Description
A homemade no-pectin jam made from fresh strawberries and rhubarb, relying on natural fruit pectin and a slow simmer for thickening. Perfectly sweet and tangy, ideal for spreading on toast or gifting.
Ingredients
- 7 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 7 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 to 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 hours, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Test the jam by placing a spoonful on a frozen plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts to taste.
- Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims and seal with lids.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes or cool and freeze for later use.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness and spice to your preference.
- Using a frozen plate helps test jam set without a thermometer.
- Jam thickens further as it cools—avoid overcooking.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place or refrigerate after opening.