Sweet & Tangy Homemade Rhubarb Jam Recipe for Spring

Crafting a delightful rhubarb jam brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Tart and vibrant stalks promise an extraordinary spread bursting with seasonal charm.

Local gardens often overflow with these crimson-hued treasures waiting to become something spectacular.

Sweet-tangy notes dance across your palate when you transform humble rhubarb into a luscious preserve.

Homemade jam creates connections between traditional cooking and modern tastes.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity of this timeless recipe.

You’ll feel like a preserving pro once those gleaming jars line your pantry shelf.

Each spoonful whispers stories of spring’s first harvest.

Why Rhubarb Jam Recipe Is A Springtime Favorite

• Savor Quick Homemade Goodness: This rhubarb jam recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful spread in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks wanting fresh, delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible options like optional vanilla extract, allowing you to personalize the jam's flavor profile and create a unique preserve that matches your taste preferences.
• Embrace Seasonal Simplicity: Rhubarb jam captures the essence of spring and early summer, providing a wonderful way to preserve seasonal produce with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Versatile Serving Delight: Enjoy this homemade jam on toast, as a pastry filling, stirred into yogurt, or as a sweet accompaniment to breakfast dishes, making it a multi-purpose kitchen staple for any meal.

Everything That Goes Into Rhubarb Jam Recipe

• Rhubarb: A tart, pink-red vegetable with a tangy flavor, perfect for jam making. Choose firm, bright-colored stalks without blemishes.

• Sugar, Granulated White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps set the jam. Balances the tartness of rhubarb.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps with pectin development for better jam consistency. Fresh is best.
• Water: Helps create the right moisture for jam cooking. Tap water works fine.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): Adds warm, sweet undertones to complement the rhubarb's tartness. Pure vanilla extract recommended.

How To Make Rhubarb Jam Recipe From Scratch

Step 1: Rinse and Chop Rhubarb

Grab your fresh rhubarb stalks and give them a thorough wash under cool running water. Slice the stalks into small, bite-sized pieces, creating uniform chunks that will cook evenly. You’ll want about 4 cups of chopped rhubarb for this delightful jam adventure.

• Rhubarb stalks
• Cold water
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Step 2: Transform Rhubarb into Sweet Goodness

Take a medium saucepan and toss in your rhubarb pieces. Sprinkle sugar over the fruit to create a magical transformation. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist, and add a splash of water to help everything mingle together beautifully.

• Chopped rhubarb
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon
• Water

Step 3: Bring the Jam to Life

Place your saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Watch the magic happen as the mixture starts to bubble and dance. Stir frequently to prevent any sticking and ensure everything combines perfectly.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Lower the heat to create a gentle simmer. Let the rhubarb mixture cook uncovered, stirring occasionally. Watch as the rhubarb breaks down and the jam starts to thicken. This process takes about 25-30 minutes, so be patient and enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Add a Touch of Vanilla (Optional)

In the final two minutes of cooking, sprinkle in some vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. This secret ingredient will elevate your jam from delicious to absolutely incredible.

• Vanilla extract

Step 6: Cool and Store

Remove the jam from heat and let it cool completely. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to clean glass jars and seal tightly. Your homemade rhubarb jam will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks – if it lasts that long!

Helpful Tricks For Rhubarb Jam Recipe

• Chop Rhubarb Precisely: Cut rhubarb into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent jam texture. Smaller chunks help the fruit break down faster and create a smoother spread.
• Control Sugar Levels: Adjust sugar quantity based on rhubarb's natural tartness. Start with recommended amount, then taste and modify for desired sweetness without overpowering the fruit's natural flavor.
• Watch Cooking Temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent burning and allow gradual flavor development. Low and slow cooking helps rhubarb release natural pectin and achieve perfect jam consistency.
• Test Jam Readiness: Use the cold plate method to check if jam is set. Drop a small amount on a chilled plate – if it wrinkles when pushed, it's ready. This technique prevents overcooking and preserves bright rhubarb flavor.
• Store Safely: Sterilize glass jars before storing jam to extend shelf life. Cool jam completely before sealing and refrigerate for up to two weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth.

How To Store Rhubarb Jam Recipe Safely

• Seal cooled rhubarb jam in clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids for best preservation.
• Refrigerate the jam for up to 2 weeks, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
• Transfer jam to airtight containers, leaving a small space at the top to prevent overflow during storage.
• For longer preservation, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy your homemade treat well beyond the initial cooking day.

What To Pair With Rhubarb Jam Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Cheesecake: Spread this tangy rhubarb jam over a rich, smooth cheesecake for a delightful contrast between sweet creaminess and bright, tart flavors.
• Complement with Buttery Scones: Dollop the jam onto warm, freshly baked scones for a classic British-inspired breakfast or afternoon tea treat that balances sweet and zingy notes.
• Match with Crisp Sparkling Wine: Serve alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or champagne to enhance the jam's vibrant acidity and create a refreshing flavor combination.
• Enhance Grilled Meats: Use as a glaze for roasted pork or grilled chicken to add a sweet-tart dimension that cuts through rich, savory proteins.

Creative Takes On Rhubarb Jam Recipe

• Strawberry Rhubarb Fusion: Add 2 cups of chopped strawberries alongside rhubarb for a classic sweet-tart combination that enhances natural fruity flavors and creates a vibrant red color.
• Ginger Spice Boost: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger during cooking to introduce a warm, zesty undertone that complements rhubarb's tartness and adds subtle complexity.
• Lavender Infusion: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender during the simmering process to create an elegant, aromatic jam with subtle floral notes that elevate the traditional recipe.
• Orange Zest Version: Mix in 1 tablespoon of orange zest near the end of cooking to brighten the jam's flavor profile and introduce a citrusy freshness that balances rhubarb's natural tanginess.

Need Help With Rhubarb Jam Recipe? Start Here

• Is rhubarb a fruit or vegetable?

Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but it’s often used like a fruit in cooking and baking because of its sweet-tart flavor.

• How do I know when the jam is ready?

The jam is done when it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, and when you drag a spoon through it, the jam doesn’t immediately fill back in.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While you can slightly reduce sugar, too little sugar might prevent proper jam setting and could affect preservation. Consider using a low-sugar pectin if you want to decrease sugar content.

• Why add lemon juice to rhubarb jam?

Lemon juice helps activate pectin, which helps the jam set properly, and adds a bright, balanced flavor that complements the rhubarb’s natural tartness.

Rhubarb Jam Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this homemade Rhubarb Jam, capturing the essence of seasonal garden bounty with tart and sugary perfection. Smooth, spreadable, and kissed with simple ingredients, this jam will become your new favorite preserve to savor on morning toast or share with delighted friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) chopped fresh rhubarb
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse the rhubarb stalks under cool running water, removing any fibrous strings or blemishes. Slice the vibrant crimson stems into uniform, bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent cooking.
2. Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan with ample capacity to prevent overflow during the jam-making process. Transfer the chopped rhubarb into the pan.
3. Gradually introduce granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the rhubarb, creating a harmonious mixture that will develop complex flavors and natural pectin.
4. Position the saucepan over medium heat, stirring the ingredients gently to encourage even sugar dissolution and prevent potential scorching at the bottom of the pan.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a robust boil, watching as the rhubarb softens and releases its natural juices. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle, consistent simmer.
6. Continue cooking, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote an even texture. The jam will gradually thicken and transform into a glossy, jewel-toned preserve.
7. In the final moments of cooking, enhance the jam’s aromatic profile by incorporating a splash of pure vanilla extract, which will complement the rhubarb’s tangy essence.
8. Test the jam’s readiness by performing a cold plate test, ensuring it reaches the perfect spreading consistency. Remove from heat and let it rest momentarily before transferring to sterilized jars.

Notes

• Slice rhubarb uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jam.
• Use slightly underripe rhubarb for a firmer consistency and brighter color in the final preserve.
• Adjust sugar levels based on rhubarb’s natural tartness; taste and modify sweetness during cooking for balanced flavor.
• Consider adding pectin if you prefer a thicker, more gel-like jam texture that sets quickly and holds its shape.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 225
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg