Description
Sweet summer raspberries dance with sugar in this small batch raspberry jam, creating a luscious spread bursting with fresh flavor. Homemade preserve lovers will savor the pure, concentrated essence of ripe fruit that you can enjoy on toast, scones, or straight from the spoon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the fruity base by gently combining fresh raspberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, allowing the mixture to rest and release natural juices for half an hour.
- Position the pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, and bring the mixture to a vigorous bubbling point.
- Reduce the temperature to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir and skim away any foam that develops on the surface.
- Monitor the temperature carefully using a candy thermometer, aiming for the precise setting point of 220°F, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes of careful cooking.
- Conduct the set test by placing a small dollop of the jam onto a pre-chilled ceramic plate, then gently pushing with your fingertip to check for a wrinkled surface that indicates perfect consistency.
- Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in a whisper of vanilla extract, which will enhance the raspberry’s natural fragrance.
- Carefully transfer the molten jam into sterilized glass containers, leaving a small headspace at the top to allow for potential expansion.
- Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature, then seal and refrigerate, ensuring a tight lid to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
- For extended preservation, consider following professional canning techniques to create a shelf-stable product that can be enjoyed for months.
Notes
- Macerating the raspberries with sugar helps release natural pectin and intensifies the fruit’s sweetness, creating a more robust jam flavor.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature tracking, ensuring the perfect gel-like consistency without overcooking the fruit.
- For a lower sugar version, try using pectin or adding chia seeds to help thicken the jam naturally while reducing overall sugar content.
- Consider experimenting with additional flavor enhancers like fresh mint, lavender, or a splash of bourbon to elevate the traditional raspberry jam profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg