste.
Versatile Use: Enjoy it on sandwiches, as a topping for grilled meats, or mixed into salads.
Long Shelf Life: Home-canned zucchini relish can last up to a year when stored properly.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth canning process. Having everything prepared will help you focus on crafting this delightful relish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Canning jars with lids
Ladle
Measuring cups
Chopping knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Needed for cooking the ingredients evenly and efficiently.
Canning jars with lids: Essential for storing your relish safely while maintaining freshness.
Ladle: Helps pour the hot mixture into jars without mess.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Relish

4 cups chopped zucchini
2 cups chopped bell peppers
2 cups chopped onions
1/8 cup pickling salt
3 1/2 cups cane sugar
1 tablespoon celery seed
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seed
2 cups apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)

How to Make Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by washing all vegetables thoroughly. Chop the zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into small pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, mix together:
1. The chopped zucchini.
2. The chopped bell peppers.
3. The chopped onions.
4. Add the pickling salt.

Allow this mixture to sit for about 1 hour. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

After an hour, drain any excess liquid and return the vegetable mixture to the pot.
1. Stir in the cane sugar, celery seed, yellow mustard seed, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Bring everything to a boil over medium heat while stirring frequently.

Step 4: Jar Your Relish

Once boiling:
1. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Carefully ladle hot relish into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
3. Wipe jar rims clean before sealing with lids.

Step 5: Process Your Jars

Process your jars in a boiling water bath:
1. Ensure they are fully submerged in water.
2. Boil for 15 minutes to seal properly.
3. Remove jars from water and let them cool completely on a clean towel.

Enjoy your homemade zucchini relish!

How to Serve Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe

Zucchini relish is a flavorful condiment that pairs well with numerous dishes. Its tangy and sweet notes make it a versatile addition to your meals.

With Grilled Meats

Burgers: Spread zucchini relish on burgers for an extra layer of flavor.
Hot Dogs: Top hot dogs with a generous spoonful for a zesty twist.

On Sandwiches

Deli Sandwiches: Add zucchini relish to any deli sandwich for a crunchy texture and bright taste.
Wraps: Enhance wraps with a dollop of zucchini relish for added moisture and flavor.

As a Dip

Crackers or Chips: Serve zucchini relish as a dip alongside crackers or tortilla chips for a delightful snack.
Veggie Platter: Pair it with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and carrots for a healthy appetizer.

In Salads

Potato Salad: Mix zucchini relish into potato salad for extra zing.
Tuna Salad: Incorporate it into tuna salad for additional crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe

Achieving the best zucchini relish requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your canning process goes smoothly.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, firm zucchini and vibrant peppers for optimal flavor.
Chop Uniformly: Chop vegetables into consistent sizes so they cook evenly.
Adjust Sugar Levels: Modify sugar according to your taste preference, but remember that it balances the vinegar’s acidity.
Sterilize Jars Properly: Ensure jars are sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
Check Seals After Canning: Make sure each jar has sealed correctly by pressing down the center of the lid; it should not pop back.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep canned jars away from light and heat to maintain quality.

Best Side Dishes for Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe

Zucchini relish enhances many side dishes, making them more exciting. Here are some excellent companions.

Coleslaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw complements the tanginess of zucchini relish perfectly.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a delightful contrast when served with this relish.
Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread pairs nicely with the acidity of zucchini relish.
Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans work well alongside the bright flavors of garden-fresh relish.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring out the freshness in zucchini relish, adding depth to your meal.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers a nice balance when served with this zesty condiment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making zucchini relish can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to a successful batch.

Inaccurate Measurements – Using incorrect ingredient amounts may alter the flavor and texture. Always measure carefully.
Not Using Pickling Salt – Regular salt can make your relish too salty or cloudy. Stick to pickling salt for best results.
Skipping the Vinegar – Vinegar is essential for preservation and flavor. Never omit it from your zucchini relish canning recipe.
Ignoring Sterilization – Failing to sterilize jars can lead to spoilage. Always sterilize your jars before pouring in the relish.
Not Processing Long Enough – Under-processing can result in unsafe food. Follow the recommended processing times closely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store opened jars in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Ensure lids are tightly sealed after each use.

Freezing Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
Leave some space at the top of containers as relish expands when frozen.

Reheating Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe

Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
Microwave – Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shelf life of zucchini relish?

Zucchini relish can last for up to one year when properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add carrots or cucumbers for different flavors and textures in your zucchini relish canning recipe.

How do I know if my canned zucchini relish is spoiled?

Look for signs like bulging lids, off smells, or unusual colors. If you notice any of these, discard it immediately.

Can I adjust the sugar level?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the sugar according to your taste preferences while maintaining balance with vinegar.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini Relish Canning Recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adding spices or other veggies based on your preference. Enjoy preserving summer’s bounty and savoring this delightful condiment all year long!