"Delicious Mixed Berry Jam Recipe with Pectin: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Homemade Jam"

#### Mixed Berry Jam Recipe with PectinMaking homemade jam is a delightful way to preserve the fresh flavors of summer berries. This **mixed berry jam recip……

#### Mixed Berry Jam Recipe with Pectin

Making homemade jam is a delightful way to preserve the fresh flavors of summer berries. This **mixed berry jam recipe with pectin** will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and vibrant jam that is perfect for spreading on toast, topping on desserts, or even gifting to friends and family.

#### Ingredients You Will Need

To make your own mixed berry jam, you will need the following ingredients:

- **Mixed Berries**: A combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries works best. Aim for about 4 cups of mixed berries.

- **Sugar**: You will need about 5 cups of granulated sugar. This not only sweetens the jam but also helps with preservation.

- **Pectin**: One package of fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell) is essential for achieving that perfect gel-like consistency.

- **Lemon Juice**: Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/4 cup) enhances the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.

- **Water**: A small amount of water is needed to dissolve the pectin.

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Berries**: Start by washing your mixed berries thoroughly. Remove any stems, leaves, or blemished fruit. If you are using strawberries, hull and slice them into smaller pieces.

2. **Mash the Berries**: In a large bowl, mash the berries with a potato masher or fork, leaving some chunks for texture. You should have about 4 cups of mashed berries.

3. **Combine Ingredients**: In a large pot, combine the mashed berries, lemon juice, and water. Stir in the pectin until it is well mixed.

4. **Cook the Mixture**: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the sugar all at once and stir continuously until it dissolves completely.

5. **Boil the Jam**: Once the mixture is boiling again, let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness. You can test the consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate and checking if it sets.

6. **Jar the Jam**: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

7. **Seal and Process**: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.

8. **Cool and Store**: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean towel or cooling rack. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store your mixed berry jam in a cool, dark place.

#### Tips for the Best Mixed Berry Jam

- **Use Fresh Berries**: The fresher the berries, the better the flavor of your jam. If possible, use organic or locally sourced berries.

- **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.

- **Adjust Sweetness**: If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but be cautious as this may affect the setting process.

#### Conclusion

This **mixed berry jam recipe with pectin** is not only simple to follow but also yields a delightful homemade treat that captures the essence of summer. Whether you enjoy it on your breakfast toast or as a filling for pastries, this jam is sure to impress. Plus, making jam can be a fun activity to do with family or friends. Enjoy your delicious creation!