It’s summer. Fresh berries abound. In addition to freezing and canning some berries, freezer jam is a simple and delicious way to preserve summer berries. Here’s what you’ll need to preserve some berries for the fall, winter, and spring eating seasons!
Freezer Jam is a Simple Way to Use Summer Berries
It’s easy and fun to make freezer jam. Those who have visions of slaving over a hot stove in the middle of August, be warned: you can if you want to, but this isn’t necessary to make freezer jam. You don’t need a canner or wax to make freezer jam.
Supplies You’ll Need To Make Freezer Jam
Freezer jam requires very few supplies. You’ll need canning jars, lids, and screw tops. Tiny jars are good for gifts, while the larger 500ml jars are good for home use. Remember that freezer jam only lasts two weeks in the fridge, so choose accordingly.
You will also need a sweetener, usually white sugar. This not only helps the jam taste sweet, but it also helps the jam get a little more solid and sticky and act like store-bought jam.
Finally, you’ll need pectin. You can find freezer jam pectin near the canning jars in many stores. Choose the pectin that has been specifically made for no cook freezer jam, or the pectin may not work.
The Best Berries for Freezer Jam
The best berries for freezer jam are those that have a relatively consistent texture. Large chunks of berries tend to separate from the rest of the jam, leaving you with a cluster of berries floating at the top of your jam. Raspberries and other berries like them have a very consistent texture, and mash and freeze well. Thoroughly mash or partially blend larger berries to ensure that your jam does not separate. Fresh berries are an excellent choice, though frozen berries will also make good jam, and may be easier to mash when thawed.
Where to Find Canning Supplies
Canning supplies turn up in the oddest of locations. For years, I have gotten my canning supplies at the local auto and home supply store. Grocery stores sometimes carry canning supplies too, but shop around for the best prices and for sales. Canning jars can be very expensive if you don’t catch them on sale.
Ask older neighbors if they have any canning supplies that they don’t need any more. Garage sales and thrift stores are also good places to find jars, though you’ll need to check them carefully for cracks and other damage.
Creative Decorations for Jam Jars
Look at garage sales, thrift stores, and discount craft supply stores for stickers to use as labels for your jam jars. Also look for decorative fabric and pinking shears – these make excellent decorations for jam jar lids.
Making freezer jam is a great messy activity to do in the summer. Be prepared with an empty stomach and strong arms, and eat and mash away!
