How to Tips on Making Berry Jam

Making berry jam is not as difficult as you might think. If you have a passion for berries here are some great tips on making that berry jam for now or for the holidays. The following steps will produce about six half-pint jars of berry jam.

1. To Make Berry Jam You Need the Right Tools
When making berry jam it is important to gather up all the tools and ingredients ahead of time. You will need to have an extra large boiling water canner. This canner will need to have a tight lid and a removable rack. This allows for good water circulation for your canning jars. Make sure you have canning jars with screw bands and rubber seal lids. You can find most of these items at your local kitchenware store or supermarket.

2. The Right Berries Make for Great Tasting Berry Jam
Berry jam can benefit from choosing the right fruit. By using a mix of slightly under ripe and just ripe berries, you can achieve a great balance of flavor and consistency.

3. Cooking Gently Will Ensure a Great Berry Jam
Using a large nonreactive pot, take 12 cups of berries, 3 cups of cane sugar, and ¾ cup of lemon juice and bring them up to a gentle boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to a medium cook and stir often. In about 15 minutes, the sauce will begin to thicken. Beware not to over cook the sauce, as it will cause it not to thicken and begin to break down.

4. Prepping Jars for Berry Jam
Either by using the dishwasher or washing by hand, sterilize the jars, lids, and screw bands. Keep all the jars in warm water while prepping them. Using a ladle, pour the hot jam through a funnel into a clean hot jar leaving about ½ at the top. Wipe the rim of the jar clean with a damp rag. Place a dry lid on top and screw on the band securely but not too tight. Repeat this with the other jars until the jam is all used.

5. Completing the Process for Berry Jam
Using your extra large boiling water canner pot, place the filled and sealed jars on the canner rack in hot water. Make sure that the jars are covered by at least 2 inches of water. Cover the pot and return heat it to boiling. Let them sit in boiling water for about 10 minutes to complete the process, then lift them out with tongs and place on the counter on a towel to cool.

6. Testing the Seals on Your Berry Jam
It is important that the seals be done right. Test them by slightly pressing the tops. They should be taut with a slight indent. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.