Zucchini Freezer Jam
A sweet and tangy zucchini freezer jam with strawberry and pineapple flavors, perfect for summer preserves or spreads on toast and biscuits.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook shredded zucchini for 6 minutes.
- Add strawberry Jell-O, drained crushed pineapple, and lemon juice to the cooked zucchini.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 6 minutes.
- Pour the hot jam into half pint or pint jars.
- Seal the jars and turn them upside down to cool.
- Let the jars stand for 24 hours.
- Freeze the jars to store.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the zucchini after cooking. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, consider using sugar-free Jell-O or a natural sweetener. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, feel free to substitute the strawberry Jell-O with raspberry or peach for a unique twist. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in your jam.
Serving Suggestions
This zucchini freezer jam is perfect for spreading on toast or bagels for breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with Company Pickle Chunks for a delightful brunch spread. Try using it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream for a sweet treat. Additionally, it makes a fantastic filling for pastries or as a layer in desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store the jars in the freezer for up to a year. If you want to use some immediately, transfer a jar to the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and serve cold or at room temperature. Do not refreeze once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Freezer Jam contains roughly 47 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but it's important to chop and drain it well to avoid excess liquid. Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor to your jam, but ensure it's ripe for the best sweetness.
How do I adjust the sweetness if I find it too sweet?
If you find the jam too sweet after making it, you can mix in a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors. However, since this recipe relies on Jell-O for sweetness, consider using less Jell-O in future batches if you prefer a tangier taste.
Can I make this jam without Jell-O?
While Jell-O provides sweetness and helps with setting, you can experiment with pectin and sugar to create a similar jam without it. However, the texture and flavor will differ from this specific recipe, so adjustments in cooking times may be necessary.
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).