Sweet & Tangy Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe for Beginners

Sweet summer memories bloom with this nostalgic strawberry rhubarb jam that connects generations of home cooks.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers tales of countryside gardens and lazy afternoon preserving.

Bright red berries dance alongside tart rhubarb stalks, creating a symphony of flavors both vibrant and comforting.

Pectin and sugar weave magic into each spoonful, capturing seasonal abundance in a single jar.

Local farmers market finds shine in this simple preserve that celebrates fresh ingredients.

Weekend mornings feel extra special when spreading this luscious jam across warm toast or buttermilk biscuits.

Grab a wooden spoon and let’s preserve summer’s essence together – this recipe promises deliciousness in every bite.

Why Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe Wins Hearts

• Craft Seasonal Delights: Capture the essence of spring and early summer by transforming fresh rhubarb and strawberries into a vibrant, homemade jam that bursts with natural sweetness and tangy notes.
• Master Simple Preservation: Learn an easy canning technique that allows you to enjoy summer's bounty long after the season ends, with a recipe that requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment.
• Create Versatile Spread: Enjoy this jam as a delectable companion to toast, scones, yogurt, or as a sweet filling for pastries, making it a kitchen staple that elevates multiple dishes with its rich, fruity flavor.
• Quick Weekend Project: Whip up this jam in just over an hour, providing a satisfying cooking experience that delivers delicious homemade results without consuming an entire day.

Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Rhubarb: Tart vegetable that provides a tangy flavor and helps create jam's texture, best when bright red and firm.
• Strawberries: Sweet fruit that balances rhubarb's tartness and adds rich color, choose ripe and deeply red berries.

• Pectin: Natural fruit-based thickener that helps jam set and achieve proper consistency, commercial varieties work best.
• Sugar: Essential for sweetness, preservation, and helping jam set, use pure granulated white sugar.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness, helps activate pectin, and balances sweetness, fresh juice preferred over bottled.

How To Make Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Fresh Fruit

• Rhubarb
• Strawberries
• Lemon juice

Place all ingredients into a spacious saucepan. Gently warm over medium heat, stirring softly. Allow the fruits to simmer and slowly break down, creating a beautiful ruby-colored mixture. This process typically takes around 45-60 minutes.

Step 2: Activate Pectin Magic

Sprinkle pectin into the simmering fruit blend. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous, bubbling boil that doesn’t stop when stirred.

Step 3: Sweeten The Mixture

Pour sugar into the boiling fruit in one swift motion. Keep stirring continuously. Return the mixture to a powerful rolling boil. Maintain this intense boil for exactly one minute, watching the transformation happen.

Step 4: Prepare For Preservation

Remove the pan from heat. Use a clean spoon to skim off any frothy bubbles floating on top. This ensures a smooth, glossy jam texture.

Step 5: Jar The Delicious Creation

Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized glass jars. Leave a small space at the top. Wipe jar rims meticulously to ensure a perfect seal. Secure lids and rings tightly.

Top Tips For Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe

• Boost Fruit Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to enhance the natural sweetness of strawberries and rhubarb, creating a more complex and vibrant jam profile.
• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Ensure sugar dissolves completely by stirring constantly during the boiling process, which helps create a smooth, glossy jam texture.
• Customize Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantity based on fruit ripeness and personal preference, using less sugar for tarter jam or more for a sweeter spread.
• Master Pectin Technique: Cook jam until it reaches the perfect gel consistency by using the cold plate test – place a small amount on a chilled plate and check if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger.
• Extend Shelf Life: Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year, or keep refrigerated for immediate consumption within 3-4 weeks after opening.

Store Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe With Ease

• Keep your freshly made strawberry rhubarb jam in a cool, dark pantry when sealed properly in sterilized canning jars.
• Unopened jars will maintain peak flavor and quality for up to 12 months when stored at room temperature.
• Refrigerate the jam after opening and consume within 3-4 weeks for the best taste and texture.
• Always check for any signs of mold or unusual odors before enjoying, and use clean utensils when scooping to prevent contamination and extend the jam's shelf life.

Pair Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe With These Treats

• Pair with Creamy Cheesecake: Spread the homemade strawberry rhubarb jam over a slice of classic New York-style cheesecake for a tangy-sweet contrast that elevates both the dessert and the jam.
• Match with Buttery Croissants: Slather the jam generously on warm, flaky croissants for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience that highlights the jam's vibrant fruity flavors.
• Complement with Smooth Goat Cheese: Create a stunning appetizer by spreading the jam over a creamy goat cheese log, serving with crisp crackers for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
• Blend into Morning Cocktails: Mix a spoonful of the jam into a morning mimosa or sparkling wine for a fruity twist that adds depth and complexity to your weekend brunch drink.

Twists On Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe To Try

• Berry Garden Mix: Swap half the strawberries with fresh raspberries or blackberries for a complex, multi-berry flavor profile that adds depth and vibrant color to the classic jam.
• Spiced Warmth Edition: Incorporate ground cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg during the cooking process to create a warming undertone that complements the tangy rhubarb and sweet strawberries.
• Citrus Infusion Style: Add orange or lime zest while cooking to brighten the jam's overall taste, providing a subtle citrusy note that enhances the fruit's natural sweetness and tanginess.
• Herbal Elegance Version: Steep fresh mint leaves or lavender during the initial simmering stage, then remove before adding pectin, to introduce a delicate herbal essence that elevates the jam's complexity.

FAQs About Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe

• Why do I need to add pectin to the jam?

Pectin helps the jam set and thicken properly, ensuring a perfect spreadable consistency that isn’t too runny or too stiff.

• Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to maintain the right jam texture.

• How can I tell if my jam has reached the right consistency?

When the jam coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear trail when you run your finger through it, or when it wrinkles slightly when you push it on a chilled plate, it’s ready.

• Is it necessary to use lemon juice in this recipe?

Lemon juice helps activate the pectin, adds a bright flavor, and helps preserve the jam’s vibrant color by preventing fruit from browning.

Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam brings summer’s sweetest flavors into a single spread, celebrating the perfect balance of tart rhubarb and luscious strawberries. Smooth and silky, this jam connects kitchen creativity with seasonal bounty, letting taste buds explore pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 3 cups (720 ml) chopped fresh rhubarb (about 34 stalks)
• 2 cups (480 ml) hulled and chopped fresh strawberries

Thickening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 box (1.75 ounces / 49 grams) powdered fruit pectin
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Sweetener:

• 4 cups (800 grams) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Chop rhubarb and strawberries into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jam.
2. Place prepared fruit in a spacious heavy-bottomed pot, incorporating fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor and aid in preservation.
3. Gently heat the fruit mixture over medium-low temperature, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote gradual fruit breakdown.
4. Sprinkle pectin evenly across the softening fruit, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure smooth integration.
5. Gradually elevate the heat, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous, bubbling boil that cannot be stirred down.
6. Pour granulated sugar into the boiling fruit in one swift motion, continuously stirring to prevent scorching and create a uniform consistency.
7. Maintain the robust boil for precisely 60 seconds, watching carefully to prevent overflow and ensure proper jam setting.
8. Remove the pot from heat, using a metal spoon to delicately skim away any foam accumulating on the surface.
9. Carefully transfer the molten jam into sanitized glass containers, leaving minimal headspace to prevent air exposure.
10. Thoroughly cleanse jar rims with a pristine cloth, then secure with sterilized lids and rings.
11. Choose between two preservation methods: either process jars in a rolling water bath for 10 minutes or refrigerate immediately for shorter-term storage.

Notes

• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar for a more tart jam or adding honey as a natural alternative sweetener.
• Swap fresh strawberries with frozen during off-season, ensuring similar texture and flavor intensity.
• Use pectin-free method by cooking fruit longer to naturally release pectin, perfect for those avoiding commercial thickeners.
• Store jam in cool, dark pantry for up to one year when properly processed, or refrigerate for immediate consumption within 3-4 weeks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg