A lot of people I talk to wonder about making their own jams and jellies but are scared to try because they do not know how to can. Even if you do not can, or are still learning, making freezer jam can be the best way to get started. Here is the basic recipe- plus 4 delicious variations you can make today.
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Why Freezer Jam?
Making your own jams and jellies can be rewarding. It can also help you use up some of the fruit you purchase that no one seems to want.
We all know how our families can be. One week they eat an entire container of strawberries in a day, and the next week they act as if eating one will kill them. Having the option to make jam for later can help reduce the wasting of food in your home.
Freezer jam is also fun to make. You can use your own favorite flavors to create something new and unique.
Basic Freezer Jam
Making freezer jam does not require a lot of time or investing in expensive equipment. All you need is your ingredients, a dutch oven or heavy bottom pot, and freezer-safe containers.
To make your jam, simply combine all of the ingredients into your Dutch oven. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat stirring constantly. Add in the amount of sugar called for and return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat. Skim off the foam with a metal tablespoon. Ladle into your freezer-safe containers and cool to room temperature.
Freezer jam stores for up to 3 weeks in your refrigerator, or up to 1 year in your freezer. Make sure to label and date your freezer jam so you know what kind it is and when to use it by.
Ready to Make Some Jam?
Are you excited to try your hand at making your own jam? I’ve included 4 variations of freezer jam that are sure to get you addicted to making your own jams.
Strawberry Kiwi Jam
Mash 6 cups fresh strawberries with 3 chopped kiwi fruits. Add in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger, and 1 package of powdered fruit pectin. Proceed as directed above, using 5 cups of sugar. Yields 5 cups of jam.
Beautiful Blueberry Jam
Mash 8 cups of fresh blueberries. Add in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 package of powdered fruit pectin. Proceed as directed above, using 7 cups of sugar. Yields 8 cups of jam.
Pear Marmalade
Combine 2 1/2 cups fresh pureed pears with an 8 ounce can of undrained crushed pineapple. Add 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange peel, and 1 package of powdered fruit pectin. Proceed as directed above, using 5 1/2 cups of sugar. Yields 6 cups of jam.
Cherry Jam (from bottled cherries)
Combine 2 cups cherry syrup with 1 package of powdered fruit pectin. Proceed as above, using 4 cups of sugar. Yields 2-3 cups of jam.
Homemade with Love
Most of why I love to make homemade food is because, as Grandma put it, it’s better when it’s made with love. Get started today making your food as full of love as your home is.
Need more recipes to get you started? You can find all of them here.
