Making your own jam

Making your own jam might sound like an intimidating undertaking, but there's really no reason to limit yourself to the shiny jars on supermarket shelves. Homemade jam is often much juicier and fruitier, and the beauty is that you can adjust the sweetness and texture to your liking. It's even more fun to create your own unique flavor combinations and experiment with different fruits. Say goodbye to classic store-bought strawberry jam!

What is jam anyway?

Jam is a traditional sweet preserve, typically served for breakfast or lunch, on bread , toast, or in pastries. It's made by mixing fruit and sugar and cooking it until it thickens. The sugar not only sweetens the jam but also acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the fruit. Different countries and cultures have their own versions and names for jam, including jam, marmalade, jelly, preserves, and more. While traditionally made with berries and other small, sweet fruits, today you can find jam made from virtually any type of fruit, as well as some vegetables and spices.

How do you make jam?

The recipe for making jam is quite simple; you need fruit, sugar, and some kind of liquid, often water or fruit juice. The fruit is first crushed or chopped and then heated along with the sugar and the liquid. The mixture is boiled until it reaches the desired consistency. The sugar works with the natural pectin content of the fruit to thicken the jam. Adding extra pectin can help if you're working with fruits that are naturally low in pectin.

Supplies

• Fruit: 1 kg (for example strawberries, raspberries, apricots, or plums)
• Jam sugar: 500-1000 grams (depending on how sweet you want the jam)
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (for extra flavour and better binding)
• Optional: Vanilla, cinnamon, or other flavorings
• Sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids

[product=kitchen-scale-5-kg]
Meet your new best friend in the kitchen: the Hendi kitchen scale. An indispensable tool that combines precision and convenience, so you can focus on what really matters – preparing delicious meals.
[/product]

Preparation method

Preparing fruit

• Wash the fruit thoroughly.
• Remove any crowns, peels or seeds.
• Cut the fruit into small pieces, depending on the texture you want.

[product=colander]
Wash your fruit in this sturdy colander!
[/product]

To cook

• Place the fruit in a large saucepan.
• Add the jam sugar and lemon juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

[product=sauteuse-without-lid]
Make your own jam in this pan!
[/product]

Let it boil

• Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• For a smooth jam, puree the fruit with an immersion blender, or leave it a little coarser for a chunky texture.

[product=blend-hand blender]
The hand blender that can handle it all.
[/product]

Gel test

• Place a small amount of jam on a cold plate and let it cool slightly.
• Run your finger through the jam. If it doesn't flow back immediately, the jam is ready.
• If not, cook for another 1-2 minutes and test again.

Filling pots

• Carefully pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars (use a funnel to avoid spills).
• Fill the jars to just below the rim and seal them immediately.

Let it cool down

• Turn the jars upside down while they cool to create a vacuum.
• After 10 minutes you can stand them upright.

How do you store jam?

Homemade jam can be stored for up to a year if prepared correctly. Before storing your jam, it's important to properly prepare the jars. They must be clean and sterile to prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria. Once the jam has cooled, it's important to seal the jar tightly. Store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Once opened, refrigerate the jam.

Helpful tips for making your own jam

When making your jam, be careful not to chop the fruit too finely. The fruit will continue to cook and break down during the jam-making process, and you want to retain some texture in the final product. You can also experiment with adding spices, herbs, or a little lemon juice to your jam for a unique twist.

citrus-squeezers
This set consists of three squeezers, ideal for squeezing limes, lemons and oranges, and is also perfect for culinary applications in the kitchen.
[/product]

Let's get started!

Now that we've walked you through the basics of making jam, it's time to put on your apron and get creative with your favorite fruit. It's a wonderful project to keep yourself busy, and the end result is incredibly satisfying. So grab those jars and that fruit, and get started!