Aronia Jam

Enjoy your homemade aronia jam on toast, scones, or as a delicious addition to your favorite recipes

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups aronia berries (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 cup water

  • 3 cups granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Berries:

    1. Rinse the aronia berries thoroughly under cold water.

    2. If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw completely.

  2. Cook the Berries:

    1. In a large pot, combine the aronia berries and water.

    2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  3. Mash the Berries:

    1. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the berries to your desired consistency. For a smoother jam, blend the berries more thoroughly.

  4. Add Sugar and Lemon Juice:

    1. Stir in the lemon juice.

    2. Gradually add the sugar, stirring constantly until it is completely dissolved.

  5. Add the Pectin:

    1. Sprinkle the powdered pectin over the berry mixture and stir well to combine.

    2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil for 1-2 minutes.

  6. Test for Doneness:

    1. To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s done. If not, continue boiling for another minute and test again.

  7. Jar the Jam:

    1. Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam from the surface.

    2. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.

    3. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and seal with sterilized lids and bands.

  8. Process the Jars:

    1. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

    2. Carefully remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely on a towel or wire rack.

  9. Store and Enjoy:

    1. Check the seals after 24 hours. If the lids have popped down and do not move when pressed, the jars are sealed properly.

    2. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

    3. Refrigerate any opened jars and use within a few weeks.

Enjoy your homemade aronia jam on toast, scones, or as a delicious addition to your favorite recipes!