There is nothing that can compare to the delicious taste of fresh jam. Not to mention the fact that you can avoid all those chemicals and preservatives. Many people think that you need pectin to make jam but this guideline is by no means set in stone. Here’s an easy jam recipe that you can follow.

Fresh jam ingredients:

  • 5 cups berries (one type or mixed)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
  • A pinch of salt

Directions:

  • Before you begin making your fresh jam, you need to place a few metal spoons in your freezer to chill. You will need them later in the recipe.
  • Now cut your berries into large chunks and discard any ‘bad’ sections.
  • Place the fruit and sugar in a saucepan along with the lemon and salt.
  • Heat over a medium heat and gently mash the fruit together with the other ingredients.
  • Bring the fruit jam mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Cook like this for approximately 20 minutes.
  • Now it’s time to check if the jam is ready. To do so, take one of your chilled spoons and drip a few drops of the jam onto the spoon. Do not put the chilled spoon into the jam. Now wait a few seconds before running your finger down the middle through the jam. If there is a distinct line when you are done, your jam is ready. If the jam runs back to the middle and covers the track, it is not ready and you should continue cooking.
  • Repeat the step above until your jam is ready.
  • Turn off the heat and allow your jam to cool for a few minutes before you transfer to your jars.
  • When transferring jam to jars, it’s also a good idea to heat the jars. This can be done by placing them in warm water and it will prevent them from cracking when you add a hot substance.
  • Allow the jam to cool to room temperature before you seal and label the jars.
  • Store in your fridge for up to 3 weeks.

This easy fresh jam recipe can be used to make just about any type of jam and you can even add nuts if you like. There are plenty of delicious jams on the market. Now you do not have to buy them but, instead, you can make a perfectly natural version at home.