Cherry Strawberry Jam
A vibrant, sweet-tart cherry strawberry jam with rich fruit flavors, perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits, ideal for fruit lovers and preserving seasonal bounty.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving the juice.
- Chop cherries; measure and add enough reserved juice to make 2 cups.
- Combine fruits, sugar, and lemon juice in a large saucepan; bring to a full rolling boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in liquid fruit pectin immediately.
- Skim off foam and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Quickly pour into hot scalded jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh tart cherries if available, and adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference. If you don't have liquid pectin, you can substitute with powdered pectin, but be sure to follow the package instructions for quantity adjustments. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Strawberry Jam is delightful spread on toast or pancakes and pairs beautifully with peanut butter for a classic sandwich. It can also be served alongside cheese platters or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. For a refreshing treat, try it with Fruit Mumbles.
Storage & Reheating
Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year if sealed properly. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2-3 weeks. To maintain freshness, use clean utensils when scooping out the jam. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just use freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Strawberry Jam contains roughly 105 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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 strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries can be used in place of frozen ones. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet. You may need to adjust the sugar slightly, depending on their sweetness. Wash and hull the strawberries before slicing for the best results.
What can I do if my jam doesn't set?
If your jam doesn't set, it may need more pectin or cooking time. You can reheat the jam, adding a bit more pectin according to the package instructions, and boil it for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use it as a sauce or syrup instead of a jam.
How can I make this jam less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of your jam, consider cutting back on the sugar by a cup or replacing some of it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may also affect the setting properties, so you may need to adjust the pectin accordingly.
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).