| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 324 | 1g | 0g | 82g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 72g | 2g | 1g | 0g |
Southern cooking draws from many diverse traditions, ingredients, and flavors, and fresh, homemade preserves like this delightful Cloudberry Jam are no exception. The charm of this recipe resides not just in its simplicity, but also in the unbeatable blend of tartness and sweetness that emerges from its star ingredient – cloudberries. This rare fruit offers a unique depth of flavor that leaves a lingering tanginess on your tongue, making it captivating to the palate.
The Unique Appeal of Cloudberries
Native to the cool climates of the Northern Hemisphere, cloudberries are a delicacy seldom experienced by many, but cherished by those who have. Being a fruit from my coastal homeland of Charleston, South Carolina, cloudberries carry a special place in my heart, much like perfect picnic spots near the shore or the hush of the sea during an early sunrise surf.
The Cloudberry Jam recipe allows this distinctive and tangy fruit to sing, framed eloquently by the sweet and simple symphony of sugar, water, and a hint of lemon. The addition of fruit pectin ensures that your jam attains the right gel-like consistency that we all love.
The Healthy Side of Cloudberry Jam
Cloudberries are not just delicious, but super healthy too. They are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like Vitamin E. This makes this Cloudberry Jam not only a delightful condiment to your breakfast toast or biscuits, but also a powerful ally for your immune system.
Pairing Suggestions and Usage
This vibrant jam can be the hero on a breakfast toast, a delightful accompaniment to afternoon scones, or the secret ingredient for an out-of-the-world BBQ sauce. Picture it drizzled over homemade buttermilk biscuits or paired with my other favorite recipes like pecan-crusted fried chicken. The slight tartiness cutting through the richness of the fried chicken is indeed a flavor match made in heaven.
The Cloudberry Jam also pairs well with cheeses, making it a perfect addition to your sophisticated cheese boards. With the upcoming holiday season, you can even consider gifting homemade jars to your friends and family. They would surely love this unique and delicious Southern treat from the heart.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this wonderful Cloudberry Jam as much as I love making it. It speaks to the wonderful and diverse traditions of Southern cuisine, bringing warmth, love, and a touch of South Carolina sunshine right onto your breakfast table. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh cloudberries
- 2.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the cloudberries thoroughly. Ensure that any stems or leaves are removed from the berries.
Step Two
Place the cleaned cloudberries in a large pot. Add the water to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to boil for about 10 minutes, or until the berries are soft and start to break down.
Step Three
Add the granulated sugar to the pot. Stir continuously to make sure that the sugar is completely dissolved and does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step Four
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the fruit pectin and lemon juice to the pot. Stir well to combine everything together, then boil the mixture for an additional minute.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, till thicker consistency.
Step Six
Remove the pot from the heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly, then allow them to cool at room temperature. Once cool, move the jars to the refrigerator. The jam should last for up to three months when stored in the refrigerator.
