Jumbleberry Jam Recipe
Introduction
Jumbleberry jam is a delightful blend of mixed summer berries that captures the sweetness and tang of the season in every spoonful. This simple recipe creates a luscious, homemade jam perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 kg mixed summer berries (1 kg halved strawberries, 500 g blackberries, 500 g mixed currants)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 x 1 kg packs jam sugar with pectin
Instructions
- Step 1: Sterilise your jars thoroughly and place a plate in the freezer to chill.
- Step 2: Combine the mixed berries, lemon juice, and jam sugar in a preserving pan. Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar has dissolved and the fruits are juicy.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and test the jam’s set by dropping a small amount onto the chilled plate. Push your finger through it; it should wrinkle and hold its shape like jam. If not set, boil for an additional 2 minutes and test again. Repeat as needed.
- Step 5: Stir the jam well as it cools to mix in any sediment that may appear on top. Let it cool and settle for 10–15 minutes.
- Step 6: Ladle the jam into the sterilised jars, seal them, and allow to cool completely before storing.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can lightly crush the berries before cooking to release more juice.
- For a different flavor twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract during cooking.
- If you want to gift your jam, consider using printable preserves labels to add a personal note.
Storage
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and use within a few weeks. Reheat gently if you need to soften before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for jumbleberry jam?
Yes, frozen berries can be used. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before starting the recipe to avoid a runny jam.
How do I know when the jam has set properly?
The jam is ready when a small amount placed on a cold plate wrinkles when pushed with a finger, indicating it has thickened sufficiently.
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Jumbleberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4–5 jars (depending on jar size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and tangy jumble of summer berries transformed into a delightful homemade jam, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting with personalized labels. This recipe combines strawberries, blackberries, and mixed currants with lemon juice and pectin-rich jam sugar, cooked to a perfect set with simple stovetop boiling and cooling techniques.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 kg halved strawberries
- 500 g blackberries
- 500 g mixed currants
Other Ingredients
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 x 1 kg packs jam sugar with pectin
Instructions
- Sterilise jars and chill plate: Before starting, sterilise your jars by boiling or washing them in very hot water. Place a plate in the freezer to chill for setting tests during jam making.
- Combine ingredients: Put the mixed summer berries, lemon juice, and jam sugar into a preserving pan. Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves and the fruits release their juices.
- Boil to set: Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and maintain boiling for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and test the jam by dropping a small amount onto the chilled plate. Push your finger through it; if it wrinkles and sets like jam, it is ready. If not, boil for 2 more minutes and repeat the test. Continue until desired set is achieved.
- Cool and stir: Allow the jam to cool and settle for 10-15 minutes. Stir well to dissolve any sediment that may appear on the surface during cooling.
- Jar and seal: Ladle the cooled jam into sterilised jars and seal tightly. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Sterilising jars thoroughly prevents spoilage and extends jam shelf life.
- Using a chilled plate helps accurately test the jam’s set consistency.
- If sediment appears on the jam’s surface, stirring while cooling will help it disappear.
- Jam sugar contains pectin, which is essential for proper setting of the jam.
- Labels can be downloaded and printed to personalize jars for gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Jumbleberry jam, homemade jam, summer berry jam, preserving berries, stovetop jam recipe, berry preserves, easy jam recipe
