When the sun shines and the fruit on the bushes and trees starts to ripen, we may turn our thoughts to the idea of making jam. But why make jam at home? There are so many reasons why making home-made jam is a good choice. Making jam with British fruit not only uses up any gluts of fruit, preserving them for a long time, but also provides us with gloriously tasty spreads for our toast, sandwiches and scones. Think luscious strawberry jam, thick with fruit, straight from the jar and you will see what we mean!
With a focus on British fruit and that which you can find in your own garden or at a pick-your-own fruit farm close to you, let’s take a look at the gorgeous selections of fruit that you can choose from.
STRAWBERRIES
Most probably everyone’s favourite, think British summertime, tennis and picnics and visions of strawberries appear. Making the most wonderful jam, they are easy to prepare and should be plentiful in June. The jam can be used in numerous ways, from the inside of Victoria sponges through to fresh cream gateaux. Add a pot of jam to the breakfast table for a taste of summer when you wake.
RASPBERRIES
Delicate and soft, you may have used raspberries before to make Pavlova or summer puddings but have you tried them in jam? A beautiful dark red colour with just a hint of tanginess, raspberries usually appear from July onwards. Very easy to prepare, just like strawberries, there are no stones to remove or stalks to pull off. Wonderful with home-made scones and clotted cream.
REDCURRANTS
You might not want to eat redcurrants straight from the bush as they can be sour. However, once converted into jam with sugar, they make a thick and yummy spread. Use red, black or white redcurrants to make jams of different colours. Also a great present tied with ribbon and put into a pretty jam or ceramic jar. Why not use your empty candle jars from our site? You can see them here: https://julietteathome.com/product-category/kitchen-larder/
BLUEBERRIES
If you love pancakes then you need blueberry jam! Much less sweet than shop-bought processed spreads, they add a delectable touch of natural fruitiness to all sorts of dishes. Add to pancakes with a dollop of ice-cream on top and you have a wonderful pudding.
GOOSEBERRIES
It’s not only babies that are found under gooseberry bushes! You can also find some beautiful green berries hidden amongst the leaves. Gooseberry jam is not frequently found in the shops but making your own is so easy. The ideal choice if you want a traditional type of jam, you can even mix gooseberries with elderflower to make a one-of-a-kind jam fusion.
LOGANBERRIES
Originally from California, now you can find these berries in the UK. Ready to pick from July onwards, these berries taste like a cross between a blackberry and raspberry. If you love sweet and sour, these will make the perfect jam for you!
Make your jam in the summer and enjoy British fruit all year long. You can also pick wild blackberries or seek out some greengages. Whatever your taste in jam, there is a fruit out there with your name on it, just waiting to be plucked!
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