Making jam at home is very rewarding. What's better than some fresh jam on toast or cakes?
You don't have to make big batches either, so jam making can be quick and easy. This simple cherry jam recipe is made without pectin and makes one jar.
Read on to learn how to make cherry jam and other tips and tricks.
Cherry jam without pectin recipe
Prep time:20 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Servings: 1 jar
What you will need
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A large heavy-based pot
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Jam Jars with lids
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Potato Masher
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Canning Funnel (optional)
Ingredients
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400 g cherries
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170 g granulated sugar or brown sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice or fresh lemons
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1 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
Method
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Put the clean, pitted cherries in a wide-bottomed thick pan on slow heat, along with lemon juice. Mix it well and let it simmer on slow heat for 5-7 minutes.
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Using a masher, mash the cherries, so that there are not too many lumps.
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Add sugar and mix. Don't stir it too much after this stage, as that lowers the temperature.
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Remove any scum from the top, and then add a little cinnamon powder, to add cinnamon flavour to your jam.
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This is completely optional. You can simply make the cherry jam without any additional flavour. To check if the jam is done, use the ' wrinkle method’. (See notes below)
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Turn off the heat and remove any scum/foam from the top of the jam and throw it away. Then your jam is ready.
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Fill the jam jars right up to the top. Cover with wax paper (that’s optional if you have sterilised the jars properly) and close the lid tightly. Leave it in a cool dry place.
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Lather this homemade jam on your toasts, tarts, cakes, scones or pastries.
Recipe from Bowl to Soul
Notes
To test the setting point you can use the wrinkle method. Cool a plate in the fridge or freezer, and once you’ve boiled the jam for 10-15 minutes, and it has reduced, take a teaspoonful of jam and pour onto the cold plate. Gently push the jam with your finger and if the jam wrinkles slightly, it will set when cool. If it doesn’t, leave on the heat for a few more minutes and repeat.
To learn more about how to properly sterilise your mason jars see our article onhow to make jam here.
If you would prefer to follow instructions by video here is a tutorial on how to make homemade cherry jam
Are cherries high in pectin?
Fruits such as apples, citrus and gooseberries are high in pectin, while most stone fruits such as cherries, apricots, peaches and [plums](http://preview.yours.co.uk/wellbeing/food/how-to-make-plum-jam/lum-jam/) do not have as much pectin. However, it is still possible to make cherry jam without any added pectin.
How do you get the cherry jam to set?
If you are having troubles with your cherry jam setting, then add some pectin.
Adding pectin to a loose batch of jam while re-cooking it will make the jam set.
Whisk a tablespoon of powdered pectin into the pot of cooking jam and it should stop it from being runny.
When are cherries in season?
Cherries are seasonal in the UK from mid-June to mid-September, with some late-season cherries coming from Scotland.
How do you make cherry jam without pitting?
The video below is an easy and fast way to pit cherries without a cherry pitter which is ideal for when you are making jam.
How long does homemade cherry jam last?
The jam will have a long shelf life if it is processed properly with the canning method. If you do this, you can keep the jam in a cool dark place for 2 years. Otherwise, it will keep in the fridge for 3 months.