The Only 3 Ingredients You Need
1. Berries
- Blackberries: Great for a deep purple jam with bold sweet-tart flavor.
- Strawberries: Perfect for a classic sweet berry jam with a bright red color.
- Blueberries: Make a rich, smooth, dark jam with a naturally thick texture.
- Raspberries: Create a bright, tangy jam with a beautiful ruby color.
- Mixed berries: Give the jam a balanced flavor with sweet and tart notes.
2. Sugar
Sugar does more than sweeten the jam. It helps the fruit cook down into a glossy, thick spread. It also helps preserve the color and gives the jam that classic homemade texture.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the berry flavor, balances the sweetness, and helps the jam set naturally. Fresh lemon juice is best because it gives the jam a cleaner, brighter taste.
Best Berry Tips
- Use ripe berries for the best natural sweetness.
- If your berries are very tart, use the full amount of sugar.
- If your berries are very sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
- Frozen berries work well, but they may need a few extra minutes of simmering.
Texture Options
For a chunky jam, mash the berries lightly. For a smoother jam, mash them well while cooking. For a cleaner texture, strain some of the seeds after cooking, then return the smooth fruit back to the pan.
