Deliciously Simple Mixed Berry Jam
Transform your pantry with this incredibly flavorful mixed berry jam. Inspired by a classic recipe from the Ball Blue Book, this adaptation uses a delightful mix of whole raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The sweetness of the sugar perfectly balances the tartness of the berries, creating a jam that’s bursting with fruit flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast, topping pancakes, or even as a filling in desserts, this homemade jam is an easy and rewarding project that comes together in under an hour. Enjoy the vibrant taste of summer berries year-round with this straightforward recipe that yields three pints of luscious jam.
3
Servings
200
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Unsweetened Mixed Berries (frozen)
6 bags (12 oz. each, chopped into pea-sized chunks or mashed if desired)
Granulated Sugar
6 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the frozen mixed berries into pea-sized chunks. If you prefer larger fruit pieces, you can thaw and mash them with a potato masher instead.
2
In a large pot, combine the chopped berries and granulated sugar. Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
3
Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
4
Continue boiling the mixture until it reaches the gelling point, which should take about ten minutes. You'll know it’s ready when the jam thickens and can slide off a cold spoon in a single flake.
5
Once the gelling point is reached, remove the pot from the heat.
6
Carefully ladle the jam into sterilized jars, ensuring that you fill them to about 1/4 inch from the top. Apply seals and rings securely.
7
Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, ensuring the jars are submerged at least 1-2 inches under the water.
8
Once processed, remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or drying rack.
9
Store your delicious mixed berry jam in a cool, dark place, and enjoy your homemade creation on toast, desserts, or however you prefer!
Nutrition Information
200g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Simple Mixed Berry Jam?
It is a flavorful homemade jam made from a blend of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, inspired by the Ball Blue Book.
How many ingredients are needed for this jam?
This recipe requires only two main ingredients: frozen mixed berries and granulated sugar.
What type of berries should I use?
You should use six 12 oz. bags of whole unsweetened frozen mixed berries.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of granulated sugar.
How should I prepare the frozen berries?
You can either chop the frozen berries into pea-sized chunks or thaw and mash them with a potato masher for larger pieces.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine the chopped berries and granulated sugar in a large pot and stir well.
What heat setting should I use to cook the jam?
The mixture should be brought to a boil over high heat.
Why is constant stirring necessary?
Constant stirring prevents the fruit and sugar mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
How long does it take to reach the gelling point?
It typically takes about ten minutes of boiling to reach the gelling point.
How can I tell if the jam has reached the gelling point?
The jam is ready when it thickens and slides off a cold spoon in a single flake.
How do I prepare the jars for the jam?
Ensure you use sterilized jars and fill them to within 1/4 inch from the top.
What is the processing time for the jars?
The filled jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
How deep should the water be in the water bath?
The jars should be submerged at least 1-2 inches under the boiling water.
How should the jars be cooled?
Allow the jars to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or a drying rack after removing them from the water.
Where is the best place to store the finished jam?
Store the jam in a cool, dark place.
How many pints does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately three pints of jam.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a low protein diet?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a low protein dessert spread.
What are some ways to serve this mixed berry jam?
It is perfect for spreading on toast, topping pancakes, or using as a filling in various desserts.
How long does the entire process take?
The project is straightforward and comes together in under an hour.
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
The recipe specifies frozen berries, but fresh berries can be used if you adjust the preparation accordingly.
What happens if I don't reach the gelling point?
If the gelling point isn't reached, the jam may remain too runny and not set properly in the jars.
What size bags of berries are used?
The recipe uses 12 oz. bags of mixed berries.
Do I need to add pectin to this recipe?
No, this recipe relies on the natural pectin in the berries and the sugar concentration to reach a gel state.
Is the sugar content high?
The recipe uses 6 cups of sugar, which balances the tartness of the berries and aids in preservation.
What should I do if the jam burns?
If the jam burns, it will have a bitter taste; constant stirring over high heat is vital to avoid this.
How much headspace is required in the jars?
Leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar before sealing.
Can I halve this recipe?
Yes, you can scale the ingredients proportionally, though cooking times for the gelling point may vary.
What kind of pot is best for making jam?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as a straightforward and rewarding project for those new to jam making.