Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe: A Seasonal Spread You’ll Love

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Introduction

When summer’s vibrant fruits like strawberries are in season and rhubarb makes its annual debut, it’s the perfect time to whip up a jar or two of homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. This sweet yet tart spread is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a filling for pastries, or dollop it over desserts, Strawberry Rhubarb Jam will quickly become your go-to homemade treat.

In this post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, plus some helpful tips and variations for perfecting this delicious recipe every time. Ready to dive into the world of homemade jams? Let’s get started!

What is This Recipe?

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam is a delicious blend of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb, gently cooked with sugar and pectin to create a rich, spreadable delight. The balance of the two ingredients brings a unique tanginess, making it an incredibly flavorful jam that can be enjoyed year-round. The recipe is simple but packs a punch in flavor, and once you make it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every season!

Essential Ingredients

To make your own Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient of this recipe, strawberries provide the natural sweetness needed to balance out the tartness of the rhubarb.
• Fresh Rhubarb: Rhubarb has a crisp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with strawberries to give this jam its signature bite.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar is essential in helping the fruit break down and form a jam-like consistency.
• Pectin: To help the jam set properly, pectin (either powdered or liquid) is crucial. It ensures the jam has the perfect, spreadable consistency.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds acidity to help balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the fruits.

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe or add a unique twist, here are some alternative ingredients you can use:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap out granulated sugar for a more natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to give your jam a different depth of flavor.
• Raspberry or Blueberry: If you’d like to experiment, try adding some raspberries or blueberries for a fruity variation that adds even more complexity.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even ginger to introduce a warm, aromatic note to your jam.
• Apple Pectin: If you’re looking for a more natural setting agent, apple pectin can be used in place of commercial pectin.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Yield
15 minutes	30 minutes	45 minutes	4-6 jars	3-4 cups

Key Features

• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy tools.
• Seasonal: Perfect for when strawberries and rhubarb are in season.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add spices, or experiment with different fruits.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Carbohydrates	Sugars	Protein	Sodium
1 tablespoon	45	0g	12g	10g	0g	0mg

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Directions (Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Rhubarb Jam)

1. Prepare the Fruit: Begin by cleaning and hulling your strawberries, then chop them into small pieces. For the rhubarb, cut the stalks into 1-inch chunks. You’ll need about 2 cups of chopped strawberries and 2 cups of rhubarb.
2. Cook the Fruit: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries and rhubarb. Add the lemon juice and sugar, stirring to coat the fruit evenly. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit begins to break down and release juices.
3. Add Pectin: Once the fruit mixture is simmering and soft, stir in the pectin. Bring the mixture to a full boil and continue boiling for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Check for Consistency: To test if your jam is ready, place a small spoonful of the mixture onto a chilled plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through it. If the jam wrinkles and doesn’t run, it’s done. If it’s still too runny, boil for another minute or two.
5. Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Close the jars tightly and allow them to cool to room temperature. For long-term storage, process the jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they seal properly.
6. Enjoy: Once the jars are cooled and sealed, your Strawberry Rhubarb Jam is ready to be enjoyed! Slather it on toast, stir it into yogurt, or sprinkle it over your favorite desserts as a delicious topping.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

• Sterilize Your Jars: To prevent any bacteria from ruining your jam, make sure your jars are sterilized before filling them with jam. You can do this by boiling them for 10 minutes.
• Test for Set: As mentioned, the plate test is essential for ensuring your jam reaches the right consistency. If it’s too runny, don’t be afraid to cook it a little longer.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh strawberries and rhubarb make all the difference in the final flavor. Avoid using frozen fruit, as it can affect the texture.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It helps balance the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the fruit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart. The fresh, vibrant flavors are a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a first-timer, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a delicious homemade jam that will impress anyone who tries it. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the flavors of the season and enjoy them throughout the year.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of two beloved ingredients: strawberries and rhubarb. While strawberry jams are popular, the addition of rhubarb adds an interesting tartness that balances out the sweetness perfectly. Additionally, the simplicity of this recipe means it’s accessible for beginners, yet flavorful enough for seasoned jam makers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries yield the best results, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Make sure to thaw them first and remove any excess liquid before using.

2. What is the shelf life of homemade strawberry rhubarb jam?
When sealed correctly and stored in a cool, dark location, your jam can stay fresh for up to a year. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.

3. Can I make this jam without pectin?
Yes, it’s possible! While pectin helps the jam set, you can make the jam without it by cooking it for longer until it naturally thickens.

4. Can I use other fruits in this jam?
Absolutely! You can add raspberries, blueberries, or even a bit of orange zest for a unique twist.

You’ll Also Love

If you love this Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, you might also enjoy these other jam recipes:

• Peach Mango Jam: A tropical twist on traditional fruit jams.
• Raspberry Lemonade Jam: A refreshing, zesty spread perfect for summer.
• Mixed Berry Jam: A burst of berries in every spoonful.

Conclusion

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Jam is a delightful way to capture the flavors of the season and enjoy them throughout the year. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a homemade spread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a slice of toast or using it as a topping for your favorite dessert, this jam will quickly become a pantry staple. So, grab your strawberries and rhubarb, and start cooking!

Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this seasonal spread!