Description
A sweet and fruity jam recipe using ripe beautyberries, perfect for toast or yogurt, and a fun kitchen project.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups ripe beautyberries, stems removed and rinsed
- 4 cups water, plus a splash more if needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 1 box powdered pectin or 1.75 ounces liquid pectin
- 3.5 to 4 cups granulated sugar, adjusted to your preferred sweetness
- Optional flavor boosts: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon
- Clean jars with lids and rings, sterilized
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the berries and water. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, crushing the berries with a potato masher.
- Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to keep some pulp but remove most seeds.
- Measure about 4 cups of strained liquid; top up with water or apple juice if needed.
- Return the liquid to the pot and whisk in the powdered pectin. Bring to a full boil.
- Add sugar all at once and return to a full boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then add lemon juice to taste.
- Spoon a little onto a chilled plate to test the set; if it holds shape, it’s ready.
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a quarter inch of headspace. Wipe rims, fit lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if desired.
Notes
Use enough lemon to brighten the flavor and support a safer pH. Measure carefully for the jam to set correctly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg