Description
This homemade Mixed Berry Jam combines fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with sugar and lemon juice to create a vibrant, sweet, and slightly tart spread. Perfect for toast, desserts, and more, this easy-to-make jam captures the essence of summer berries in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 4 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Sweeteners & Preservatives
- 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Acid & Setting Agents
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1–2 teaspoons pectin (optional, for thicker consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Berries: Gently wash the berries to preserve their texture. Remove any stems, hull the strawberries, and cut larger berries into smaller pieces for even consistency.
- Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, mix berries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to ensure sugar starts drawing out the berry juices, creating a syrup base.
- Cook the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce to a gentle simmer once boiling, continue stirring to prevent sticking or burning as the fruit breaks down and thickens.
- Test for Doneness: After about 20 minutes of simmering, place a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready. Otherwise, continue simmering and test every few minutes.
- Jar and Cool: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal tightly, and let cool completely. Store in the fridge or process in a water bath for long-term preservation.
Notes
- Use ripe berries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Simmer slowly to meld flavors and avoid burning.
- Stir frequently to maintain even texture and prevent sticking.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste and berry sweetness.
- Test setting using the wrinkle test on a cold plate.
- Lemon juice brightens flavor and aids preservation—do not omit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg