Jam

This simple method of making jam offers a a delicious and effective way of preserving berries, larger fruits and even some vegetables.

Traditionally, jam was a way to preserve food for the colder months when fresh produce was unavailable. But it’s so delicious and popular that it’s become an end in its own right. It’s also really satisfying to make at home and, as we will demonstrate, pretty easy too.

Ingredients

500g strawberries
500g jam sugar
1 teaspoon of pink peppercorns
1 teaspoon of lemon juice

1. Put a plate or saucer in the freezer before you start. We’ll need it later
2. Pick your fruit
3. Use equal amounts of fruit and jam sugar (which contains pectin)
4. Add the peppercorns and lemon juice, to deepen the flavour
5. Stir together and cook on a low to medium heat until the sugar dissolves
6. It can be tweaked, especially when using different fruits or vegetables, or if you prefer it a little less sweet. Just be aware that altering the ratios will also affect the consistency and ‘set’.
7. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, bring it up to 105C (using a food thermometer)
8. Once that happens, it’s time for the so-called ‘wrinkle test’ – add a spoonful of the jam from the freezer
9. Give it a few moments to cool (it will be very hot), then gently push your finger along the surface of the plate, into the mixture and see if it wrinkles.
10. As soon as it does pass the wrinkle test, remove from the heat
11. That’s it – your own homemade jam!