Elderberry jam is a delightful way to enjoy the rich, tangy flavor of elderberries while preserving their goodness. Whether you’ve foraged fresh elderberries or bought them frozen, making your own elderberry jam at home is easier than you might think. In this article, I’ll walk you through a friendly, step-by-step process to create a luscious elderberry jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or gifting to friends.
Why Make Elderberry Jam?
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for your pantry. Turning them into jam not only extends their shelf life but also lets you savor their unique taste year-round. Plus, homemade jam means you control the sweetness and ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors here!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients and tools to get you started:
– Elderberries: 4-5 cups fresh or frozen, cleaned and stems removed
– Sugar: About 1 cup granulated cane sugar (adjust to taste)
– Lemon juice: 1/4 cup, to brighten the flavor and help set the jam
– Pectin: 2 tablespoons (Pomona’s Universal Pectin is a great choice)
– Calcium water: 2 teaspoons (comes with Pomona’s Pectin, helps jam set)
– Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm spice note
– Sterilized jars and lids for storing your jam
You’ll also need a large saucepan, a wooden spoon, a potato masher or spoon for mashing berries, and a sieve if you want a smoother jam without seeds.
Step-by-Step Elderberry Jam Recipe
1. Prepare Your Elderberries
Start by washing your elderberries thoroughly and removing all stems. Stems can be bitter and are best discarded. If you’re using frozen berries, thaw them first. This ensures even cooking and better juice extraction.
2. Cook the Berries
Place the cleaned elderberries in a large saucepan. Add the lemon juice and calcium water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. The berries will soften and start to break down. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash them, releasing more juice.
3. Optional: Strain for Smoothness
If you prefer jam without seeds and skins, strain the mixture through a sieve. This step reduces the yield but gives a silkier texture. If you like your jam rustic and chunky, you can skip this.
4. Add Sugar and Pectin
Mix the pectin powder with the sugar. Stir this mixture into the simmering elderberry juice. Add cinnamon if you like a hint of spice. Bring the jam back to a boil and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the jam thickens.
5. Test the Jam’s Consistency
To check if your jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s set. If not, cook for another minute and test again. This ensures your jam won’t be runny.
6. Jar Your Jam
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids. For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, store them in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.
Tips for Perfect Elderberry Jam
– Remove stems carefully: Elderberry stems can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so make sure to remove them all.
– Use fresh or frozen berries: Both work well, but dried elderberries are better suited for syrups than jam.
– Adjust sweetness: Elderberries can be tart, so feel free to add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter jam.
– Add apple juice concentrate: Some recipes suggest adding frozen apple juice concentrate to enhance flavor and natural pectin, helping the jam set better.
– Sterilize jars properly: This prevents spoilage and keeps your jam fresh longer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This elderberry jam recipe is straightforward, uses minimal ingredients, and lets the natural flavor of elderberries shine. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned jam makers alike. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the health benefits of elderberries in a tasty, versatile form.
Making elderberry jam is not just about preserving fruit—it’s about capturing a bit of nature’s magic in a jar. So gather your berries, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet rewards of homemade elderberry jam!
Enjoy your delicious elderberry jam on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or as a topping for desserts. Happy jam making!
Homemade elderberry jam is a rewarding treat that’s surprisingly easy to make and a wonderful way to savor the flavors of the season.