How to Make Jam
Learn how to make jam at home using just fruit, sugar, and lemon juice, a small-batch method that’s easy, quick, and great for using up fresh or frozen fruit.
Servings: 16
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fruit chopped (strawberries, apricots, blackberries, etc.) (about 5 cups)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Place 3 small plates in the freezer to use later for testing the jam.
- 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.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn the heat up to high and cook until thickened, stirring frequently, about 15-20 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
Video
Notes
- My Top Tip: Allow the sugar and fruit to sit overnight. This helps to extract the natural pectin in the fruit, which will help the jam set up once cooked. It will also allow you to cook the jam for less time since the overnight rest will draw a lot of the moisture out of the fruit, something that usually takes place while cooking.
- Storage: Store the homemade jam in a tightly lidded container in the refrigerator. This homemade jam will last for at least 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Leave room (at least 1/4 inch- 1/2 inch) for expansion at the top of your mason jars and make sure your jars are freezer safe, so they do not crack. Frozen jam is best used within six months.
Nutrition
Serving: 2 Tablespoons | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
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