How to Make Jam

User Reviews

5

272 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    16

  • Calories

    46 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments, Others

  • Cuisine

    American

How to Make Jam

This jam recipe uses fresh chopped fruit, sugar, and lemon juice cooked down to create a thick and spreadable consistency. The fruit is mashed during cooking to break it down, then boiled until the mixture thickens and passes the plate test. The resulting jam balances sweetness and brightness from the lemon, making it suitable for spreading on bread or adding to desserts.

Description

How to Make Jam explains the process of turning fresh chopped fruit with sugar and lemon juice into a homemade jam. The fruit is mashed in a heavy saucepan, then heated until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens over medium to high heat. The jam's readiness is checked by dropping some on a frozen plate and ensuring it sets without running. This method results in a balanced, sweet, and tangy spread with texture from the mashed fruit. The jam cools and stores well in jars refrigerated for several weeks.

The cooking involves stirring frequently to avoid burning and achieve thick and syrupy consistency. The lemon juice adds acidity to help the jam set and preserve flavor. Once finished, it can be transferred into sterilized mason jars and refrigerated. This jam is best used within three weeks to enjoy freshness and flavor.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound Fruit chopped (strawberries, apricots, blackberries, etc.) (about 5 cups).
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Place 3 small plates in the freezer to use later for testing the jam.
  2. Combine the fruit, sugar and lemon juice in a non-reactive heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Mash the fruit with a potato masher or large fork to help break it down.
  3. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn the heat up to high and cook until thickened, stirring frequently, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. To check for doneness, drop a small amount of jam onto a small frozen plate. Let cool for a moment, then run a spoon or finger through the jam. If you can draw a line with clean edges that don't drip, then it is ready. If it runs back together, then cook for a few more minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat and transfer the jam into 2 clean 8-ounce mason jars. Cool the mixture, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

  • Test jam thickness using the plate method to ensure ideal consistency.
  • Use a non-reactive heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching.
  • Store finished jam in clean jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2 Tablespoons Calories 46kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 1mg (0%) Potassium 46mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 4IU (0%) Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 46 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2 Tablespoons
Calories 46kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 46mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 4IU 0%
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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