Rhubarb Refrigerator Jam
A sweet and tangy rhubarb jam with pineapple and strawberry Jell-O, perfect for spreading on toast or serving as a delicious preserve for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix rhubarb and sugar in a bowl.
- Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and boil for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add strawberry Jell-O and drained crushed pineapple.
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars.
- Refrigerate or freeze the jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter jam, adjust the sugar to your taste, starting at 2 1/2 cups and going up to 4 cups if preferred. If rhubarb is not available, you can substitute it with tart apples or sour cherries. Ensure you use fresh, high-quality Jell-O for the best flavor. To enhance the taste, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This rhubarb refrigerator jam is delicious spread on toast or bagels for breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with Easy Blueberry Dump Cake as a sweet topping. Consider serving it alongside cheese platters or as a filling in pastries for an afternoon treat. A dollop on yogurt can elevate your snack time.
Storage & Reheating
Store the refrigerator jam in sterilized jars with airtight lids. It can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rhubarb Refrigerator Jam contains roughly 211 calories, with 2g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar. This will help maintain the right consistency of the jam and prevent it from becoming too watery.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar. Start with the minimum of 2 1/2 cups and taste the mixture before boiling. If needed, add more sugar gradually until you reach your desired sweetness level.
Is it necessary to use Jell-O in this recipe?
While Jell-O adds flavor and helps with the setting of the jam, you can substitute it with pectin if you prefer a more natural option. Just follow the package instructions for the correct proportions and cooking times to ensure proper thickening.
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).