| Strawberry-Rhubarb Freezer Jam |
Author: Nancy Baggett
This is one of the best jams I’ve ever tasted–the fresh fruit flavor is just spectacular. And the color is stunning, too.
If you’re not familiar with “freezer” jams, they are kept several weeks in the refrigerator (or up to a year in the freezer), so don’t require processing in a boiling water bath. (Do sterilize the jars in boiling water before using them though.) Since the fruit is not cooked enough to be sterilized all the way through, it must be refrigerated, not stored on pantry shelves. The jars (right in photo) were cooling so they could be put in the refrigerator.
This jam not only requires very little cooking, but because it calls for the new “low-sugar needed” pectin, it is less sweet, more natural tasting, and more healthful than old-fashioned jams. It’s easy to make, even if you’ve never prepared jam before. Just be sure to check the label and buy a pectin specifically formulated for use in “reduced sugar or no-sugar” cooked jam recipes. Don’t buy a pectin designed for no-cook recipes; this is not the same and won’t work well.
If you’re not familiar with “freezer” jams, they are kept several weeks in the refrigerator (or up to a year in the freezer), so don’t require processing in a boiling water bath. (Do sterilize the jars in boiling water before using them though.) Since the fruit is not cooked enough to be sterilized all the way through, it must be refrigerated, not stored on pantry shelves. The jars (right in photo) were cooling so they could be put in the refrigerator.
This jam not only requires very little cooking, but because it calls for the new “low-sugar needed” pectin, it is less sweet, more natural tasting, and more healthful than old-fashioned jams. It’s easy to make, even if you’ve never prepared jam before. Just be sure to check the label and buy a pectin specifically formulated for use in “reduced sugar or no-sugar” cooked jam recipes. Don’t buy a pectin designed for no-cook recipes; this is not the same and won’t work well.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups well washed, chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2½ cups diced (1/3-inch pieces) rhubarb
- 1 box Sure Jell reduced- or no-sugar-needed pectin or 1 box Ball Fruit Jell no-sugar-needed pectin
Instructions
- Place several metal tablespoons in the refrigerator to use in checking the jell of the jam. Combine the strawberries, lemon juice and ¾ cup sugar in a large non-reactive bowl. Let stand about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berry juices begin to flow.
- Meanwhile, thoroughly stir together the remaining 1¼ cups sugar and pectin in a large non-reactive saucepan or large, deep-sided non-reactive skillet until well blended and no lumps remain. Stir in ½ cup cold water and rhubarb. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture comes to a full, foamy boil, cook, stirring, until the rhubarb pieces are tender, but still hold some shape, about 3-4 minutes. If the mixture still appears runny, drop about a teaspoon of it onto a chilled spoon and let it cool for 15 seconds. If it immediately runs off instead of jelling lightly and clinging to the spoon, continue cooking about 1 minute longer, then check using another chilled spoon. As soon as the mixture jells just enough to cling to the spoon and thicken slightly, it is done. (It will continue to jell further upon standing.)
- Immediately remove the cooked mixture from the heat; stir the strawberry mixture into the rhubarb mixture. Continue stirring for 2 minutes, scraping the pan bottom until very well blended. The mixture will thicken somewhat and will thicken further as it cools. Skim off and discard any foam from the jam surface. Ladle the jam into jars, leaving ¾-inch headroom to allow for expansion during freezing. Wipe any drips from jar rim and threads, and screw on lids. Let stand until cooled to barely warm. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Check the lids and tighten, if necessary. Then, freeze for up to 1 year, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
TIP: Note that the jam may be fairly thick when first prepared, but may thin out a bit during storage, especially if frozen. Also, though the photo shows the jam in larger jars, it is actually extremely convenient to use the smaller jars shown on the left. Then, the jam mini-jars can be transferred from the freezer as needed and provide about the right amount to last a week.
Recipe by KitchenLane at http://kitchenlane.com/2010/04/strawberry-rhubarb-freezer-jam-spring.html