Dogwood Berry Jam for the Refrigerator or Freezer
A tart-sweet dogwood berry preserve for the refrigerator or freezer.
This small-batch dogwood berry preserve cooks ripe fruit with sugar and lemon until thick and glossy. Because the source does not provide a tested canning process, this recipe is for refrigerator or freezer storage only; do not seal it for pantry storage. Remove pits carefully after softening and strain if a smoother preserve is wanted. Cool promptly, then refrigerate or freeze in suitable containers. Rinse berries and place in a saucepan with water. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until softened. Cool until safe to handle. Press berries through a food mill or sieve to separate pits and skins as desired. Return pulp to pan with sugar and lemon juice. Simmer, stirring often, 20 to 30 minutes until thick and glossy.
Recipe card
Dogwood Berry Jam for the Refrigerator or Freezer
Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method
Ingredients
Instructions
Soften berries
Rinse berries and place in a saucepan with water. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until softened.
Remove pits
Cool until safe to handle. Press berries through a food mill or sieve to separate pits and skins as desired.
Cook preserve
Return pulp to pan with sugar and lemon juice. Simmer, stirring often, 20 to 30 minutes until thick and glossy.
Check thickness
Place a teaspoon on a chilled plate. Let cool briefly; if it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.
Cool and store
Spoon into clean freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace. Cool promptly, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months.
How to tell when it is ready
Spoon into clean freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace. Cool promptly, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months.
Tips
- Rinse berries and place in a saucepan with water.
- Cool until safe to handle.
- Return pulp to pan with sugar and lemon juice.
- Place a teaspoon on a chilled plate.
Troubleshooting
- If jam is loose, simmer longer and repeat the chilled-plate test.
- If too thick, stir in a spoonful of hot water.
Substitutions
- Reduce sugar slightly for a tarter refrigerator preserve, keeping storage chilled.
- Use lime juice in place of lemon.
Variations
- Add a small piece of cinnamon while simmering, then remove.
- Add orange zest with the lemon juice.
Serving suggestions
- Spread on toast.
- Serve with cheese.
- Spoon over plain yoghurt.
- Use as a filling for pastries.
Make ahead
Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate in a clean covered container and use within 2 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months. This method is not shelf-stable canning.
Storage
Refrigerate in a clean covered container and use within 2 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months. This method is not shelf-stable canning.
Food safety
This is a refrigerator/freezer preserve only, not a tested canning recipe. Keep refrigerated or frozen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store these jars in the pantry?
No. This recipe is not a tested canning process. Refrigerate the preserve or freeze it in suitable containers.
How should I store dogwood berry jam?
Refrigerate in a clean covered container and use within 2 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months. This method is not shelf-stable canning.
Spread on toast. Refrigerate in a clean covered container and use within 2 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months. This method is not shelf-stable canning.
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