Opal'S Rhubarb Jam
Opal's Rhubarb Jam offers a tangy, sweet preserve with a hint of strawberry flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or serving with cheese, ideal for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fine cut rhubarb
- 2 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 oz. package strawberry gelatin
Instructions
- Combine rhubarb and sugar in a glass bowl or crock and let stand overnight.
- Next day, slow boil mixture for 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add strawberry gelatin.
- Bring to a boil again.
- Pour into hot sterilized jars.
- Seal the jars.
- Let cool.
- Freeze the jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the rhubarb mixture. If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar by a cup; just remember that it may affect the consistency. Also, feel free to experiment with different gelatin flavors for a unique twist. This jam pairs wonderfully with toast or as a topping for the Not Too Sweet Pancake Syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Opal's Rhubarb Jam spread over warm biscuits or as a sweet topping for yogurt and oatmeal. It also makes a delightful companion to cheese platters, especially with creamy cheeses. Consider pairing it with dishes like Mint-Glazed Carrots And Peas for a balanced meal. This jam can even elevate desserts like vanilla ice cream or pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of rhubarb jam in the freezer for up to a year. For easier access, consider transferring a jar to the refrigerator for immediate use; it will keep fresh for about three weeks. When thawing, simply place a jar in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Opal'S Rhubarb Jam contains roughly 141 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g 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 frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing it with sugar. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
How can I tell if the jam has set properly?
To test if your jam has set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and does not run back together, it's ready. Otherwise, you may need to boil it for a bit longer.
Is it necessary to use gelatin in this recipe?
While gelatin helps achieve a firmer consistency, you can omit it if you prefer a more syrupy jam. Just be aware that the texture will be different. For a vegan alternative, try using agar-agar as a thickening agent instead of gelatin.
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).