This homemade jam isn’t completely sugar free as it does use a little honey to soften the zingyness of the berries, but it really celebrates the flavour of Summer without packing in the sugar.
This recipe does not make traditional sticky jam as this requires high levels of sugar which these days more and more people are trying to avoid, think of it as a Summer Berry Spread. Jam making is one of the simple pleasures of the Summer season. There is nothing more satisfying than a stack of freshly filled jam jars on your kitchen counter, and it’s a perfect way to use up any soft fruit before it goes to waste.
Sugar Free Homemade Jam Ingredients
500g strawberries (or any other berries of your choice) washed and destalked.
1 tsp agar agar (vegetarian gelatin made from seaweed).
If you don’t have agar agar you can substitute the same amount of arrowroot powder.
2 tbsp lemon juice.
2 tbsp honey.
Method
Stir the ingredients in a heavy bottomed saucepan over a gentle heat. Allow the mixture to simmer until the fruit softens and the liquid starts to gel and thicken (about 15 mins.) You won’t achieve the same stickiness as with jam sugar, but the result is a set fruity spread that really feels good for you.
Store the jam in the fridge in sterilised jam jars, or it can be frozen if you want to store it for longer. It can be used in so many different ways, spread it on some wholegrain toast, on top your breakfast porridge or as a fruity layer in fruit tarts and cakes.
[…] Jams, chutney and compotes – Our Grannys knew a few things about making the most of summer harvests! Traditional methods are always the best, and if you’ve got a glut on your hands, jams, pickles and chutney’s are one of the easiest ways to enjoy summer fruit and veg all year round – and it’ll make your Granny proud too! […]