Making jam at home is a brilliant way to use seasonal fruit and enjoy something sweet that you've created from scratch. Whether you're making strawberry jam from your own garden or picking fruit at a local farm shop, homemade preserves are a rewarding project with delicious results.
What You Need for Making Jam at Home
To start making jam successfully, you'll need just a few simple tools. If you’re new to preserving, a complete jam making kit makes things easier by including everything in one set. Here’s what you’ll typically need for homemade strawberry jam or other fruit preserves:
- Maslin pan (8L or more) for boiling jam
- Jam thermometer to reach the correct setting point (around 104°C)
- Wide-neck funnel for mess-free filling
- Glass jars with lids for storage
- Adhesive labels for naming and dating your jars
- Wooden spoon for stirring as it cooks
- Alternatively, purchase as a bundle - Jam Making Kit
Many kits now include induction-compatible pans, funnels, labels, and jars — ideal for beginners making jam for the first time. Having the right equipment ensures your batch sets properly and lasts longer once stored.
Best Fruit to Use for Homemade Jam
Fruit choice is key to getting good results. The best fruit for making jam is slightly underripe, as it has more natural pectin to help it set. The most popular fruits used in UK kitchens include:
- Strawberries – a must for homemade strawberry jam
- Blackberries – ideal for making jam blackberry style
- Plums, damsons, and raspberries
For traditional flavours, try making strawberry jam in summer and switch to making jam blackberry-based recipes in autumn. You can mix fruits too for your own custom flavours.
Simple Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1kg strawberries (hulled and rinsed)
- 1kg granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method:
- Sterilise jars by heating in an oven (140°C for 15 mins) or washing in a dishwasher.
- Place the strawberries in your maslin pan and mash them slightly.
- Add the sugar and lemon juice. Heat gently until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature reaches 104°C to set properly.
- Once ready, remove from heat and let it settle. Use your funnel to fill jars carefully.
- Seal the jars, label them, and let them cool fully before storing.
This classic recipe is ideal for making strawberry jam in small or large batches. Let your jam rest for 24 hours to ensure a good set before tasting.
Jam making FAQ
Can I grow my own strawberries to make homemade jam?
Yes! Growing your own strawberries is a great way to make fresh homemade jam. Using strawberry growpots helps control watering and feeding, giving you healthier fruit and better yields in small spaces. They’re ideal for patios, greenhouses, or allotments.
Do I need pectin to make jam at home?
Most fruit contains natural pectin, but some recipes may benefit from adding extra pectin, especially if you're using low-pectin fruit like strawberries or peaches.
What is the best sugar for making homemade jam?
Granulated white sugar is most commonly used for jam making. You can also use jam sugar, which includes added pectin to help set your jam more easily.
How long does homemade jam last once opened?
Once opened and refrigerated, homemade jam typically lasts around 4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon and keep the jar sealed tightly.
Can I reuse jars and lids for jam making?
You can reuse glass jars if sterilised properly, but lids with damaged seals should be replaced to ensure your jam stays fresh and safe to eat.
Why isn't my jam setting properly?
Jam may not set if the temperature doesn’t reach 104°C or if there’s not enough pectin in the fruit. Boil again briefly or use a pectin-based sugar next time.