How to Make Homemade Jam with Fresh Fruit

Learn to make delicious homemade jam with fresh fruit using simple ingredients and easy techniques the whole family can enjoy.

1. What You'll Need. Gather 2 pounds of fresh fruit (berries, stone fruits, or chopped apples work great), 1-2 cups of sugar (depending on fruit sweetness), 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a large heavy-bottomed pot, wooden spoon, clean glass jars, and a potato masher or fork. Choose ripe but firm fruit for the best flavor and texture.
2. Prepare Your Fruit. Wash your fruit thoroughly and remove any stems, pits, or damaged spots. For berries, simply hull strawberries if using. For stone fruits like peaches or plums, remove pits and chop into small pieces. For apples, peel and core before chopping. The smaller you cut the fruit, the faster it will cook down.
3. Cook the Jam. Combine fruit, sugar, and lemon juice in your heavy-bottomed pot. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 15-25 minutes, stirring regularly and mashing fruit as it softens. The jam is ready when it coats the back of your spoon and doesn't run off immediately.
4. Test for Doneness. To check if your jam is set, place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. Drop a small spoonful of hot jam onto the cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger and doesn't run back together quickly, it's done. If it's still too runny, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
5. Jar and Store Your Jam. Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam with a spoon. Ladle the hot jam into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Let cool completely before putting lids on. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for longer shelf storage.