We’ve always been fans of turning fresh produce into pantry staples, and our Cherry Jalapeno Jam recipe is a standout for canning season. This sweet-spicy blend marries plump cherries with the fiery zing of jalapenos, creating a versatile condiment that’s perfect for everything from cheese boards to grilled meats.
What makes this jam special is its bold flavor profile that elevates simple ingredients into something exciting. We’ll guide you through an easy canning process so you can enjoy homemade goodness all year round.
Ingredients
In our Cherry Jalapeno Jam recipe, we gather high-quality ingredients to create a bold, sweet-spicy blend perfect for canning. Below, we list them in the order of use, with prep notes for precision and ease.
- Fresh cherries: 4 cups, pitted and chopped (we suggest using ripe, sweet varieties for optimal flavor and natural pectin)
- Jalapenos: 2 medium, seeded and finely diced (for a balanced heat; adjust quantity based on your spice preference)
- Granulated sugar: 3 cups (this helps achieve the jam’s glossy texture and preserves the fruit’s sweetness)
- Lemon juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed (provides acidity to enhance setting and brighten the flavors)
- Pectin: 1 package (low-sugar variety, if available, to ensure proper gelling during the canning process)
For canning success, we also recommend:
- Canning jars: 4-6 half-pint jars, sterilized (essential for safe preservation)
- Lids and bands: 4-6 sets, new and properly fitted (to create an airtight seal)
This selection ensures our Cherry Jalapeno Jam captures vibrant tastes while being straightforward to prepare.
Equipment Needed
To prepare and safely can our Cherry Jalapeno Jam, we rely on essential tools that ensure a smooth process and preserve the jam’s vibrant flavors. Building on the ingredients we’ve outlined, let’s gather the key equipment in the order we’ll use them during preparation and canning.
- Large Stockpot: A heavy-bottomed pot with at least 8-quart capacity for cooking the jam mixture; this allows even heating to achieve the perfect set without scorching the cherries and jalapenos.
- Water Bath Canner: A large pot specifically for the canning process; we recommend one with a rack to submerge jars fully in boiling water, ensuring proper sealing and long-term preservation of our spicy-sweet jam.
- Jar Lifter: Essential for safely handling hot jars; this tool grips jars securely to prevent burns when transferring them in and out of the canner.
- Canning Funnel: A wide-mouthed funnel made of stainless steel or heat-resistant material; it helps us fill jars cleanly and efficiently, minimizing mess and waste.
- Lid Lifter or Magnetic Wand: Used to handle lids and bands without touching them directly; this maintains sterility and ensures our Cherry Jalapeno Jam stays fresh for up to a year when stored properly.
- Bubble Remover or Non-Metallic Spatula: A non-reactive tool for removing air bubbles from filled jars; we use it to poke and stir gently, guaranteeing a professional finish and optimal seal.
- Kitchen Scale and Measuring Cups: Accurate digital scale for weighing cherries and jalapenos, paired with heatproof measuring cups for precise sugar and liquid measurements; these prevent inconsistencies in our jam’s bold flavor profile.
- Clean Towels and Trivet: Absorbent kitchen towels for wiping jar rims and a trivet for cooling jars post-canning; together, they help avoid contamination and ensure even cooling for the best texture.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through the step-by-step process to create our delicious Cherry Jalapeno Jam. Follow these instructions closely for a safe flavorful result.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our fresh cherries and jalapenos to ensure they blend perfectly into our jam. Begin by washing and pitting 4 cups of fresh cherries to remove any stems or pits then chop them coarsely for even texture. Next, seed and finely dice 2-3 jalapenos based on your desired spice level—wearing gloves protects your hands from the fiery oils.
Gather and measure the remaining items in the order we’ll use them:
- 4 cups granulated sugar for sweetening the mix
- 1/4 cup lemon juice to add tartness and aid in setting
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) powdered pectin to help achieve that perfect gel
This preparation sets the stage for vibrant flavors where the sweetness of cherries meets the zingy heat of jalapenos.
Cook the Jam
With ingredients prepped, we now cook the jam to develop its irresistible sweet-spicy aroma and glossy texture. In a large stockpot, combine the chopped cherries and diced jalapenos with the lemon juice then stir in the pectin until fully dissolved.
Follow these steps for cooking:
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Add the granulated sugar all at once then return to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes until the jam thickens—you’ll notice a fragrant steam rising with hints of fruity sweetness and peppery warmth.
- Test for doneness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready to remove from heat.
This process yields about 6-8 half-pint jars of jam, capturing the bold fusion of sweet and spicy notes for a condiment that elevates any meal.
Can the Jam
Once cooked, we move to canning to preserve our Cherry Jalapeno Jam safely for long-term enjoyment. Using our water bath canner and sterilized jars, ladle the hot jam into the jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace at the top.
Proceed with these precise steps:
- Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp towel to ensure a good seal then place new lids on top and screw on the bands fingertip-tight.
- Process the jars in the boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes adjusting for altitude if needed—this step locks in the jam’s vibrant colors and flavors while preventing spoilage.
- Remove the jars with a jar lifter and let them cool on a trivet for 12-24 hours until you hear the satisfying pop of sealing lids.
Always prioritize safety by using accurate tools to avoid contamination and achieve optimal preservation.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this cherry jalapeno jam recipe and how it brings a spicy-sweet twist to your pantry. It’s a simple way to capture fresh flavors for everyday meals or gifts that impress.
By canning your own, you’ll enjoy that bold fusion all year, boosting your kitchen confidence with every jar. Trust us, once you try it, this jam will become a staple in our homes too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry Jalapeno Jam?
Cherry Jalapeno Jam is a sweet and spicy condiment made from fresh cherries and jalapenos, blended with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. It offers a bold flavor that’s perfect for topping meats, cheeses, or toast, and can be easily canned for long-term storage.
What ingredients are needed for Cherry Jalapeno Jam?
You’ll need 4 cups of fresh pitted cherries, 2-3 finely diced jalapenos (adjust for spice), granulated sugar, lemon juice, and powdered pectin. These high-quality ingredients ensure a vibrant, sweet-spicy blend that’s simple to prepare.
What equipment is required to make Cherry Jalapeno Jam?
Essential tools include a large stockpot for cooking, a water bath canner for canning, a jar lifter for handling hot jars, a canning funnel for filling, a lid lifter for sterility, and a bubble remover. Also, use accurate measuring tools, clean towels, and a trivet for safe preparation.
How do I prepare the ingredients for Cherry Jalapeno Jam?
Start by washing and pitting 4 cups of fresh cherries, then finely dice 2-3 jalapenos to your preferred spice level. Measure out granulated sugar, lemon juice, and powdered pectin. This prep ensures a smooth cooking process for the jam.
How do I cook Cherry Jalapeno Jam?
Combine prepared cherries, jalapenos, lemon juice, and pectin in a stockpot, then bring to a rolling boil. Add sugar and cook until thickened, testing for doneness. This yields about 6-8 half-pint jars of sweet-spicy jam.
How do I can Cherry Jalapeno Jam?
Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving headspace, and remove air bubbles. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then cool and check seals. Proper canning ensures safe, long-term storage of your homemade jam.
How long does homemade Cherry Jalapeno Jam last?
When properly canned and sealed, Cherry Jalapeno Jam can last up to 1 year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks for the best flavor and safety. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating.