Citrus-Infused Mixed Berry Jam
When winter rolls around and fresh berries are hard to come by, this Citrus-Infused Mixed Berry Jam is the perfect solution to add a burst of flavor to your breakfast table. Inspired by a little mishap when my frozen berries thawed, I've developed this simple yet delicious jam that combines the sweetness of mixed berries with a refreshing hint of lemon and tangerine. It's not just a spread for toast; it's a versatile ingredient for desserts, yogurt parfaits, and even savory dishes. Just be warned, this jam is incredibly addictive, and you may want to hide a few jars from your friends and family!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen mixed berries
6 cups (thawed)
Sugar
6 cups (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Tangerine juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the thawed mixed berries. Using the stirring attachment, pulse gently until the berries are mostly crushed, preserving some chunks for texture.
2
Measure the crushed berries, lemon juice, and tangerine juice into a large enamel or stainless steel pot.
3
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium heat while stirring continuously.
4
Gradually add the sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely as you continue to stir.
5
Once the jam reaches a gentle boil, cook while stirring regularly. If desired, you can crush the berries more as the mixture thickens.
6
To test for doneness, spoon a small amount of jam onto a cold saucer. Place the saucer in the freezer for about a minute. If the surface wrinkles when gently pushed, the jam is ready.
7
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam. Stir the jam for a few minutes to help it set.
8
Ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized 1/2 pint jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a cloth.
9
Seal with canning lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
10
Remove jars from the water bath and allow to cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Mixed Berry Jam?
It is a homemade jam made from thawed frozen mixed berries, sugar, lemon juice, and tangerine juice, providing a bright citrus twist to classic berry flavors.
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Yes, while this recipe is designed for frozen berries, you can use fresh berries. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh berries have different water content.
How many cups of berries are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 cups of thawed frozen mixed berries.
What role does the lemon juice play in the jam?
Lemon juice provides acidity, which helps the jam set properly and balances the sweetness of the berries and sugar.
Why is tangerine juice included in the recipe?
Tangerine juice adds a unique citrus depth and a refreshing sweetness that complements the mixed berries.
How much sugar is used in this Citrus-Infused Mixed Berry Jam?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of sugar to match the 6 cups of berries.
What type of pot is best for cooking the jam?
It is recommended to use a large enamel or stainless steel pot to avoid metallic flavors and ensure even heating.
Do I need to fully liquefy the berries in a food processor?
No, you should pulse them gently until mostly crushed while preserving some chunks for a better texture.
How do I test if the jam is ready?
Use the cold saucer test: place a small amount of jam on a cold saucer in the freezer for a minute; if the surface wrinkles when pushed, it is done.
How long should I process the jars in a water bath?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
What size jars should I use for this recipe?
The recipe is designed for clean, sterilized 1/2 pint jars.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave approximately 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jar before sealing.
What should I do if foam forms on top of the jam?
Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam with a spoon before ladling the jam into jars.
Is this jam suitable for yogurt parfaits?
Yes, it is a versatile ingredient that works perfectly in yogurt parfaits, desserts, and even savory dishes.
Can I use this jam for savory dishes?
Yes, the citrus notes make it an excellent accompaniment for certain savory meat dishes or cheese boards.
How should I prep the frozen berries?
The berries should be completely thawed before you begin the process in the food processor.
What is the serving size for this jam?
The recipe yields approximately 8 servings, though this typically refers to the number of jars or portions produced.
Can I substitute the tangerine juice with orange juice?
Yes, orange juice can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the specific citrus profile of the jam.
Do I need to stir the jam constantly?
You should stir continuously while bringing it to a boil and regularly throughout the cooking process to prevent burning.
How do I ensure the sugar dissolves completely?
Gradually add the sugar to the boiling berry mixture and continue to stir until no granules remain.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How should the jars be cooled after canning?
Place the hot jars on a clean towel or cooling rack and allow them to cool completely without being disturbed.
What happens if I don't wipe the jar rims?
Food residue on the rims can prevent the canning lids from sealing properly, leading to spoilage.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is specifically designed to use frozen berries, making it a great project for when fresh berries are out of season.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include jam, mixed berries, citrus, homemade, winter, preserving, breakfast, dessert, easy recipe, and canning.
Can I further crush the berries during cooking?
Yes, if you prefer a smoother jam, you can crush the berries more with your spoon as the mixture thickens.
Why should I stir the jam for a few minutes after removing it from heat?
Stirring for a few minutes after heating helps the jam begin to set and ensures even distribution of the fruit.
Does this recipe require added pectin?
No, this recipe relies on the natural pectin in the berries and the addition of citrus juice and sugar to set.
What is the texture of this jam like?
The texture is thick with visible chunks of crushed berries, provided you pulse gently in the food processor.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is a great introduction to the canning and preserving process.