Heavenly Cherry Delight Jam
Experience the bliss of summer all year round with this Heavenly Cherry Delight Jam! Bursting with the rich flavor of fully ripe dark sweet cherries, this homemade jam is perfect for slathering on toast, drizzling over desserts, or gifting to friends and family. Infused with zesty lemon and made with natural pectin, it's a delightful balance of sweetness and tang. This easy-to-follow recipe makes six half-pint jars of luscious cherry jam, sure to impress anyone who tastes it!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dark Sweet Cherries, pitted
3 lbs (fully ripe, pitted (approximately 4 cups))
Powdered Fruit Pectin
1 packet (1 3/4 ounces)
Lemon Zest
1 teaspoon (zested from 1 lemon)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Granulated Sugar
5 cups
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your canning jars. Sterilize the jars and their lids according to your canner's instructions to ensure safety.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pitted cherries, powdered fruit pectin, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to mix the ingredients well.
3
Place the pot over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, gradually add the granulated sugar to the pot. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5
Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for exactly 1 minute while stirring continuously.
6
After 1 minute, remove the pot from heat. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface to ensure a clear jam.
7
Using a ladle, carefully fill each sterilized 8 oz jar with the hot cherry jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
8
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth to remove any residue. Immediately place the sterilized lids on top and screw on the metal rings until they're fingertip-tight.
9
Process the jars in a water bath, adjusting the processing time according to your altitude, to ensure proper sealing.
10
Once processed, remove the jars and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Check the seals after cooling, and store any unsealed jars in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Cherry Delight Jam?
It is a homemade fruit preserve made from fully ripe dark sweet cherries, lemon juice, and zest, thickened with natural pectin.
What type of cherries should I use?
The recipe calls for dark sweet cherries that are fully ripe for the best flavor and color.
How many jars does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately six 8-ounce (half-pint) jars of jam.
Do the cherries need to be pitted?
Yes, all cherries must be pitted before you begin the cooking process.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen pitted cherries, though fresh, ripe cherries are recommended for the best texture.
What type of pectin is required?
This recipe requires one 1.75-ounce packet of powdered fruit pectin.
Why is lemon juice added to the jam?
Lemon juice provides the necessary acidity to help the pectin set and balances the sweetness of the fruit.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice is actually preferred in canning because it has a consistent acidity level.
What is the purpose of the lemon zest?
Lemon zest adds a bright citrus aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cherries.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of granulated sugar to ensure the jam sets correctly and stays preserved.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Reducing the sugar is not recommended for this specific recipe as it may prevent the jam from setting.
What size jars should I use?
Standard 8-ounce (half-pint) glass canning jars are the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I sterilize the jars?
Sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or using the sanitize cycle on your dishwasher.
What is a rolling boil?
A rolling boil is a vigorous boil that does not stop even when the mixture is stirred.
How long should I boil the mixture after adding sugar?
Once the mixture returns to a rolling boil after adding sugar, boil it for exactly 1 minute.
Why do I need to skim off the foam?
Skimming off the foam results in a clearer, more attractive jam without air bubbles.
What is headspace?
Headspace is the space between the top of the jam and the top of the jar rim.
How much headspace should I leave?
Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace to allow for expansion and to ensure a proper vacuum seal.
Why must I wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims removes sticky residue that could prevent the lid from forming an airtight seal.
How tight should the metal rings be?
Tighten them until they are fingertip-tight, meaning you stop as soon as you feel resistance.
What is a water bath process?
It involves submerging sealed jars in boiling water for a set time to kill bacteria and create a vacuum seal.
Does altitude affect the processing time?
Yes, you should adjust the water bath processing time based on your local altitude according to canning safety guidelines.
How long does it take for the jam to cool?
Jars should cool at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours without being disturbed.
How do I know if the jars sealed correctly?
Press the center of the lid; if it does not pop or flex up and down, the jar is properly sealed.
What should I do if a jar does not seal?
Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use the jam within a few weeks.
Can I use a sugar substitute like Stevia?
This recipe relies on sugar for structure; using a substitute would require a different type of 'low-sugar' pectin.
How should I store the sealed jars?
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to one year for best quality.
What can I serve with Heavenly Cherry Delight Jam?
It is excellent on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or drizzled over vanilla ice cream and cheesecakes.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, its beautiful dark color and homemade quality make it a perfect gift for friends and family.
Can I double this recipe?
It is best to make jam in single batches; doubling it often results in a poor set or scorched fruit.