Description
This extraordinary Saskatoon jam recipe transforms humble prairie berries into a gourmet spread that delivers twice the antioxidant level of blueberries while maintaining the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh saskatoons, washed and carefully picked over
- 3 cups granulated sugar (or 2 cups for lower sugar version)
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- Juice and zest of 1/2 fresh lemon (2 tbsp juice, 1 tsp zest)
- Optional: Replace up to 1/3 sugar with honey or maple syrup
- Optional: Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) instead of lemon
- Frozen saskatoons (no thawing needed)
- Apple juice instead of water for sweetness and pectin boost
Instructions
- Prepare jars and lids if canning, using a water bath canner.
- Combine saskatoons, sugar, water, lemon juice, and zest in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Bring mixture to a hard rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir continuously for 15 minutes, mashing berries as desired for texture.
- Test gel stage at 220°F (104°C) or with the cold plate test.
- Remove from heat once set point is reached.
- Ladle into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal and process in water bath for 10 minutes (15 minutes if above 6,000 ft elevation).
Notes
For reduced sugar, use 2 cups sugar per 4 cups fruit or swap with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Add chia seeds for fiber and omega-3 boost. Always include lemon juice for safe canning and optimal set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Preserves & Jam
- Method: Canning / Boiling
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 83
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg