Mixed berry jam
- Serves 3 x 250ml Jars
- Prep time: 15 mins + resting | Cooking time: 25 mins
Capture the sweet appeal of berries in a jam that brings a little joy to everyday favourites. Spoon it onto toast, serve with scones or add it to the table for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (600g) roughly chopped fresh or frozen mixed berries
- 1¼ cups (275g) caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice
Method
- Place the berries, sugar and cinnamon in a large saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 mins or until the sugar has dissolved and the berries soften and release their juices.
- Add the lemon juice and bring to the boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 mins for fresh berries (18-20 mins if using frozen) or until the jam reaches setting point. (To test if the jam is set, freeze a saucer for 10 mins. Remove the jam from the heat and place a small spoonful of jam on the chilled saucer. Return saucer to the freezer for 1 min. Run your finger through the jam to test if it wrinkles and gels. If it doesn’t, return the jam to heat for a further 5 mins, then repeat the test.) Remove from the heat and set aside for 1 min to stand.
- Meanwhile, to sterilise preserving jars, place jars and lids in a large deep saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over medium heat. Cover and reduce heat to low. Boil gently for 10 mins to kill any bacteria. Use tongs to carefully remove jars and lids and place upside-down on a clean tea towel.
- Pour the jam into warm sterilised jars and seal. Turn upside down for 2 mins. Turn upright. Set aside to cool completely.
- Get ahead: Berry jam is a great Christmas gift, and you can make it well in advance to lighten the load in the festive season. Decorate with ribbon or tie a cute teaspoon onto the jar. Finish with a personalised gift tag.