Nitrate & Nitrite Free Mixed Berry Jam with Vanilla
Homemade jam is one of those kitchen projects that feels far more impressive than the effort involved, and this mixed berry version with vanilla is genuinely hard to stop eating. Most store-bought jams and preserves rely on additives and preservatives that anyone avoiding nitrates and nitrites needs to scrutinize carefully, but this recipe keeps things completely clean — just berries, honey, lemon juice, and a whisper of vanilla powder. The combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries gives you a deep, complex flavor that no single-fruit jam can quite match. Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and helps the jam set naturally, while the vanilla powder rounds out the tartness with a warm, almost floral finish. You control the texture entirely — mash it smooth for a silky spread or leave it chunky for something more rustic on toast or biscuits. A touch of Ceylon cinnamon stirred in at the end is optional but genuinely lovely if you have it on hand. Once it's chilled and set in the jar, you'll have a vibrant, wholesome spread you can feel good about putting on absolutely everything.
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Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries), fresh or frozen
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla powder
- ¼ tsp ceylon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the berries, honey, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the berries, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to release their juices and the mixture starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Use a potato masher or fork to crush the berries to your preferred texture — mash thoroughly for a smooth jam or leave some chunks for a more rustic result.
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