Homemade Cherry Jam
Homemade Cherry Jam
Ingredients
- 1 kg cherries, stems and pits removed
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 lemon peel, strips, no white pith
- 2 orange peel, strips, no white pith
- a few sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 apple, grated
Instructions
- 1
Ensure all cherries have their stems and pits removed. This is a crucial step for a smooth jam.
⏱️ 15 min
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the prepared cherries, sugar, lemon peel strips, orange peel strips, fresh thyme sprigs, fresh lemon juice, and grated apple.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve and the flavors meld.
⏱️ 1 min
- 4
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring periodically. The jam should thicken as it cooks.
⏱️ 30 min
- 5
Carefully remove the thyme sprigs and citrus peels from the jam mixture. They have imparted their flavor and are no longer needed.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, lightly mash the cherries in the pot to achieve your desired jam consistency. Some chunks are desirable for homemade jam.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a cold plate (you can chill a plate in the freezer beforehand). Let it sit for about 30 seconds, then push it with your finger. If the jam wrinkles and stays separated, it has reached the setting point. If it runs back together, continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes and retest.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, immediately place the pot into a larger bowl or sink filled with ice water. This ice bath will rapidly cool the jam and stop the cooking process, preserving its fresh flavor and color.
⏱️ 10 min
- 9
Allow the jam to cool completely in the pot, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, spoon the jam into clean, sterilized jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy your homemade cherry jam!
⏱️ 120 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Homemade Cherry Jam
- 1 kg cherries, stems and pits removed
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 lemon peel, strips, no white pith
- 2 orange peel, strips, no white pith
- a few sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 apple, grated
Instructions
- 1
Ensure all cherries have their stems and pits removed. This is a crucial step for a smooth jam.
⏱️ 15 min - 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the prepared cherries, sugar, lemon peel strips, orange peel strips, fresh thyme sprigs, fresh lemon juice, and grated apple.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve and the flavors meld.
⏱️ 1 min - 4
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring periodically. The jam should thicken as it cooks.
⏱️ 30 min - 5
Carefully remove the thyme sprigs and citrus peels from the jam mixture. They have imparted their flavor and are no longer needed.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, lightly mash the cherries in the pot to achieve your desired jam consistency. Some chunks are desirable for homemade jam.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a cold plate (you can chill a plate in the freezer beforehand). Let it sit for about 30 seconds, then push it with your finger. If the jam wrinkles and stays separated, it has reached the setting point. If it runs back together, continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes and retest.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, immediately place the pot into a larger bowl or sink filled with ice water. This ice bath will rapidly cool the jam and stop the cooking process, preserving its fresh flavor and color.
⏱️ 10 min - 9
Allow the jam to cool completely in the pot, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, spoon the jam into clean, sterilized jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy your homemade cherry jam!
⏱️ 120 min