Making and canning homemade jams and jellies in your own kitchen is simple. Get the recipe for my Mixed Berry Jam and use berries in your freezer or fresh picked from the field.
If you are looking for a great recipe to try, you’ll love my Triple Berry Jam. It’s a combination of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. A very tasty combination. I love to stock up on berries when they are in season and plop them in the freezer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with freezing berries. If you freeze them at the peak of perfection, they maintain impeccable taste when you need them later.
How do you make homemade jam?
My mom and dad taught us so much. I remember asking my mom one day, how hard is it to make your own jam?? She said simple. You start with fresh ingredients, a little sugar, citrus pectin and cook it on the stove top. Then can it up. Simple. I will say that homemade jam takes patience and time. You need to focus completely on the pot of jam or you will burn it. Do it on a day you can completely focus on a great pot of homemade jam.
Order a Ball Enamel Water Canner. This will be your favorite tool for making homemade jams, pickles, and more. The kit comes with everything you’ll need to get going!
What is the difference between jam, preserves, and jelly?
I’ve been asked many times, what is the difference between jam, preserves, and jelly! Jam is made up of slightly more sugar than fruit, preserves are more fruit than sugar and jelly is made out of fruit juice. All of these will typically have some sort of citrus pectin to make them gel.
How do you make Mixed Berry Jam with Pectin?
Cook the strawberries, blueberries and blackberries over low to medium heat until soft. Lightly mash the fruit with a potato masher. Meanwhile, prepare a boiling water canner. Heat the jars and lids in simmering water until ready to use. (note: I use a commercial pectin, called Pomona’s Pectin in all of my jams- you can buy it on Amazon.)
In a large measuring cup, combine 2 cups sugar with the pectin. Add the lemon juice and sugar-pectin mixture to the berries. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Boil for 1 minute. Add the remaining 5 cups of sugar immediately, and bring back to a hard boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Turn the heat on low to medium. Skim foam if necessary.
How do I eliminate the foam on top of the jam?
I also use a vegetable defoamer to eliminate foam. This is something used in the production of maple syrup and is also available online. After the jam comes to a rolling boil, sprinkle in the defoamer and stir. It will knock down the foam.
How do you can homemade jam?
Ladle hot jam into the hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch head-space. Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp paper towel. Center the lid on the jar. Apply the band until the fit is fingertip tight. Process jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove the jars and allow to cool completely. I use a pair of rubber-tipped tongs to easily handle hot jars. Check the lids for seal after 24 hours. The lid should not flex up and down when the center is pressed. Store jars in a cool, dry place.
Looking for other ideas for your fresh berries? Try my Mini Berry Swirl Cheesecakes!
Mixed Berry Jam
Ingredients
- 3 cups strawberries
- 2 1/2 cups blueberries
- 2 1/2 cups blackberries
- 7 cups granulated sugar divided
- 1 1.75-ounce package fruit pectin
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
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In a 8-quart saucepan, cook the strawberries, blueberries and blackberries over low to medium heat until soft. Lightly mash the fruit with a potato masher. Meanwhile, prepare a boiling water canner. Heat the jars and lids in simmering water until ready to use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.
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In a large measuring cup, combine 2 cups sugar with the pectin. Add the lemon juice and sugar-pectin mixture to the berries. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Boil for 1 minute. Add the remaining 5 cups of sugar immediately, and bring back to a hard boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Turn the heat on low to medium. Skim foam if necessary.
-
Ladle hot jam into the hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch head-space. Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp paper towel. Center the lid on the jar. Apply the band until the fit is fingertip tight. Process jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove the jars and allow to cool completely. I use a pair of rubber-tipped tongs to easily handle hot jars. Check the lids for seal after 24 hours. The lid should not flex up and down when the center is pressed. Store jars in a cool, dry place.
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Now what else says summertime more than this? I know this jam will be a huge hit with my family.
I always wanted to learn how to make my own jam. This is a recipe and am going to try this weekend with my kids.
Thanks for visiting Casey! This jam is so yummy and super easy to make!
I make a lot of jelly, jams and preserves every year. I’ve never tried a mixed berry jam before though so it’s time I did. I love all of your tip and will use them on my next batch of preserves.
This jam looks delicious! I haven’t made Jam in forever, but that needs to change! All of he berries just sound delicious!
Yum, this sounds so incredible. I just love mixed berries. I must try this out.
Yummm I love mixed fruit jam… I would love to try this recipe this summer with my kiddo 😀
Wow, I do love berry jam a lot and this one is really delicious and looks so simple to make. Thanks for sharing your recipe I will definitely try to make this for my family.
Jam is love for me since I was a kid. I am printing this recipe and will try it out.
What a beautiful blog. I can’t wait to make this jam next time I have surplus berries!
Yes! Preserves are such a vibe. I love them on scones with clotted cream.
Oh, now I am enlightened. My mom had been making us strawberry and pineapple jam when we were kids. And I think that was what I fail to do with my kids. I gotta try this recipe. I am sure they’ll love it.
That jam looks and sounds delicious! I will definitely try to make it one day x
Yummy. This is a nice activity for me to do with my little one. Thanks!
What a wonderful post! This would go great on some biscuits. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Aww, this reminds me of my mom. She made homemade jam and other canned goods all summer and fall long! They were so yummy!
I recently made my own jam for the first time and couldn’t believe how yummy it was! I’m definitely going to experience with different flavors.
Prior to reading this article I’d honestly never been curious about how to make jam. Thank you so much both for rousing and satisfying that curiosity. 🙂
In all seriousness, it sounds amazing. I just can’t eat sugar. Maybe I could sub in some Truvia or Stevia?
Pomona’s Pectin packet has directions on it for using low sugar or sugar substitutes! Hope that helps!
Your post makes me crave for berry jam and dipped some biscuits. My perfect snacks.
I do love homemade jams, thanks for this recipe, I am gonna give this recipe a try.
Wow this looks so delicious and yes super easy to make. Though for me it’s still a difficult process, lol.
I love jams! If only berries here in Asia is cheaper I can create tons of it and have it as a gift to fam and friends.
Wow! This mixed berry jam is looks really yummy. Strawberry is one of my favorite fruit so i would to try this out.
Jake,
It’s easy to make and so good! Thanks for visiting!
What is the shelf life??
Aleah,
Once you properly can the jam, it should be shelf stable for about 1 year.