Beet Jam
Beet Jam offers a vibrant, sweet-tangy spread with earthy beet flavor complemented by lemon and sugar. Perfect for adding color and a unique taste to bread, cheese, or desserts, this jam appeals to those who enjoy homemade preserves with bold, natural flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the beets in a food chopper until finely chopped.
- Measure 3 2/3 cups of the beet pulp and juice and add lemon juice.
- Add Sure-Jell to the mixture and bring to a boil.
- Add sugar to the boiling mixture.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a full boil again.
- Boil for one minute, then pour into sterilized jars and cover with paraffin wax.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the beet pulp instead of grinding it. If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar to 5 cups. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or ginger to enhance the flavor. For a vegan version, ensure the Sure-Jell is plant-based. This beet jam pairs well with bagels or toast, making it a great addition to breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Beet jam is delightful spread on toast or used as a topping for pancakes and waffles. It also makes a colorful addition to cheese boards and pairs beautifully with cream cheese. For a refreshing twist, try serving it alongside the Confetti Salad for a vibrant meal. You can also use beet jam as a filling for pastries or as a glaze for meats.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover beet jam, ensure it is in sterilized jars and sealed tightly. Keep the jars in a cool, dark place, ideally in a pantry. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within a month. If you want to use the jam later, it can be frozen in airtight containers for up to a year.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beet Jam contains roughly 176 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 546mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh beets. Cook them until tender, peel, and chop them to match the consistency of canned beets. You'll need about 2 lbs of fresh beets to yield the same amount of pulp and juice required for this recipe.
How long does beet jam last?
When properly sealed in sterilized jars, beet jam can last for up to one year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a month for the best quality and flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 5 cups for a less sweet jam. However, be cautious as sugar also acts as a preservative. If you reduce it significantly, consider refrigerating the jam and consuming it sooner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).