Apple and pear jams are both delicious, versatile condiments that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking for a classic apple jam to slather on your morning toast or a unique pear jam to add a touch of sweetness to your next cheese plate, there's a recipe out there to suit your taste. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create your own homemade apple or pear jam that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
APPLE OR PEAR JAM
Thicker than applesauce, thinner than apple butter, apple jam is its own delight entirely. No food mill or masher is required: Most apples will break down into a thick, glossy mash on their own. The few bits of apple here and there even enhance the texture. Pears work equally well here, but keep in mind that their lower pectin content and acidity levels mean they'll be a touch less jamlike than a batch made with apples.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories breakfast, brunch, jams, jellies and preserves
Time 2h
Yield About 4 to 6 cups (4 to 6 8-ounce jars)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place a small plate in the refrigerator to chill. (You'll use this later.)
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, cover fruit and any add-ins (see note) with 4 cups/960 milliliters of water. Bring to a strong simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until water is reduced by about 3/4, and fruit is soft and tender (or even falling apart slightly), 20 to 30 minutes.
- Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently as the jam cooks and juices thicken until most of the liquid has evaporated and the fruit has really started to break down, another 30 to 40 minutes.
- As the jam cooks, the liquid reduces, the sugars thicken and the natural pectins activate. You'll notice the liquid go from a rapid, rolling boil with smaller bubbles to a slow, thick, tarlike boil with larger bubbles: This is the stage at which it's most important to stir constantly along the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching and sticking. (Sugar is heavier than water and will concentrate there, increasing any chance of the fruit burning.) It's also the stage at which splattering may occur, so take care in stirring.
- When the jam reaches a slow, thick boil, add lemon juice and incorporate any of the add-ins and continue to cook, stirring constantly until the jam has returned to its previously thickened state, about another 5 minutes. At this stage, the jam should look like a coarse, shiny applesauce. But if you'd really like to be sure, spoon a bit of jam onto the chilled plate, return it to the refrigerator and chill for 2 minutes. Drag your finger through it: It should hold its shape on either side without appearing watery or runny. If it doesn't, cook it a few minutes more.
- Using a spoon or other utensil, pick out any spices or vanilla beans. Divide between jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space from the top of the jar, and seal immediately. Can the jams (see our How to Make Jam guide for more instruction), or store in the refrigerator, using them up within a couple of weeks.
PEAR JAM
This has been my favorite jam since I was a little girl. We moved around a lot when I was young; my Grandmother would send this jam to us so that we still felt we were close to 'Grandma's house.' I love it on warm homemade bread or peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Enjoy!
Provided by foodinmybelly
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Jams and Jellies Recipes
Time 1h35m
Yield 64
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix pears, fruit pectin, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large heavy pot; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar all at once, stirring, and bring back to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute. Mix in butter to settle foam.
- Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the pear jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
- Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 98.5 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 0.2 mg, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 0.6 mg, Sugar 24.6 g
APPLE PIE JAM
Although I've been canning for years, I've never found a good apple pie jam recipe, so I created this one. My husband of 41 years and I love this jam so much because it tastes just like apple pie...without the crust! -Audrey Godell, Stanton, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 40m
Yield 7 half-pints.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, combine apples and water. Cover and cook slowly until tender. Measure 4-1/2 cups apples; return to the pan. (Save remaining apple mixture for another use or discard.) , Stir in sugar and butter. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin. Continue to boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. , Remove from heat; skim off foam. Stir in spices. Carefully ladle hot mixture into seven hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 76 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 1mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
APPLE OR PEAR GINGER JAM
Old Victorian recipe from my grandmother. It works well with pears too if you get a bumper crop. Original was in imperial measure. Ginger can vary in intensity so taste and try before adding. Use as a tangy jam or in tartlets.
Provided by Yppolita
Categories Apple
Time 1h30m
Yield 9 1/2-10 8 oz. jars.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Use a trivet under the pot.
- Stew the apples gently in 10 fl.oz. water until applesauce consistency (I mash with potato masher).
- Add 12 oz. by weight of sugar for each pint (20 fl.oz.) of apple sauce and bring to the boil. Simmer lightly.
- Add the lemon juice and rind.
- Weigh,rough chop the ginger and add to apples.
- Bring back to boiling point (caution this scorches easily). Test for set. This is quick because of the natural pectin.
- Bottle in sterilised jars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.9, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 2, Carbohydrate 27.2, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 20.1, Protein 0.5
APPLE JAM
Make up jars of homemade apple jam and gift to friends and family. It's delicious spread simply on toast, or as a filling in your favourite cakes and bakes
Provided by Adam Bush
Time 55m
Yield Makes 2 x 500g jars
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Put a small plate in the freezer. Tip the chopped apple and caster sugar into a large saucepan along with 350ml of water and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Cook gently, stirring regularly, for 30 mins until the apples have collapsed.
- Stir in the lemon juice, add the cinnamon stick and simmer gently for another 2-3 mins until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Remove the small plate from the freezer and drop a little of the mix onto it. Leave for a few seconds - it should be fairly firm. If it's still a little runny, put the pan back of the heat and simmer for another 10-15 mins. Put the plate back in the freezer and test again, it should now be ready.
- Divide between clean, sterilised jars and seal. Will keep for three months in a cool, dry place. Once opened, chill and use within one month.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 35 calories, Fat 0.1 grams fat, Carbohydrate 8.4 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8.4 grams sugar, Fiber 0.4 grams fiber, Protein 0.1 grams protein
Tips:
- Use ripe, fresh apples or pears for the best flavor and texture.
- Peel and core the apples or pears before cooking, if desired. This will give the jam a smoother texture, but it is not necessary.
- Add sugar to taste. The amount of sugar you add will depend on the sweetness of the apples or pears and your personal preference.
- Cook the jam over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency. This may take 30 minutes or more.
- To test the consistency of the jam, place a small amount on a cold plate. If the jam wrinkles when you push your finger through it, it is ready.
- Store the jam in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 6 months.
Conclusion:
Apple or pear jam is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or yogurt. It can also be used as a filling for pies, tarts, and other desserts. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can easily make your own apple or pear jam at home. So next time you have a surplus of apples or pears, don't let them go to waste! Make a batch of apple or pear jam and enjoy the delicious results all year long.
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