Cranberry Orange Jam Recipe for Canning: Zesty Delight!

Cranberry Orange Jam Recipe for Canning

If you’re a fan of homemade jams and preserves, then you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll be sharing a delightful and easy-to-follow recipe for making your very own cranberry orange jam that’s perfect for canning. Not only is this jam bursting with the vibrant flavors of cranberries and oranges, but it also makes for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your canning supplies, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of homemade jam making!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Jam

Before we dive into the step-by-step process of making cranberry orange jam, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to have on hand:

– 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 2 oranges
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 package (3 ounces) liquid fruit pectin

Canning Supplies

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you’ll also need the following canning supplies:

– 6 half-pint canning jars with lids and bands
– Water bath canner
– Canning funnel
– Jar lifter
– Bubble popper or non-metallic spatula
– Clean kitchen towels
– Small saucepan for sterilizing lids and bands

Now that you have all your ingredients and canning supplies ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start making your cranberry orange jam!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Canning Jars: Begin by washing the canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and place the jars in a water bath canner filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer and keep the jars hot until ready to use.

2. Cook the Cranberries: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.

3. Add the Pectin: Once the cranberry mixture has thickened, stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Fill the Canning Jars: Using a canning funnel, carefully ladle the hot cranberry orange jam into the hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Use a bubble popper or non-metallic spatula to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp kitchen towel, then place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening the bands until they are fingertip tight.

5. Process the Jars: Once all the jars are filled and sealed, place them in the water bath canner, ensuring that the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil and process the jars for 10 minutes. After processing, turn off the heat and allow the jars to sit in the canner for 5 minutes before removing them.

6. Cool and Store: Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the processed jars from the canner and place them on a clean kitchen towel to cool. As the jars cool, you may hear the satisfying “ping” of the lids sealing. Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, the jar is sealed. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Enjoy Your Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your very own batch of delicious cranberry orange jam that’s perfect for canning. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a glaze for meats, this homemade jam is sure to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Be sure to label your jars with the date and flavor, and consider sharing them as thoughtful gifts for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

In conclusion, making homemade cranberry orange jam for canning is a rewarding and enjoyable process that allows you to capture the flavors of the season in a jar. With the right ingredients, canning supplies, and a bit of time and patience, you can create a delicious spread that will bring joy to your kitchen and those you share it with. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the satisfaction of preserving a taste of the season in your very own kitchen? Happy canning!