1 – Collect wild fruits when they are fully ripe from nature. Whether you search for food in the woods, visit a local market, or pick fruits from your garden, select fruits that are colorful, smell good, and taste delicious.
2 – Get your fruits ready: Wash the wild fruits with cold water to clean off any dirt or debris. Take off any stems, leaves, or imperfections, and cut bigger fruits into smaller pieces. Accept the flaws of wild fruits - their different shapes and sizes give your jam a special touch.
Step 3 – Make Your Jam: In a big pot, mix together the wild fruits, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits start to soften and let out their juices. This can take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the fruits you use.
Step 4 – Checking if the jam is ready: To see if your jam is done, put a little bit on a cold plate and place it in the freezer for a minute. If the jam becomes firm and forms wrinkles when lightly touched with your finger, it is done. If not, keep cooking and test again until you reach the consistency you want.
5 – If you want your jam to be firmer or if your fruits don't have much natural pectin, you can add some commercial pectin powder or a couple of apple cores to the mixture while cooking. Pectin helps jam thicken and set correctly, making it smooth and easy to spread.
Step 6 – Clean Your Jars: While your jam is cooking, get your jars ready by washing them with hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in hot water or a dishwasher. This step makes sure your jars are clean and without any bacteria that could ruin your jam.
Step 7 – Put the jam in the jars: When your jam is ready, pour it into the jars, making sure to leave some space at the top for it to expand while stored. Clean the edges of the jars with a wet cloth, and then close them securely using the lids and rings.
Step 8: Let your homemade fruit jam cool down at room temperature before putting it in the fridge or pantry for storage. Jars that are well sealed can be kept in a cool, dark place for up to a year, but we don't think it will last that long once you try it!
Making your own jam with fresh wild fruits is a real treat that captures the flavors of summer in a sweet and tangy spread. Whether spread on bread, mixed with yogurt, or poured on pancakes, this healthy jam brings a delicious taste to your morning meal and a feeling of comfort to your heart. Also, the fact that you have made something completely by yourself makes each bite taste even better.
Making jam with wild fruits is more than just keeping the fruits fresh. It's about holding onto memories, feeling connected to nature, and feeding your body and spirit. Get your basket, go outside, and begin collecting those wild fruits. With some time, patience, and care, you will soon be able to enjoy the delicious results of your work – one jar of jam made at home at a time.
