Homemade Raspberry or Blackberry Jam: Recipe

Homemade Raspberry or Blackberry Jam is the simplest thing ever to make.

Summer is coming to a close and the local farmers markets are in full swing. Some are more like street fairs and have a lot more to offer than just fresh produce. My neighbor and I decided it was time to visit Lodi, CA. and their farmers market. The farmers market is open in the evening. They shut down the main street to allow the venders and visitors to enjoy the whole experience. We always have a great time when we go. On this occasion, I had gone for very specific items. I wanted to buy some fresh fruit to make a simple homemade raspberry or blackberry jam.

My very first experience with making this jam was out of necessity. I had a large amount of raspberries that I needed to do something with. I went in search of a jam recipe but found little that didn’t seem messy and difficult. I found a version in the Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin package of all things. I tweaked and narrowed it done to make it work for my quantity of berries.

I now love to make this quick and easy jam, especially when the fruit is at its peak. Once you’ve tasted your own, it’s really hard to buy it at the store off the shelf.

Simple Homemade Raspberry or Blackberry Jam

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups crushed fresh berries (maintain the juice from crushing the berries)
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons  Pectin
• 1/4 teaspoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 5 sterilized 4 oz jars with lids

Directions:

Blend 1 1/4 tablespoons sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoons pectin. Combine the pectin sugar mixture with the crushed berries (with their juice) and bring to a rolling boil. Stir and boil for 1 minute. Add remaining sugar, lemon juice and butter. Bring back to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute stirring continuously. Remove the jam from the heat, and carefully spoon it into clean sterilized jars. Once cooled, label and freeze for later use.

Notes: You can use other types of berries or stone fruits. The recipe will work just the same. If you like your jam a little sweeter add a bit more sugar. If you want a little more tartness, you can add a bit more lemon. However, be careful not to add too much of either. I use small, heavy sided jars that can be found at Cost Plus/World Market to store and freeze my homemade jams.

This is not a difficult recipe, one of the many reasons I love it. You will really enjoy the fresh tart taste this homemade raspberry or blackberry jam recipe imparts. I always make small batches and put it in small jars making for a great presentation. It is a wonderful addition to breakfast with a good bread, homemade biscuits or scones. I have a friend who will eat it by itself with a spoon. She says it’s that delicious and “who needs toast“.

If you find that you have a large amount of fruit that you need to use or lose, this homemade raspberry or blackberry jam recipe is one you might want to consider. Enjoy.

If you enjoyed this recipe check out this Simple Freah Fig Jam Recipe, it’s just as good.

Happy cooking…

PS:  If you would like to share a recipe, send it my way.  It would be fun to showcase one of your favorite dishes.