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Olallieberry Jam (or any kind of berry jam)

Olallieberries are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. Genetically, the olallieberry is a hybrid of the blackberry, the dewberry, and the raspberry. They taste a little tart, a little sweet-- almost like a blackberry. We grow these in our own California backyard, and they are delicious as pie as well! If you can't find Olallieberries where you live, blackberries are a great substitute.
Course Canning, Condiment, Condiments
Cuisine American
Keyword Berry Jam, Canning, Homemade Jam, Olallieberry Jam
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Canning Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pan with lid
  • canning jars with lids and rims
  • large tongs
  • clean kitchen cloth
  • 1 funnel

Instructions

  • I use the water canning method. You need a large pot with a lid, a canning rack, wide mouth funnel, fresh and clean towels and a baking sheet.
  • Bring a pot of water to boil, and sterilize the jars (I use half-pint jars) for a few minutes (Likewise, I know people use the dishwasher to sanitize the jars. Set the sanitized jars on a large baking sheet, covered with a clean towel.
  • In a separate pot, boil the lids and rims.
  • In a large pot (I use a non-stick), bring the crushed berries, sugar, pectin and lemon juice to a boil; add the butter.
  • Allow to come a rolling boil for about 10 minutes; until the mixture appears gelatinous. TIP: I freeze one small plate and a couple of spoons. When the jam coats the back of the spoon, it's ready. I double-check by adding a little jam to the frozen plate, then run my finger down the middle. If it stays apart, it's ready.
  • Using a wide funnel, carefully ladle the jam into the sanitized jars, leaving about 1/4" of headspace (basically the space from the rim to the jam).
  • Seal and tight on a rim-- use care, as these are very hot! I wear an oven mitt and turn with a terry towel.
  • To water can, bring the pot of water back to a boil, and using tongs (I use special canning tongs) drop onto the rack and lower. Once the water comes to a full boil, set the timer for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully remove, with tongs. You should hear the sweet "ping" of the lids sealing each jar. Some folks say to put the jars upside down. I don't. You decide. Test to see that you have a good seal-- press on the lid. If there is no resistance, you have the vacuum seal you want. If it "gives", you either eat this within 2 weeks (and refrigerate it right away) or you can repeat the water bath for 15 minutes.
  • Store in a cool dry place; my jam can keep, easily for over a year. But, it's usually gone by then!

Notes

To save using a big heavy pot with boiling water, I have now switched to an electric water canner. I use a lot less water, no gas on my stove and I love it!