We absolutely love diving into homemade preserves, and our Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam recipe brings the vibrant tang of fresh cherries to your table without the extra sweetness. It’s a smart twist on traditional canning that lets us enjoy seasonal flavors year-round while keeping things healthier and more mindful.
Drawing from Ball’s reliable techniques this jam captures nature’s best in a simple way. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or pairing it with cheese we’ll show you how easy it is to make your own.
Ingredients
- Fresh cherries: 4 cups, pitted and coarsely chopped. These juicy gems provide the vibrant, sun-ripened flavor that forms the heart of our jam.
- Ball RealFruit Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin: 1 package (1.75 ounces). This specialized pectin is essential for achieving a perfect set without relying on excess sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: 1 to 2 cups, adjusted based on cherry sweetness. We use this sparingly to enhance the fruit’s natural taste, making our jam a lighter alternative to traditional versions.
- Lemon juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed from about 2 lemons. It adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances flavors and aids in the gelling process for optimal texture.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam safely and efficiently, we rely on the right tools for precise canning and cooking. These essentials help us achieve a perfect set and seal, ensuring our jam stays fresh for months. Below, we break down the key items, bolded for emphasis, that every home canner should have on hand.
Essential Tools List
We organize our tools by category for clarity, highlighting their specific roles in the process:
- Canning Jars: Use eight 8-ounce Ball glass jars for storing the jam. Ensure they are sterilized and free of cracks to maintain food safety and preserve the fresh cherry flavor.
- Lids and Bands: Prepare Ball mason jar lids and bands to create an airtight seal. These are crucial for the water bath process, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
- Water Bath Canner: A large stockpot with a canning rack works perfectly if you don’t have a dedicated canner. This tool allows us to process the jars at a rolling boil, typically for 10 minutes, to lock in the low-sugar goodness.
- Jar Lifter: This specialized tongs tool lets us safely handle hot jars during the canning process, reducing the risk of burns and ensuring smooth transfer in and out of the canner.
- Canning Funnel: A wide-mouthed funnel helps us pour the hot jam mixture into jars without spills, keeping our workspace clean and minimizing waste.
- Ladle: Opt for a heat-resistant ladle to stir and transfer the cherry mixture. It’s essential for even cooking and avoiding air pockets in the final product.
- Large Saucepan: Choose a heavy-bottomed 8-quart saucepan for boiling the cherries, pectin, and sugar. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching during the jam-making steps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, so we recommend stainless steel sets for ingredients like cherries and lemon juice, promoting consistency in texture and taste.
- Potato Masher or Immersion Blender: For coarsely chopping or mashing the cherries, a sturdy potato masher works wonders to achieve the desired chunkiness before adding pectin.
If you’re tracking multiple canning sessions or comparing equipment, here’s a quick reference table for key specifications:
| Tool | Recommended Type | Key Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canning Jars | Ball glass, 8-ounce | Heat-resistant glass | Storage and preservation |
| Water Bath Canner | Stockpot with rack | At least 21 quarts | Boiling jars for sealing |
| Jar Lifter | Stainless steel tongs | Heat-proof handles | Safe jar handling |
With these tools assembled, we’re set to move seamlessly from measuring ingredients to the cooking and canning stages, creating a jam that’s as delightful as it is durable.
Instructions
We make crafting Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam straightforward and fun, ensuring you capture the vibrant, tangy essence of fresh cherries in every jar. Let’s dive into the precise steps to achieve a perfectly set preserve that’s ideal for your pantry.
Prepare the Cherries
First, gather 4 cups of fresh cherries and rinse them thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt. We then pit and coarsely chop the cherries using a cherry pitter or a sharp knife, yielding about 4 cups of prepared fruit to ensure the right texture for our jam. Carefully handle the cherries to preserve their juicy sweetness and deep red color, which will shine through in the final product.
Cook the Jam
In a large pot, combine the 4 cups of prepared cherries with one package of Ball RealFruit Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin, 1 to 2 cups of granulated sugar based on your cherries’ natural sweetness, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. We stir the mixture over medium heat until it boils, then maintain a rolling boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly to activate the pectin and develop a thick, glossy consistency that fills the kitchen with an irresistible fruity aroma. Test the jam’s set by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle slightly when pushed, signaling it’s ready to jar.
Process the Jars
While the jam is still hot, we ladle it into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top for proper sealing. Wipe the jar rims clean, apply the lids and bands, and tighten to fingertip firm. Submerge the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure safety and longevity, then remove and let them cool undisturbed—listen for the satisfying pop of sealing lids, confirming your Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam is preserved perfectly for up to a year.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To maximize the fresh, vibrant taste of our Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam, we recommend planning ahead and storing it correctly for long-term enjoyment. This ensures the jam retains its tangy cherry flavor and perfect texture, ready for spreading on warm toast or pairing with cheese.
Make-Ahead Tips
We can simplify the canning process by preparing components in advance, allowing us to capture seasonal cherries at their peak. Here’s how:
- Prepare the cherries: Wash, pit, and coarsely chop 4 cups of fresh cherries up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their juicy sweetness and prevent oxidation.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine the Ball RealFruit Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin with any sugar we’ll use, then seal it in a dry, cool place. This keeps the pectin effective for up to a week.
- Juice the lemons: Squeeze and measure the lemon juice in advance, storing it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its bright acidity.
By following these steps, we reduce prep time on canning day while ensuring our jam sets perfectly without compromising flavor.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to safely enjoying our homemade jam for months. After processing the jars in a boiling water bath, we should handle them with care to avoid spoilage and maintain quality.
For unopened jars, store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry. This preserves the jam’s fresh cherry essence and prevents degradation. Always check for seals before storage—press the center of the lid; it should not pop up.
If we open a jar, refrigerate it immediately to extend its usability. Here’s a quick overview of storage times in a markdown table for clarity:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened, room temperature | Up to 12 months | Ideal for pantry storage; monitor for signs like bulging lids or off odors. |
| Refrigerated, after opening | Up to 3 weeks | Keeps the jam’s texture thick and flavors bright; stir before use. |
| Freezer, for extra jars | Up to 1 year | Freeze in freezer-safe containers; thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. |
Remember, we should always inspect stored jam for mold or unusual smells before consuming, prioritizing safety to enjoy our Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam at its best.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam recipe as a simple way to savor fresh flavors year-round. It’s our go-to for balancing taste and health without the overload of sweetness.
Give it a try and discover how rewarding homemade preserves can be in your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam?
Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam is a homemade preserve that captures the fresh taste of cherries with minimal sweetness. It’s a healthier twist on traditional canning, using seasonal cherries to create a tangy spread perfect for toast or pairing with cheese, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors year-round.
What ingredients are needed for Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam?
You’ll need 4 cups of fresh, pitted, and chopped cherries, a package of Ball RealFruit Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin, 1 to 2 cups of granulated sugar (adjusted for cherry sweetness), and freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity and gelling. These simple ingredients keep the jam natural and delicious.
What tools are required to make Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam?
Essential tools include sterilized canning jars, lids, and bands for sealing; a water bath canner for processing; and items like a jar lifter and canning funnel for safe handling. These ensure efficient, safe canning and help achieve professional results at home.
How do I make Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam?
Start by rinsing, pitting, and chopping 4 cups of cherries. Combine with pectin, sugar, and lemon juice, then boil to thicken. Ladle into sterilized jars, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. This simple process yields fresh jam that lasts up to a year.
Can I adjust the sugar in the Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar from 1 to 2 cups based on your cherries’ natural sweetness. Using Ball RealFruit Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin allows for flexibility while maintaining the jam’s set and flavor, making it easier to create a healthier version.
How should I store Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam?
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month. For longer storage, freeze jars for up to 12 months. Proper storage preserves the jam’s quality and safety.
How long does homemade Ball Low Sugar Cherry Jam last?
Unopened jars last up to 1 year in a cool, dark spot. Refrigerated opened jars should be used within 1 month, while frozen jars can last up to 12 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.