Mixed Berry Jam Recipe
This homemade mixed berry jam combines a medley of fresh berries, sugar, and lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy preserve. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirls in yogurt, or as a delightful dessert topping, this jam balances natural fruit flavors with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity. The cooking process involves boiling and mashing to achieve a luscious, spreadable texture, finished with a simple cooling and optional canning step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 cups of jam 1x
- Category: Jam and Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 3 pounds mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Chop the mixed berries so that the pieces are roughly uniform in size to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Macreate the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the chopped berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the fruit release its juices and begin breaking down.
- Cook the Jam: Transfer the berry mixture to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Use a potato masher to mash the fruit to your desired consistency while it heats.
- Boil and Test for Doneness: Continue boiling the mixture for 20 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. After 20 minutes, regularly test the jam’s setting point by either measuring the temperature (aim for 220ºF) or performing the cold plate test: place a spoonful on a frozen plate or spoon, let it cool for 15 seconds, then run your finger through it to check for gel formation.
- Cool the Jam: Once the jam reaches the correct consistency, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- Store the Jam: Transfer the cooled jam into clean jars or airtight containers. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely. For long-term storage, proceed with the canning process after this step instead of refrigeration.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and quicker maceration time.
- Stir frequently during boiling to prevent the jam from scorching on the pot’s bottom.
- The cold plate test is a reliable method to check jam consistency if you don’t have a candy thermometer.
- Store homemade jam in sterilized jars if planning to can for shelf stability.
- If preferred, adjust sugar amount slightly depending on the natural sweetness of your berries.
Keywords: mixed berry jam, homemade jam recipe, berry preserves, stovetop jam, fruit jam, breakfast spread, berry conserve
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/mixed-berry-jam-recipe/
