How to Make Delicious Cherry Jam at Home in 6 Easy Steps

Summer is the perfect time for cherries and making jam is a great way to preserve their goodness for the whole year. Cherry jam is a delicious addition to any breakfast table and it’s quite easy to make. If you’ve never made jam before, don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you may think and with a small amount of effort, you can make a great homemade jam that tastes much better than the store-bought one.

Making cherry jam requires a few basic ingredients and some simple steps that are easy to follow. The process is a bit time-consuming, but it’s not hard and the end result will be worth it. Just imagine the joy of having a shelf full of jars of homemade jam to enjoy all winter long. So roll up your sleeves, turn on some music, and let’s get started making cherry jam.

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1. Choosing and Preparing Cherries

Selection of Cherries

Cherries used for jam-making should be firm, ripe, and free from blemishes, bruises, or any signs of decay. When selecting cherries, look for those that are deep red in color and have a sweet smell. Avoid cherries that are wrinkled, have soft spots, or are starting to mold.

Washing and Pitting Cherries

Before making jam, the cherries need to be washed thoroughly. Gently rinse the cherries in a colander under running water. Next, remove the stems and pits from the cherries. This can be done with a cherry pitter, or by using a sharp knife to slice the cherry in half and remove the pit manually.

2. Preparing the Jam Ingredients

Ingredients

To make cherry jam, you will need cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Pectin is a natural gelling agent that helps the jam thicken. It can be found in specialty stores or online. The amount of sugar and pectin required will depend on the quantity of cherries used.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Stir the ingredients together, and then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Cooking the Cherry Jam

Setting the Jam

To test if the jam is ready, you can use the plate test. Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Remove it from the freezer, and spoon a small amount of the hot jam onto the plate. Place the plate back in the freezer for a minute. After a minute, push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and forms a skin, the jam is ready.

Bottling and Storing the Jam

Once the jam has set, remove it from the heat. Using a ladle, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. Place the lids on tightly and then process the jars in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. Once the jars have cooled, check that the lids are sealed properly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

4. Tips and Tricks for Making Cherry Jam

Add Spices to the Jam

To add a little bit of extra flavor to your jam, consider adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can also add vanilla extract or almond extract for a unique twist on the classic cherry flavor.

Use Different Sugar Types

While white granulated sugar is the most commonly used sugar for jam-making, you can also experiment with different types of sugar. Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be used to give the jam a different flavor profile.

5. Cherry Jam Recipe Variations

Cherry and Vanilla Jam

To make cherry and vanilla jam, simply add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the jam mixture before cooking. This will give the jam a subtle vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherry.

Spiced Cherry Jam

For a spicier version of cherry jam, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the jam mixture before cooking. This will give the jam a warming kick and a deliciously spiced flavor.

6. Conclusion
Making cherry jam is a perfect way to preserve the delicious flavors of summer cherries all year round. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a delicious and flavorful jam that will be enjoyed by family and friends alike. Customize the recipe to suit your tastes and enjoy your homemade cherry jam on toast, with yogurt, or as part of your favorite dessert.

Preparing the Cherries

Cherry jam is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to preserve cherries. But before you start making your jam, you need to make sure that you have the right cherries, and that you prepare them properly. In this section, we’ll explore the best cherries for making jam, and we’ll walk you through step by step on how to prepare them.

Choosing the Right Cherries

When making cherry jam, you want to use sour cherries. Sour cherries are smaller and have a bright red color compared to sweet cherries. The best sour cherries for making jam are the Montmorency cherries. You can find these cherries in most grocery stores or farmer’s markets during the summer months.

Washing and Pitting the Cherries

Once you have your cherries, the next step is to wash and pit them. You’ll need to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that might be on them. You can use a colander to rinse them under running water.

To pit the cherries, you can either use a cherry pitter or a knife. A cherry pitter is a small handheld gadget that removes the pit easily. If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a knife. Simply cut around the pit and remove it. This process can be time-consuming, so you might want to go with a cherry pitter.

Slicing and Mashing the Cherries

After pitting the cherries, you can slice them into smaller pieces using a sharp knife. You can also mash them with a potato masher or fork if you prefer a smoother texture. The sliced or mashed cherries will cook down quickly, so you don’t have to worry about chopping them too small.

Measuring the Cherries

Once you have your cherries chopped or mashed, you’ll need to measure them. For every pound of cherries, you’ll need one cup of sugar and one tablespoon of lemon juice. So, if you have four pounds of cherries, you’ll need four cups of sugar and four tablespoons of lemon juice.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large pot, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to let the sugar dissolve and draw out the cherry juices.

Boiling the Mixture

After the 10 minutes, turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until it thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Testing for Gel

To test if your jam is ready, you can do a gel test. Place a small amount of jam on a plate and let it cool for a few minutes. If it forms a gel-like consistency, it’s ready. If it’s runny, continue cooking it for a few more minutes and do the gel test again.

Cooling and Storing

After the jam has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Skim any foam off the top with a spoon. Pour the jam into sterilized jars. Close the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Using the Extra Cherries

Don’t throw away the leftover cherries! You can use them to make cherry syrup for ice cream, cherry sauce for pork, or even cherry salsa for chips. You can also freeze the cherries to use in smoothies or pies. There are many ways to use cherries, so get creative!

Conclusion

Making cherry jam is easy and satisfying. It requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a jar of delicious cherry jam in no time. With the right cherries and proper preparation, you can enjoy this sweet treat all year round.

Preparing the Cherries

Now that you have decided to make cherry jam, it’s time to prepare the cherries. Here are some subheadings that will help you prepare them:

Choosing the Right Cherries

Choosing the right cherries is essential for making a delicious cherry jam. When you go to the grocery store, look for cherries that are deep red, plump, and firm. Avoid cherries that are mushy, discolored, or have bruises. If you have access to a cherry tree, pick the cherries when they are ripe, which is usually in late June or early July. Once you have the cherries, wash them thoroughly and remove the stems and pits. You can use a cherry pitter or a small knife to remove the pits.

Measuring the Ingredients

Before you start making the cherry jam, you need to measure the ingredients accurately. For every pound of cherries, you will need one cup of sugar and one tablespoon of lemon juice. If you want to make a large batch of jam, you can double or triple the recipe, but make sure you use the same ratio of ingredients.

Sterilizing the Jars

Sterilizing the jars is important to prevent the growth of bacteria in the cherry jam. Wash the jars and lids with hot soapy water and rinse them well. Place the jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water and boil them for 10 minutes. Use tongs to remove the jars and lids from the pot and place them on a clean towel to dry.

Mashing the Cherries

Mashing the cherries before cooking them will release their juices and help them cook faster. You can use a potato masher or a fork to mash the cherries. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can use a blender or a food processor to puree the cherries.

Cooking the Cherries

Cooking the cherries is the final step in making cherry jam. Place the mashed cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot or saucepan, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Skim any foam that rises to the top with a spoon. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Use a ladle to pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch of headspace. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and let them cool to room temperature. The lids should pop down as they cool, indicating that the jars are sealed. Label the jars with the name and date of the jam and store them in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

In conclusion, making cherry jam is a fun and easy way to enjoy the delicious flavor of fresh cherries all year round. By following these simple steps, you can make a batch of cherry jam that is perfect for toast, scones, or even as a topping for ice cream!

Enjoy Your Homemade Cherry Jam!

And there you have it! Making jam from cherries is a simple but rewarding process that you can easily reproduce in your own kitchen. We hope you found our step-by-step guide helpful and informative. Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious cherry jam and maybe even spread it on some fresh toast. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again for more homemade recipes and tips!