As the summer sun casts its warm glow upon us, our taste buds eagerly anticipate the vibrant flavors and luscious fruits that this season brings. Among the delightful culinary creations that epitomize summer, jam stands tall as a versatile and scrumptious treat. Whether slathered on freshly baked bread, paired with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, or used as a filling in a delectable pastry, jam effortlessly captures the essence of summertime.
Summer is a time of abundance, when nature blesses us with an array of succulent fruits bursting with flavor. It is during this season that berries, peaches, plums, and other fruits reach their peak ripeness, offering us an ideal opportunity to capture their essence in a jar. Preserving the vibrant flavors of summer through the process of jam-making allows us to enjoy these delightful fruits even when they are no longer in season. The sweet and tangy taste of jam serves as a delicious reminder of sunny days spent picking fruit, leisurely picnics, and the joyous flavors that summer brings.
Making jam is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the summer spirit. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right recipe and a few key tips, you’ll soon find yourself confidently creating delicious homemade jam. I’m known for my strawberry and raspberry jam and I’m delighted to share the recipe with you, as long as you promise to share at least one jar with a loved one. 😉 After all, they make wonderful gifts and are sure to bring a smile to the recipients’ face!
Strawberry Jam Ingredients:
- 8 cups of strawberries will make 5 cups of crushed strawberries
- 7 cups of sugar
- 1 package of Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of butter or vegetable spread to reduce foaming (optional)
(Makes approximately 10 cups of Jam)
Raspberry Jam Ingredients:
- 8 cups of Raspberries will make the 5 cups of crushed raspberries
- 7 cups of sugar
- 1 package of Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of butter or vegetable spread to reduce foaming (optional)
(Makes approximately 9 cups of Jam)
Jam Instructions:
- Prepare your fruit of choice by discarding any stems. Then crush the fruit to your desired consistency.
- Using a large Dutch oven or pot- set stove to medium high heat.
- Use a dry measuring cup to measure the exact amount of prepared fruit, then place into a large Dutch oven. Stir in lemon juice.
- Measure the exact amount of sugar into a separate bowl. (Do NOT reduce the sugar in the recipe, that will result in set failures)
- Stir 1 package of Sure- Jell Premium Fruit Pectin into the prepared fruit. Add ½ teaspoon of margarine or butter to reduce foaming, if desired.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred.)
- Leave on a high heat, and stir constantly.
- Add sugar to the fruit mixture. Return to full rolling boil; boil for minute exactly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, then skim off any foam.
- Ladle immediately into prepared jars. Fill each jar until you reach ¼ of an inch from the top. Wipe jar rims and cover with a two-piece lid.
- Place your jars on an elevated rack in your canner. Lower the rack into the canner. (Water must cover jars by 1-2 inches and you can add boiling water if need be.) Then cover the canner.
- As your cans sit, bring the water to a gentle boil. You should process your jam for 10 minutes.
- Remove your jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After the jars cool, check the seals by pressing the center of each jar. If the lid springs back then it is not sealed and it must be refrigerated.
- Let the prepared jars stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Store the unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
- Refrigerate your opened jars of jam and they can last up to 3 weeks.
Enjoy!
Christine