Winter Berry Sweet Tart (Print)

A vibrant sweet-tart blend of winter berries, perfect for spreading or adding to yogurt.

# What You Need:

→ Berries

01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
04 - 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

→ Sweeteners & Acid

05 - 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

→ Setting Agents

08 - 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
09 - 1 tablespoon powdered fruit pectin (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine all berries, grated apple, and orange zest if using.
02 - Add lemon juice and granulated sugar, stirring well to blend; let stand for 10 minutes to macerate.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
04 - Reduce heat and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens.
05 - If a firmer consistency is desired, stir in powdered pectin and cook an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
06 - Test jam readiness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s set.
07 - Remove from heat, skim off any foam, and ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼-inch headspace before sealing.
08 - Allow to cool. Refrigerate jam and use within one month, or process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for extended storage.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns forgotten frozen fruit into something that tastes like you planned it all along.
  • The tartness from cranberries balances the sweetness beautifully, so its never cloying.
  • You can spread it, swirl it, or spoon it straight from the jar without judgment.
02 -
  • Stir often during the simmer or the sugar will scorch on the bottom and ruin the whole batch.
  • The wrinkle test is the most reliable way to check if your jam is set, so keep a plate in the freezer before you start.
03 -
  • Sterilize your jars by running them through the dishwasher or boiling them for 10 minutes, it makes a real difference in how long the jam stays fresh.
  • If your jam turns out too runny, you can pour it back into the pot, add a little more pectin, and simmer it again until it sets.

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