Low Sugar Strawberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam Recipe
Summer is the perfect time to make jam, and there's nothing quite like the taste of homemade. This low sugar strawberry rhubarb freezer jam recipe is easy to make, tastes amazing, and is a healthier option than most store-bought jams. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can have a delicious jam that is perfect for spreading on toast, topping yogurt or ice cream, or using in your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this strawberry rhubarb freezer jam:
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries and rhubarb for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste, but keep in mind that reducing the sugar too much may affect the texture and shelf life of the jam.
Instructions
Here's how to make this low sugar strawberry rhubarb freezer jam:
- Wash and chop the strawberries and rhubarb into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the strawberries and rhubarb with the sugar and let sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, mix the powdered pectin with 1/4 cup of water.
- Heat the fruit mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Stir in the pectin mixture and lemon juice, and continue boiling for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
- Transfer the jam to clean, sterilized jars or freezer containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal tightly and let cool to room temperature.
- Label the jars with the date and contents, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
That's it! This low sugar strawberry rhubarb freezer jam is so easy to make, and it tastes amazing. The lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and bring out the natural flavors of the fruit. Plus, since it's a freezer jam, you don't have to worry about using a lot of sugar to preserve it.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this low sugar strawberry rhubarb freezer jam recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Replace the lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Feel free to experiment and have fun with this recipe!
Conclusion
This low sugar strawberry rhubarb freezer jam recipe is the perfect way to use up summer produce and enjoy a delicious, healthy treat. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can have a jam that is bursting with flavor and free from artificial preservatives. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious homemade jam can be!