Homemade jam is an easy way to use fruit that’s becoming over ripe. Our recipe is quick, simple and only has 3 ingredients. Jam is great for making in large batches. If stored in sterilised and well sealed jams and should, easily keep for a month or so. Which is great if you’re trying to make the food you’ve got stretch. Plus each jar of jam counts as your five a day!

Did you know that jam dates back to the Greeks, who used honey to preserve quinces. However, in the 16th century, cane sugar came to Europe from the new world, and it was instead used to preserve fruit, hence the term preserves. The name ‘jam’ comes from the process of jamming/squeezing and pressing vast quantities of fruit into small, storable jars.

Ingredients

600g fruits we used a selection of summer berries that we had previously frozen

500g sugar

80 ml water

Don’t just stick to berries. Apples, bananas, peaches and oranges all make great fruit preserves.

Method

If the fruit you’re using is frozen cover it with the sugar and leave until completely defrosted. If you’re using fresh fruit, add the sugar and move on to the next step.

Put all ingredients into a pan and add the water.

Put on at a low heat and cook for an hour until the fruit boils down into a thick syrup.

Take off the heat and allow to cool down and set. – You now have homemade jam!

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not try our quick flatbread recipe, for dipping into your homemade jam.