Description
This easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe captures the perfect balance of fresh sweetness from ripe strawberries and the tartness of rhubarb. Made with natural ingredients and a plant-based natural gelling agent, this jam offers a vibrant, wholesome spread ideal for toast, desserts, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and chopped
- 3 cups rhubarb stalks, trimmed and chopped
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 2 cups natural sugar
- 2 tablespoons natural lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract (optional)
Setting Agent
- 1 to 2 tablespoons natural gelling agent (according to package instructions)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Fruit: Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Trim and slice the rhubarb stalks into small chunks. This ensures even cooking and a jam with delightful texture.
- Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a large saucepan, mix the strawberries, rhubarb, natural sugar, natural lemon juice, and natural vanilla extract if using. Toss everything together so the fruits are coated evenly with sugar, allowing the flavors to mingle from the start.
- Cook the Jam: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to help the fruits break down. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes until the fruits become soft and juicy.
- Add the Natural Gelling Agent: Once the jam mixture is soft and bubbling, stir in the natural gelling agent according to package instructions. This step is key to achieving that perfect spreadable consistency without compromising the fresh fruit essence.
- Boil to Finish Setting: Bring the jam to a rolling boil for a few minutes, stirring constantly to activate the gelling agent fully. You will notice the jam thickening gradually. Conduct a spoon test by placing a small dollop on a cold plate to check consistency.
- Jar Your Jam: Remove the jam from heat and allow it to cool slightly, then ladle it into clean glass jars. Seal tightly and let it cool completely at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chop rhubarb uniformly for consistent cooking and texture.
- Do not skip natural lemon juice as it enhances flavor and helps set the jam.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent burning and encourage even fruit breakdown.
- Use the cold plate test to check jam consistency before jarring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry jam, rhubarb jam, homemade jam, natural jam, plant-based jam, fruit spread