Mock Strawberry Jam
A tangy, sweet mock strawberry jam featuring rhubarb, pineapple, and strawberry jello, perfect for spreading on toast or serving with desserts, suitable for a quick, fruit-flavored treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the rhubarb, sugar, and crushed pineapple together for 20 minutes.
- Add the strawberry jello to the cooked mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into sterile jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker consistency, consider adding pectin to the mixture, following package instructions for amounts. If rhubarb is unavailable, you can substitute with an equal amount of tart apples. This jam can also be sweetened with a sugar alternative to make a sugarless jelly if desired. Be sure to chop the rhubarb finely to ensure it cooks down properly.
Serving Suggestions
This mock strawberry jam is perfect as a spread on toast or bagels and pairs beautifully with Sis Vera'S Canned Green Beans as a savory side. You can also serve it over pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat. For a fun dessert, try it as a topping for ice cream or mix it into homemade cinnamon ornaments for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the mock strawberry jam in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you want to keep it longer, process the jars in a water bath canner for about 10 minutes. To use, simply spread it on toast or mix it into yogurt. Reheat gently if desired, but it can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Strawberry Jam contains roughly 677 calories, with 8g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (137% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 jello?
While fresh strawberries would add a delightful flavor, the jello is key for the texture and sweetness in this recipe. If you prefer to use fresh fruit, consider making a strawberry reduction sauce separately and combining it with the rhubarb and sugar, adjusting the sweetness as needed.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start with 4 cups of sugar instead of 5, and taste the mixture before adding the jello. If it's not sweet enough, gradually add more sugar until you reach your desired sweetness level.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this mock strawberry jam can be canned for longer storage. Ensure you use sterilized jars and process them in a water bath for about 10 minutes. It’s important to follow proper canning procedures to ensure safety and shelf stability.
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).