Sea buckthorn jam with honey is a wonderfully tangy and nutritious preserve that highlights the unique flavor of sea buckthorn berries with the natural sweetness of honey. Sea buckthorn berries are packed with vitamin C and have a distinctive tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the smooth sweetness of honey. Here’s a simple recipe to make this vibrant jam:
Sea Buckthorn Jam with Honey
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sea buckthorn berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
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Prepare the Jars: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes. Keep them hot until you’re ready to use them.
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Prepare the Sea Buckthorn Berries: If using frozen berries, thaw them before use. Wash the berries thoroughly. If using fresh berries, make sure to remove any stems and leaves.
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Cook the Berries: In a large pot, combine the sea buckthorn berries and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to break down and release their juices, about 10-15 minutes. You may need to mash the berries slightly to help them break down.
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Add Pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
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Add Honey and Sugar: Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, add the granulated sugar all at once. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture returns to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
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Add Honey: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the honey until well combined.
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Test the Jam: To check if it’s ready, place a spoonful of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam—if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done. If not, continue boiling for another minute and test again.
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Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the sterilized lids on top and screw on the metal bands until fingertip-tight.
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Process the Jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re sealed. The water should cover the jars by at least an inch.
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Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack. You should hear the “pop” of the lids as they seal. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Unsealed jars can be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
Tips:
- Honey: Use a mild honey to complement the tart flavor of the sea buckthorn. Strong-flavored honey might overpower the delicate taste of the berries.
- Sea Buckthorn Berries: These berries are very tart, so adjust the amount of honey or sugar to your taste if needed.
- Texture: For a smoother texture, you can blend the sea buckthorn mixture before adding the pectin.
This sea buckthorn jam with honey is a nutritious and flavorful treat, perfect for adding a touch of brightness to your morning toast or as a unique ingredient in various recipes. Enjoy the tangy and sweet combination!
