Description
This Freezer Raspberry Jam recipe offers a simple and natural way to preserve the fresh sweetness of raspberries using honey as a sweetener. With optional chia seeds to thicken and aromatic hints from cinnamon or vanilla, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. It’s easy to make on the stovetop and stored in the freezer to keep it fresh for up to a year.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 3 pints raspberries (about 6 cups), rinsed and picked over
- 3/4 cup honey (or more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds (optional for a thicker jam)
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or 1 scraped vanilla pod
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the raspberries, honey, and lemon juice into a large pot. Turn the burner to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in the chia seeds if using, and add the cinnamon stick or vanilla pod for flavor if desired. Let the jam simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens. To test thickness, spoon a small amount onto a plate and refrigerate for a few minutes; the jam will thicken further as it cools.
- Prepare Jars: While the jam cooks, fill your canning jars with hot water to warm them. This step helps prevent the jars from breaking when filled with hot jam and improves sealing.
- Fill and Cool Jars: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, discard the hot water from the jars and fill them with the jam, leaving 1/2 to 1 inch of headspace at the top. Cover the jars loosely with a tea towel or paper towel and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate and Freeze: After cooling, transfer the jars to the refrigerator to chill overnight. Once chilled, seal the jars and store them in the freezer for up to one year to preserve freshness.
Notes
- For a thinner jam, omit the chia seeds.
- Honey acts as a natural sweetener; adjust the quantity based on your taste preference and the sweetness of the raspberries.
- The lemon juice adds brightness and helps with preservation.
- Chia seeds not only thicken the jam but also add a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- To avoid botulism, always use clean jars and store the jam in the freezer rather than at room temperature.
- Jam will continue to thicken as it cools; avoid overcooking which can lead to a very dense texture.
