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gooseberry jam recipe without pectin

Gooseberry Jam

Kimberly Killebrew
This flavorful homemade gooseberry jam will bring the perfect amount of zing and sweetness to your oatmeal, toast, yogurt, and more! 
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course condiment, jam
Cuisine All

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound fresh gooseberries (any variety; we're using purple gooseberries in the photos), cleaned and tops and tails removed
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (can use a little more sugar if the berries are underripe or especially tart)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Place the gooseberries in a large pot with the water and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil, reduce to medium-high heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gooseberries are softened. Stir in the sugar, return to a boil, and stir until dissolved. Mash the gooseberries to further break them up. Continue to boil for 25-35 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches gel stage. This can be determined by using a thermometer (when it reaches 220 F the jam is done) or performing a gel test (see below).
    To perform a gel test: Place a plate in the freezer (put it in the freezer ahead of time while the jam is boiling). Remove it from the freezer, drop a spoonful of hot jam onto it, and return it to the freezer for 2 minutes. Remove the plate and use your finger to nudge the jam. If the jam wrinkles it is done. If it doesn't, return the plate to the freezer, continue boiling the jam, and test it again every few minutes.
  • Ladle the hot jam into hot sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch space from the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth. Close the jar and let cool completely before placing the jars in the fridge where the jam will keep for at least a month.
    Canning for long-term storage: Ladle the hot jam into hot sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch space from the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids on the jars and screw shut. Process the jars in a water canner for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Transfer to a cool, dark place where the jam will keep for up to a year.
    This yields approximately 3 half-pint jars of jam.
Keyword Gooseberry Jam
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