Making mixed berry jam at home isn’t as hard as you might think. I started making my own jam last summer when my neighbor gave me too many berries from her garden. Now I’m hooked! Mixed berry jam tastes better than store-bought stuff. Plus, you know exactly what’s in it. No weird ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Basic Mixed Berry Jam Recipe
What You Need for Homemade Jam. Berry jam can be made with simple utensils. Just grab:
1. 4 cups Mixed berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, can be frozen or fresh.
2. 2 cups Sugar (less than you think!)
3. 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
4. A big pot
5. Some clean jars
How to make Mixed Berry Jam
After grabbing all the above-mentioned ingredients, let’s start to learn its process.
1. Wash your berries if they’re fresh.
2. A potato masher can be used to slightly mash them. Leave some chunks for texture.
3. Mix berries and sugar in your pot. Give them fifteen minutes to sit. It will cause the berries to become juicy as the sugar begins to dissolve.
4. Add lemon juice and turn on the heat to medium.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer after bringing it to a boil.
6. Stir frequently to prevent sticking as you cook for about 20 minutes.
7. A tiny spoonful should be placed on a cold plate to check if it is done. When it thickens and does not spread across the plate, it is ready!
8. Pour into clean jars while hot.
That’s how to make mixed berry jam at home! Easy peasy!
Fresh vs. Frozen Berries
Both work great! I use fresh berries in summer and frozen berries in winter. If using frozen berries, let them thaw first. Drain off some juice if there’s too much water. Easy mixed berry jam with frozen berries tastes just as good as fresh. Sometimes I mix fresh and frozen when I don’t have enough of either.
Low Sugar Options
Don’t want to use so much sugar? I get it. Try low-sugar mixed berry jam instead. Use 1 cup of sugar instead of 2. The jam won’t set quite as firm and won’t last as long, but it tastes more like fresh berries.
You can also try making mixed berry jam with honey. You can change the flavor by substituting 1 cup of honey for the sugar.
No Pectin? No problem!
Many recipes call for pectin. But guess what? You can make mixed berry jam without pectin. Berries naturally have pectin, especially if some are a bit underripe. The lemon juice helps activate it.
Your jam might be a bit softer, but I kind of prefer it that way.
How to make Mixed Berry Jam in Little Quantity
Don’t want to make tons of jam? Try small-batch mixed berry jam. Cut the recipe in half. This makes about 2 small jars—perfect for beginners or small families.
- 2 cups berries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Quick Jam for Busy People
No time? Make a quick mixed berry jam recipe. This refrigerator jam lasts about a week.
- Mash 2 cups berries with a fork
- Mix with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring halfway
- Let cool
Special Diet Jams
There are many variations in mixed berry jam. You can customize it by adding more or less sugar according to your health requirements.
Keto Mixed Berry Jam
If you want to make it keto-friendly, then replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to aid in the setting process.
Vegan Mixed Berry Jam
Standard jam is vegan if you use regular sugar. Some white sugar is processed with bone char, so buy organic sugar to be safe for vegan mixed berry jam.
Chia Seed Mixed Berry Jam
Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your finished jam. They soak up extra juice and add fiber.
Spiced Up Mixed Berry Jam
Want something different? Try spiced mixed berry jam. Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or some fresh ginger while cooking. Take them out before jarring. My grandma added a splash of vanilla. My uncle prefers a bit of orange zest.
Storage Tips of Mixed Berry Jam
Fresh jam will last in the fridge for about 3 weeks. You can use it for a longer period of time and extend its shelf life by adding fruit preserves. Want it to last longer? You’ll need to properly “can” it using a water bath.
Plenty of videos online show how. Freezer jam is another option. Pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It lasts up to 6 months frozen.
Usage of Homemade Berry Jam
Mixed berry jam isn’t just for toast! Try it:
1. Swirled into yogurt
2. On pancakes or waffles
3. In thumbprint cookies
4. Mixed into oatmeal
5. As an ice cream topping
6. Along with cheese
Tips to Set Berry Jam
Too Runny?
If your jam didn’t set, cook it longer next time. You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds and use it as syrup for pancakes!
Too Thick?
If your jam is too thick, add a splash of water when reheating. Use less sugar next time and cook for less time.
Mold on Top?
This happens sometimes with homemade jam. Scrape it off if it’s just a little. If there’s a lot, sadly, you should toss it. Always use clean utensils when dipping into your jam jars!
Why Homemade is Better
Store jam often has corn syrup, preservatives, artificial colors, less fruit, and more filler. Your homemade mixed berry jam has none of that junk. Just fruit, sugar, and lemon juice. That’s real food!
Making DIY berry preserves lets you control what goes in your food. Plus, it’s cheaper than fancy jam from the farmers market.
Beginner-Friendly Tips
Mixed berry jam for beginners doesn’t have to be scary. Start with a small batch. Use a timer. Don’t walk away while it’s cooking. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect. Mine sure wasn’t! Each time gets better.
Seasonal Jamming
The summer months are ideal for making jam at home because berries are inexpensive and abundant. But frozen berries work great too! I make jam year-round using whatever I can find on sale. Seasonal fruit jam doesn’t have to be just berries. Consider including plums or peaches in your mixture.
Final Thoughts
Homemade mixed berry jam is easy, enjoyable, and far superior to store-bought. Plus, it makes your house smell amazing! Start with this basic recipe, then get creative. Soon you’ll be making jam like a pro!
Nothing beats opening a jar of summer berries in the middle of winter. It’s like sunshine in a jar! Try making your first batch this weekend. I guarantee you will not ever use store-bought jam again!
FAQ
What are the ingredients in mixed fruit jam?
Mixed fruit jam typically includes a blend of fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and pineapples, combined with sugar and lemon juice for flavor and preservation.
What are the ingredients in mixed berries?
Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are the most common types of mixed berries.
How to make jam step by step?
To make jam, combine chopped fruit with sugar and lemon juice, cook until it thickens, and then pour into sterilized jars for storage.
What is the secret ingredient in jam?
A subtle addition like balsamic vinegar or vanilla extract can enhance the depth of flavor in jam.
What is the ratio of sugar to berries when making jam?
A common ratio is 1:1, meaning equal parts sugar and fruit by weight, though some recipes use slightly less sugar depending on fruit sweetness.
Does lemon juice thicken jam?
Yes, lemon juice adds acidity, which helps activate pectin in the fruit, aiding in the thickening of jam.
