Last Updated on December 24, 2023
Bear jam is a delicious and unique way to make use of all the wild, sweet berry flavors of the season! This recipe is made with fresh or frozen berries and is perfect to spread on toast, croissants, and even use as a topping for ice cream.
It’s a great way to enjoy the natural flavors of the season and is a great way to preserve the wild berries for the winter months. So if you’re ready to learn how to make your own bear jam, then let’s get started!
What is Bear Jam?
Bear jam is a homemade preserve made with fresh or frozen wild berries. It’s a sweet and fruity spread that’s perfect for toast, muffins, croissants, and more.
It’s a great way to enjoy the natural flavors of the season and is a great way to preserve the wild berries for the winter months.
Why You’ll Love this Bear Jam?
This bear jam recipe is incredibly easy to make and is a great way to use up all the wild berries that are in season.
It’s also very versatile – you can use it as a topping for ice cream, as a filling for pastries, or even as a spread for toast. And, best of all, it’s a great way to preserve wild berries for the winter months.
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The Ingredients
8 handfuls of fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries): The berries are the star of the jam, providing the fruity flavor and natural sweetness. They also contain pectin, which helps the jam thicken.
1/2 tsp of clarified butter (optional, to reduce foaming): Clarified butter is sometimes used in jam-making to reduce foaming during the cooking process. It helps prevent excessive bubbling and foam formation on the surface of the jam, resulting in a clearer final product.
4 cups of organic granulated sugar: Sugar acts as a preservative and sweetens the jam. It also combines with the pectin in the fruit to help the jam set and achieve the right consistency.
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lemon juice serves multiple purposes in jam-making. It adds acidity, which helps the pectin in the fruit to gel and set properly. Additionally, it brightens the flavor of the berries and balances the sweetness from the sugar.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Berries
- Fresh Berries: Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Frozen Berries: If using frozen berries, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in a pot until softened.
Step 2: Sterilize Jars
- Wash the jam jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly.
- Place the washed jars and lids in an oven preheated to 250°F (121°C) for approximately 15 minutes to sterilize. Keep them warm until ready to fill.
Step 3: Cooking the Berries
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the berries and slightly mash them using a potato masher or fork to release their juices.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
- Pour the required amount of sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mashed berries. Stir well to combine until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Step 5: Cooking the Jam
- Place the pot over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. You can add clarified butter at this stage to reduce foaming, if desired.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 7: Test for Gel Stage
- As the mixture boils, monitor its temperature with a candy thermometer. The target temperature is around 220°F (105°C) – the gel stage for jam. Alternatively, perform a gel test by placing a small amount of the hot jam on a chilled plate. If it thickens and wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s ready.
Step 8: Final Steps
- Once the jam reaches the gel stage, remove it from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface.
Step 9: Fill Jars
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
Step 10: Seal and Store
- Place the lids on the jars and screw them on tightly. Let the jars cool to room temperature. You should hear the lids pop as they cool, indicating a good seal. Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated.
Step 11: Enjoy
- Your homemade berry jam is now ready to savor! Spread it on toast, pastries, or use it as a delicious topping.
Notes
• Make sure to use the best quality berries you can find for this jam.
• You can use fresh or frozen berries for this recipe.
• You can also add other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor.
• If you want a thicker jam, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture before simmering.
• You can store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
This bear jam recipe makes approximately 1 ½ cups of jam and each serving (1 tablespoon) contains approximately:
• 65 calories
• 0 grams of fat
• 7 grams of carbohydrates
• 0 grams of protein
How to Store Bear Jam?
This bear jam recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Variations
• Add a tablespoon of fresh ginger or ground ginger to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Replace the vanilla extract with a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
• Use frozen fruit such as strawberries, peaches, or mangoes instead of berries for a different flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed for an extra boost of nutrition.
Equipment
- Jar
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups of organic granulated sugar
- 8 handfuls of fresh or frozen berries raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries
- 1/2 tsp of clarified butter optional, to reduce foaming
Instructions
- Wash the berries thoroughly if they’re fresh. If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in a pot until softened.
- Wash the jam jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well, then place in a 250°F oven for about 15 minutes to sterilize. Keep them warm until ready to fill.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the berries and mash them slightly using a potato masher or a fork to release their juices.
- Pour the sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mashed berries. Stir well to combine. The sugar will start to dissolve as it mixes with the berries.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the clarified butter at this stage to help reduce foaming, if desired.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
- As the mixture boils, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You’re aiming for around 220°F (105°C), which is the gel stage for jam. Alternatively, perform a gel test by placing a small amount of the hot jam on a chilled plate. If it thickens and wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s ready.
- Once the jam reaches the gel stage, remove it from the heat. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw them on tightly. Let the jars cool to room temperature. As the jam cools, you should hear the lids pop, indicating a good seal. Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated.
- Your homemade bear jam is ready to be enjoyed on toast, pastries, or as a delicious topping!
Notes
- Make sure to use the best quality berries you can find for this jam.
- You can use fresh or frozen berries for this recipe.
- You can also add other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor.
- If you want a thicker jam, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture before simmering.
- You can store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does bear jam last?
A1. Bear jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Q2. Is the bear jam recipe healthy?
A2. Yes, bear jam is a healthy recipe. It is made with fresh or frozen berries and has no added preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Q3. Can I use frozen berries to make bear jam?
A3. Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen berries to make bear jam.
Q4. Is bear jam easy to make?
A4. Yes, bear jam is very easy to make. All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a saucepan, simmer it, and then transfer it to a jar or container.
Q5. What can I use bear jam for?
A5. Bear jam can be used as a topping for ice cream, as a filling for pastries, or even as a spread for toast.
Q6. Can I add other ingredients to bear jam?
A6. Yes, you can add other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, or ginger to the bear jam for extra flavor.
Q7. Can I freeze bear jam?
A7. Yes, bear jam can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
Bear jam is a delicious and unique way to make use of all the wild, sweet berry flavors of the season! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect to spread on toast, croissants, and even use as a topping for ice cream. You can use fresh or frozen berries and add other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor.
Bear jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. So if you’re ready to make your own bear jam, then let’s get started!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
