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INSTRUCTIONS:
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Instructions:
- 1 – Harvest Your Wild Fruits: Head out into nature and gather an assortment of wild fruits at their peak ripeness. Whether you forage in the woods, explore your local farmer’s market, or pick from your own backyard, choose fruits that are vibrant in color, fragrant in scent, and bursting with flavor.
2 – Prepare Your Fruits: Rinse the wild fruits under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove any stems, leaves, or blemishes, and roughly chop larger fruits into smaller pieces. Embrace the imperfections of wild fruits – their unique shapes and sizes add character to your jam.
3 – Cook Your Jam: In a large saucepan, combine the prepared wild fruits, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits begin to break down and release their juices. This process can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of fruits used.
4 – Test for Doneness: To check if your jam is ready, spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate and place it in the freezer for a minute. If the jam sets and wrinkles when gently nudged with your finger, it’s ready. If not, continue cooking and repeat the test until desired consistency is achieved.
5 – Optional: Add Pectin or Apple Cores: If you prefer a firmer jam or if your fruits are low in natural pectin, consider adding a commercial pectin powder or a couple of apple cores to the cooking mixture. Pectin helps the jam gel and set properly, ensuring a smooth and spreadable consistency.
6 – Sterilize Your Jars: While your jam is cooking, prepare your jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in a hot water bath or dishwasher. This step ensures that your jars are clean and free from any bacteria that could spoil your jam.
7 – Fill and Seal Your Jars: Once your jam reaches the desired consistency, carefully ladle it into your prepared jars, leaving a small amount of space at the top to allow for expansion during storage. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then seal them tightly with lids and rings.
8 – Store and Enjoy: Allow your wild fruit jam to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator or pantry for storage. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year, although we doubt it’ll last that long once you taste it!
Homemade wild fruit jam is a true taste of the season – each jar captures the essence of summer’s bounty in a deliciously sweet and tangy spread. Whether slathered on toast, stirred into yogurt, or drizzled over pancakes, this nutritious jam adds a burst of flavor to your breakfast and a touch of warmth to your soul. Plus, knowing that you’ve created something from scratch with your own two hands makes every bite that much sweeter.
Making wild fruit jam is not just about preserving fruits – it’s about preserving memories, connecting with nature, and nourishing your body and soul. So grab your basket, head outdoors, and start harvesting those wild fruits. With a little time, patience, and love, you’ll soon be enjoying the sweet rewards of your labor – one jar of homemade jam at a time