5 Easy Rhubarb Strawberry Jam Recipes

If you've been intrigued by the tantalizing mix of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries, making homemade rhubarb strawberry jam can be a delightful project. This vibrant, flavorful jam captures the essence of these spring and summer fruits, offering a spread that's perfect for toast, scones, or as a filling in desserts. Here, we will guide you through five straightforward recipes, from the classic to the creative, ensuring you'll have a jar of deliciousness on your shelf.

Why Rhubarb and Strawberry Jam?

Rhubarb and strawberries share a natural affinity due to their complementary flavors and textures. Rhubarb, with its tart, crisp nature, pairs wonderfully with the sweet, juicy strawberries. Together, they create a jam that’s:

• Rich in taste
• Beautifully colored
• Versatile in its use

This blog post will cover five recipes, ranging from traditional methods to fun and innovative twists, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Classic Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

The first recipe is as straightforward as it gets, embracing simplicity to showcase the natural flavors of these fruits.

Ingredients:

• 500g rhubarb, chopped
• 500g strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 lemon’s juice

Steps:

1. Prepare your jars by washing them in hot soapy water and sterilizing in the oven at 100°C for 15 minutes.
2. In a large pot, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for about an hour to allow the juices to draw out.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the jam thickens. You can test for set by placing a small amount on a cold saucer; if it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
5. Pour into your sterilized jars, seal, and let them cool at room temperature.

🌟 Note: Always remember to check the jam's set by using the cold saucer method. This ensures your jam will set correctly without being too runny.

No Pectin Needed

This next variation eliminates the need for commercial pectin, relying on the natural pectin found in rhubarb and apples.

Ingredients:

• 1kg rhubarb, chopped
• 500g strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 large apple, finely grated (skin on)
• 1kg sugar
• Juice of 2 lemons

Steps:

1. Prepare jars as described above.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine all ingredients except sugar. Cook gently until the fruits are soft.
3. Once soft, add sugar, increase the heat, and boil, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Continue boiling for 25-35 minutes, or until setting point is reached.
4. Ladle the hot jam into jars, seal, and cool.

Spiced Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

This version adds warmth and complexity with the addition of spices, making it an excellent choice for pairing with cheese or using in savory dishes.

Ingredients:

• 700g rhubarb, chopped
• 500g strawberries, hulled
• 5 cups sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground cardamom
• Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

1. Follow jar sterilization steps.
2. Combine rhubarb, strawberries, spices, and lemon juice in a large pot, cook until fruits are soft.
3. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a vigorous simmer.
4. Cook for about 20-30 minutes until the jam is thick and sets on a cold saucer. Process into jars and seal.

Vegan Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

Here’s a recipe that’s perfect for those who wish to avoid animal-derived ingredients in their jam.

Ingredients:

• 1kg rhubarb, chopped
• 750g strawberries, hulled
• 800g caster sugar
• 1 tsp agar agar powder (for gel setting)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

1. Prepare your jars as described previously.
2. Mix fruits, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot, let it sit for an hour.
3. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Add agar agar, stir well, and continue boiling until the jam reaches setting point.
5. Pour into jars, seal, and allow to cool.

🌱 Note: Agar agar provides a vegan-friendly gelling agent, ensuring your jam has a delightful texture without animal-based pectin.

Herbed Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

For those who enjoy a savory twist, this herbed variation of rhubarb strawberry jam introduces unexpected flavors.

Ingredients:

• 600g rhubarb, chopped
• 400g strawberries, hulled
• 500g sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 lemon, juice and zest

Steps:

1. Follow the jar sterilization process.
2. Combine rhubarb, strawberries, lemon juice, and zest in a pot. Simmer until fruits are soft.
3. Add sugar, herbs, and cook until jam sets on a saucer.
4. Pour into jars, seal, and cool.

Through these five recipes, you can explore various flavors and textures of rhubarb strawberry jam, from the traditional to the herb-infused. Each approach allows for a unique twist on this classic duo, ensuring that there's a recipe to suit every taste preference.

In summary, these recipes prove that making rhubarb strawberry jam is not only simple but also allows for a great deal of creativity. Whether you're a purist who loves the classic pairing or someone looking to experiment with flavors, you can now enjoy the bright, delightful taste of rhubarb and strawberries all year round.

Related Terms:

• Strawberry rhubarb jam
• Blueberry Rhubarb Jam
• Strawberry rhubarb crisp
• Rhubarb jelly
• Rhubarb jam
• Strawberry rhubarb compote