| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 548 | 0g | 0g | 140g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 135g | 4g | 1g | 0g |
Oh, the delightful magic of Salal Berry Jam. The Pacific Northwest-originated salal berry is a bold and juicy fruit that simply sings when transformed into a spreadable delight. You might not be familiar with it, but I promise you, this is going to become your new favorite fruit jam. I was raised in California, with its bountiful harvests and fresh, bold flavor pairings that inspire my cooking style. The bright and interesting flavors of the salal berry remind me of home and all its aromatic richness.
Falling in Love with Salal Berry
I came across salal berries on a trip to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A luscious, wild fruit with a deep, earthy sweetness that instantly seduced my palate. Glass jars of Salal Berry Jam have become a regular feature in my kitchen since then, delivering their sweet, tangy punch to many a dish, in a health-conscious manner that I value as a California-native.
A Taste That Complements
Salal Berry Jam is not just for slathering on hot, buttered toast (though it does taste divine that way). It’s reminiscent of the blackberry or blueberry jam you might spread over a fluffy biscuit or fold into a warm croissant. But what sets salal jam apart is its unique depth of flavor – it’s wild yet balanced, much like cream cheese or fine wine. The tartness of the lemon juice marries perfectly with the sweetness of the berries, and the result is a jam that tastes fresh and vibrant, never too sweet.
If comfort food brings to mind macaroni and cheese or chicken noodle soup, then let me introduce you to the comfort food of my world – fresh, homemade jam made from the most wholesome, natural ingredients. It’s amazingly versatile, pairing well with breakfast pastries, dolloping over vanilla custard, glazing roast chicken or even as a dip for grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a comforting taste of home that I love sharing with my kids.
Healthful and Homemade
We, especially Californians, are becoming more and more health-conscious, mindful of the things we put into our bodies. And what could be more naturally nutritious than salal berries? They are rich in antioxidants that help boost the immune system. This jam, packed with Vitamin C and potassium retained from the berries and lemon juice, is a delightful treat to your taste buds and a feast to your health.
Every jar of Salal Berry Jam I prepare carries the memories of a California kitchen, a Paddle Board yoga lesson, a sunny afternoon spent in the lush vineyards. It’s sunshine, health, and happiness in a jar. And I can’t wait for you to try it!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups ripe salal berries
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) regular powdered fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Method
Step One
Thoroughly wash the salal berries and put them in a large saucepan. Crush the berries lightly with a potato masher or the back of a spoon, just enough to release their juices.
Step Two
Add the lemon juice to the crushed berries in the saucepan. Stir in the powdered fruit pectin until it is well mixed with the berries and juice.
Step Three
Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, while stirring constantly to prevent the berries and pectin from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Step Four
Once the mixture has reached a boil, immediately add the granulated sugar. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly, and boil hard for 1 minute.
Step Five
After boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface of the mixture with a metal spoon.
Step Six
Immediately pour the hot mixture into sterilized jam jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings to achieve a vacuum seal as the jam cools.
Step Seven
Let the jars of jam cool to room temperature. Check the seals and store the jam in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade salal berry jam!
