Christine’s Homemade Jam – The Sweetest Kind of Nostalgia
There’s something magical about making your own jam—the way your kitchen fills with the warm, fruity aroma, the sound of bubbling berries, and that first taste of something you created from scratch. Homemade jam isn’t just delicious—it’s deeply satisfying. It reminds me of simpler times when summer fruit was meant to be savored and preserved, not rushed through in plastic containers.
Whether you’re making classic strawberry or tangy raspberry, this recipe captures the natural sweetness of ripe fruit without preservatives or artificial ingredients. For women over 50, that’s a big win—because fresh berries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber that help support glowing skin, heart health, and overall vitality. It’s self-care in a jar—only sweeter.
Christine's Homemade Jam
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Equipment
- large Dutch oven or pot
- airtight jars for storing
Ingredients
Strawberry Jam Ingredients
- 8 cups Strawberries will make 5 cups of crushed strawberries
- 7 cups Sugar
- 1 package Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- ½ tsp butter or vegetable spread to reduce foaming optional
Raspberry Jam Ingredients
- 8 cups Raspberries will make 5 cups of crushed raspberries
- 7 cups Sugar
- 1 package Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp butter or vegetable spread to reduce foaming optional
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.
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More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Potato masher or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Canning funnel
- Sterilized glass jars with lids
- Boiling-water canner or large deep pot with rack
- Tongs or jar lifter
Cooking Tips
- Don’t skimp on sugar. The ratio of sugar to fruit helps the jam set properly. Reducing sugar may prevent the pectin from gelling.
- Test for doneness. Drop a bit of hot jam on a cold plate—if it gels slightly after a minute, it’s ready.
- Try flavor twists. Add vanilla bean, lemon zest, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Label and date your jars. It’s easy to lose track when you start making multiple flavors!
Health Benefits
- Homemade jam made from fresh berries is more than just a treat—it’s a wellness booster.
- Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that support collagen production and immune function.
- Raspberries provide fiber and polyphenols that promote gut health and fight inflammation.
- Homemade = less processed. You control the ingredients, so there are no preservatives or hidden sugars.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like opening a jar of homemade jam on a chilly morning—it’s like capturing sunshine and spooning it over your toast. Whether you’re gifting it to friends or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment here), this recipe is a beautiful reminder that simple, real food can bring big joy.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to know—are you Team Strawberry or Team Raspberry? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @christineavanti so I can see your beautiful homemade creations!