- Servings 6
- Prep 15 min
- Cooking 25 min
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 63 kcal Protein: 0.2 g Fat: 0.1 g Carbohydrates: 12 g
Dietary Fiber: 1.5 g Sugars: 10 g Sodium: 1 mg
Ingredients in Mixed Berry Jam
- Two cups of mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and blackberries), fresh or frozen
- One pound of apples
- Half a cup of honey (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- Lemon juice of half a lemon.
- One tsp. of lemon zest (optional for added brightness)
Kitchen Tools for Homemade Jam Recipe
- Colander or Large Sieve
- Vegetable Peeler or Small Paring Knife
- Medium Saucepan
- Spoon
- Freezer
- Small Plate
- Spatula (implied for stirring)
- Potato Musher
How to Make Mixed Berry Jam
- Begin by carefully sorting through your fresh mixed berries; remove any that are overly ripe, bruised, or show signs of mould. Once sorted, place the berries in a colander or large sieve. Rinse them under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Rinse apples thoroughly under cool running water to remove wax or dirt on the skin. Carefully peel the skin off each apple using a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife. Remove all the peels to avoid any tricky bits in your jam.
- Once the apples are peeled, core them and cut them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Transfer the cut apples and berries into a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. 5. Stir the mixture frequently with a spoon to prevent the fruit from sticking to the pan’s bottom and burning.
- Once the fruits are soft, gently mush them with potato musher.
- Carefully stir in the lemon juice as the mixture boils. Lemon juice not only adds a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness of the fruits but also helps preserve the vibrant color of the jam. It’s also a natural pectin source, aiding in the setting of the jam.
- Continue to cook the fruit mixture, stirring regularly to ensure it doesn’t stick or burn. As the mixture thickens, you’ll notice it reducing and becoming more jam-like in consistency. This process may take some time, so patience is vital. The jam is ready when it coats the back of your spoon or spatula.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat Once the jam has thickened to your liking. Add honey to the hot jam and stir thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved and evenly distributed throughout the jam. Honey sweetens the jam and adds a smooth, rich flavour.
- Testing the Jam’s Set with the Cold Plate Method:
Before canning, ensuring your jam has reached the proper set is essential. Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes to chill. Spoon a small amount of jam onto the cold plate and let it sit for a moment. Then, gently push the edge of the jam with your finger. If the jam wrinkles and doesn’t flood to fill the gap, it’s set. If it’s too runny, return the saucepan to the heat and cook the jam a little longer, testing every few minutes.
Tips
Mixed Berries Jam
Mixed Berries Jam is a vibrant treasure bursting with the lush flavors of the season. This jam isn’t just any jam recipe; it’s a quick gateway to creating unforgettable moments, one spoonful at a time. Whether you spread berry jam over a slice of freshly baked bread, watch it melt into a warm croissant, or spoon it over a creamy dessert, this small batch jam will be a versatile companion to your culinary adventures!
- Storing Mixed Berries jam in a refrigerator is a great way to ensure freshness and prolong shelf life.
- Choose suitable containers: Use clean, airtight glass or plastic containers for food storage.
- Cool down the jam: Allow the freshly made strawberry jam to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the containers. This prevents condensation from forming inside the jars.
- Seal the containers: Place the lids tightly on the containers, ensuring a secure seal. Make sure there are no gaps or air leaks.
- Label the containers: Use adhesive labels or write directly on the containers to indicate the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its freshness.
- Check for signs of spoilage: Regularly inspect the jam for any signs of mold, unusual odor, or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, discard the jam immediately.
- Use within a reasonable time: While the exact shelf life can vary depending on various factors, homemade Mixed Berries jam stored in the refrigerator is generally safe to consume for about 1,5 months. However, always rely on your senses and discard it if it appears spoiled.
Adding apples to berry jam can enhance the jam’s overall flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. Here are a few reasons why apples are commonly added to berry jam:
- Flavor balance: While strawberries are naturally sweet and tangy, adding apples can help balance the taste. Apples bring a slightly tart and crisp bite to the jam, which complements the sweetness of strawberries. Combining these two fruits creates a well-rounded flavor profile pleasing to the palate.
- Natural pectin content: Apples are naturally high in pectin, a soluble fiber that thickens in jams and jellies. Strawberries, on the other hand, are relatively low in pectin. By incorporating apples into the jam recipe, you can use their pectin content to achieve better consistency and texture. The pectin helps the jam set properly, giving it a desirable spreadable consistency.
- Improved texture: Apples add a delightful texture to the jam. They have a firm and crisp bite, which can provide a pleasant contrast to soft and juicy berries. When cooked, apples break down into small pieces or puree, adding a chunky or smooth texture to the jam, depending on personal preference.
- Natural sweetness: Apples are naturally sweet, especially when they are ripe. By adding apples to strawberry jam, you can reduce the need for excessive amounts of honey. The apples’ natural sweetness can complement the berries’ sweetness, allowing you to use less sugar while still achieving a deliciously sweet jam.
- Enjoy your homemade Mixed Berries Jam as a spread over toast, swirled into yogurt, topping on pancakes or as a sweet topping for desserts.