Description

This Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, combining fresh strawberries and rhubarb with sugar and lemon juice. Simmered on the stovetop until thickened, this homemade jam can be customized to your preferred texture and makes a delightful spread for toast, biscuits, or desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and chopped)
3 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb (chopped)

Other Ingredients

1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare and macerate fruits: Toss the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, salt, and lemon juice into a medium saucepan. Stir briefly and let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to naturally draw out the juices from the fruit.
Cook the jam: Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture will start watery but will thicken as the fruit breaks down and sugars concentrate.
Test for readiness: Perform the wrinkle test by placing a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate, waiting for a minute, then pushing it with a finger. If it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, continue simmering a bit longer.
Add flavoring: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using, enhancing the jam’s aroma and depth of flavor.
Adjust texture: Use a potato masher to create a chunkier jam or briefly blend with an immersion blender for a smoother, more spreadable consistency.
Cool and store: Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to a clean jar or container. The jam will thicken further as it cools. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

Using frozen fruit is fine; no need to thaw before starting the recipe.
The lemon juice helps preserve color and adds brightness to the jam.
The wrinkle test is a traditional method to check jam consistency without specialized equipment.
Jam can be processed in sterilized jars for longer shelf life if desired.
Adjust sugar quantity to taste, but note that sugar also helps with preservation and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Jam & Preserves
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry jam, rhubarb jam, homemade jam, stovetop jam, fruit preserves, easy jam recipe, sweet and tangy jam