Cranberry Jam for Canning: A Sweet and Tart Delight
Cranberry jam is a classic homemade treat that bursts with flavor and adds a touch of tartness to any occasion. This recipe provides instructions for making a delicious cranberry jam that can be safely canned for long-term storage.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 liter) fresh cranberries, sorted and rinsed
- 4 cups (946 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) lemon juice
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Ladle
- Funnel
Instructions:
Prepare the Jars:
- Wash canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Jam:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- To check for doneness, place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate. If the jam sets quickly and wrinkles slightly when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
Canning the Jam:
- Ladle hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands tightly.
- Place the jars in a water bath canner, making sure the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars.
- Bring the water to a boil, then process for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
Storage:
- Once the jars are completely cooled, check to make sure the lids are sealed. The lids should be concave in the center, indicating a vacuum seal.
- Store your sealed jars of cranberry jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cranberry jam!
Tips:
- Flavor variations: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract for a unique flavor.
- Use frozen cranberries: Frozen cranberries can be used in this recipe. However, they may need to be cooked a bit longer.
- Jam consistency: For a thicker jam, simmer the mixture for a longer time.
- Safety: Always follow the recommended canning procedures to ensure the safety of your jam.
With a little effort, you can create a delicious and long-lasting batch of cranberry jam to enjoy year-round.
