How do you make jam from the fruit

Making jam from fruit involves a few steps and requires some basic ingredients and equipment. Here's a general guide to making jam:

Ingredients:

- Fresh fruit

- Sugar

- Lemon juice (or other acidic juice like lime or citric acid)

- Pectin (optional, but recommended for certain fruits)

- Water

Equipment:

- Large pot or saucepan

- Measuring cups and spoons

- Wooden spoon or spatula

- Funnel

- Clean glass jars or canning jars

- Pot holders

- Ladle

- Canning rack (if using canning jars)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit: Wash the fruit thoroughly and remove any stems, seeds, or pits. Cut the fruit into small pieces. If using berries or soft fruits, you can mash them instead.

2. Cook the fruit: Place the fruit in a large pot or saucepan and add a small amount of water (just enough to cover the bottom of the pot). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the fruit is soft and has broken down.

3. Add sugar and lemon juice: Gradually stir in sugar to the simmering fruit mixture. The amount of sugar will depend on the tartness of the fruit and your personal preference. For every 1 cup of fruit, you can use approximately 1/2 cup of sugar. Add lemon juice or another acidic juice to help preserve the jam and add flavor. The amount of lemon juice will also depend on the fruit and personal taste.

4. Add pectin (optional): If using a fruit low in pectin, such as strawberries or cherries, you can add pectin to help the jam set. Follow the instructions on the pectin package for how much to use and when to add it.

5. Boil and stir: Bring the jam mixture to a boil again, stirring continuously. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and continue to boil for 5-10 minutes or until the jam has thickened. The jam has reached the desired consistency when it coats the back of a wooden spoon or spatula.

6. Can the jam (optional): If you want to preserve the jam for long-term storage, you can can it in glass jars. This involves sterilizing the jars and lids, filling the jars with hot jam, and sealing them tightly. Follow specific canning instructions for your region and the type of jars you are using.

7. Cool and store: Once the jam has been cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, pour the jam into clean glass jars or containers. Seal the jars or containers and let them cool completely. Store the jam in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate the jam.