How to make the best homemade jam

Jam making, a step by step instructions, made easy 

You might wonder, how to get from a punnet of fresh fruits to a delicious sticky and gorgeous jam that you can spread on your favourite bread? Well it's simple, it all starts with the following ingredients:

• The fruits, ripped and ideally in season
• Whitworths Jam Sugar
• A touch a lemon juice
• A few Kilner jars

If you follow these directions you cannot go wrong, and that is a promise. We can safely say that you could become a semi professional jam maker in no time! Once you have mastered the technique, you can make any jams, preserves or chutneys using different fruits or vegetables. Yes even using vegetables!

To make your jam, follow these directions:

1. Place a plate in the freezer to test the jam later.
2. Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan over a medium heat.
3. Stir the ingredients constantly until the fruits start to soften, then crush them using a potato masher.
4. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the jam to the boil and boil for 5 mins.
5. Test the jam by putting a small spoonful on the chilled plate. If after 30 secs a skin has formed, the jam is ready. If not, boil for a further 2 minutes and check again. Repeat until ready. Be careful not to over boil the jam or it will end up too thick.
6. Remove from the heat and skim off any scum which has formed on top and discard.
7. Let the jam sit for 5 mins and then ladle into hot sterilised jars with the help of a funnel.
8. Place a wax disc on top of the jam and cover with a lid.

To sterilise your jars, wash the jars and lids in warm soapy water and rinse. While still wet, place them upside down on a baking tray and pop them into a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C fan for 15 mins.

And you are done :) just leave them to set in the fridge, and spread on toast in the morning. We personally love it on sourdough bread and a thin layer of salted butter.

You can also make a sticky tomato chutney using Dark Muscovado sugar, it is divine in burgers, or can simply be used as a dip. 

If you would like to batch cook your jam to stock up for the year or to gift to your loved ones, you can purchase our bundle of 10 bags of Jam and benefit from a sweet discount. 

Here is the process in image 

Jam recipe ideas are endless, click on this link to view our jam and preserve recipes if you need any more inspiration. 

Happy jam making and don't forget to share your jam pictures with us! Join our Facebook group for baking lovers: Whitworths Sugar Baking Lovers Group where you can post and share your creations with us and our baking friends.