Pineapple Jam

Pineapple jam is a delightful way to preserve the tropical flavor of pineapples right in your kitchen. This sweet spread not only adds a burst of sunshine to your morning toast but also works wonderfully as a topping for desserts and pastries. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a unique gift, pineapple jam is sure to impress with its vibrant color and refreshing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just two main ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow.
• Delicious Flavor: The natural sweetness of pineapples shines through, creating a jam that tastes like summer in a jar.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a filling for cakes and pastries.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade jams make thoughtful gifts that friends and family will cherish.
• Great Preserving Method: Learn the art of canning while creating something delicious that lasts!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your pineapple jam, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jam pot or deep saucepan
• Food processor
• Ladle
• Canning jars (8 oz half-pints)
• Water bath canner

Importance of Each Tool

• Jam pot or deep saucepan: A wide pot allows for even cooking and prevents the mixture from scorching.
• Food processor: This tool helps achieve the perfect texture by easily crushing the pineapple without pureeing it completely.
• Ladle: A ladle makes transferring the hot jam into jars much easier and less messy.

Ingredients

To create your own Pineapple Jam, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Jam

• 3 cups crushed pineapple (from one 3 lb pineapple)
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar

How to Make Pineapple Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

1. Peel, core, and coarsely chop the pineapple into chunks.
2. Place the chopped pineapple in a food processor and pulse 2-3 times until it is very fine but not completely pureed. Alternatively, you can start with canned crushed pineapple to save time.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

1. Transfer the crushed pineapple into a jam pot or deep saucepan.
2. For every cup of crushed pineapple, add between 1/2 to 2/3 cup sugar based on your sweetness preference. A medium-sized pineapple should yield about 3 cups of crushed fruit requiring approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups of sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat while stirring continuously to avoid scorching.
4. Cook on high for about 25 to 30 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 3: Jar and Process

1. Use a ladle to pour the hot jam into prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
2. If you plan on canning your jam for longer shelf life, process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, adjusting time if you are at higher altitudes.

Final Yield

This recipe yields roughly three half-pint (8 oz) jars when using 2 cups of sugar with three cups of crushed pineapple. Using pectin can increase yield and decrease cooking time—see notes for details!

How to Serve Pineapple Jam

Pineapple jam is a delightful spread that adds a burst of tropical flavor to various dishes. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, enhancing your breakfast or snacks.

On Toast

• Spread a generous layer of pineapple jam on warm, crusty toast for a delicious breakfast treat.

With Cheese

• Pair pineapple jam with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The sweetness complements the tanginess perfectly.

In Smoothies

• Blend pineapple jam into your morning smoothie for added sweetness and a tropical twist. It works well with yogurt and spinach.

As a Glaze

• Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or fish. The sweetness caramelizes beautifully, adding depth to savory dishes.

In Desserts

• Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or yogurt parfaits. It creates a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.

With Pancakes or Waffles

• Top pancakes or waffles with pineapple jam instead of syrup for a fruity alternative that brightens up your breakfast.

How to Perfect Pineapple Jam

Creating the perfect pineapple jam is all about technique and ingredient balance. Here are some tips to ensure your jam turns out great every time.

• Use ripe pineapples: Select pineapples that are sweet and fragrant for the best flavor in your jam.
• Adjust sugar levels: Experiment with the sugar quantity based on the natural sweetness of your pineapples. Start with less if you prefer a less sweet jam.
• Stir consistently: While cooking, stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking and scorching on the bottom of the pot.
• Check thickness: To test if your jam has thickened, place a small amount on a plate and let it cool slightly. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it’s ready.
• Use proper canning techniques: Ensure jars are sterilized and filled correctly to avoid spoilage when canning your pineapple jam.

Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Jam

Pineapple jam pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can complement its sweet and tangy profile. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Salad
   A light salad topped with grilled chicken and drizzled with pineapple jam vinaigrette offers a refreshing meal option.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the fruity notes of pineapple jam as an unexpected topping.
3. Savory Oatmeal
   Stirring in pineapple jam into savory oatmeal creates a unique blend of flavors, making breakfast exciting.
4. Cheese Platter
   Create an elegant cheese platter featuring assorted cheeses, nuts, fruits, and pineapple jam as a delightful dip.
5. Rice Pilaf
   Add a spoonful of pineapple jam to rice pilaf for an interesting flavor twist that brightens up this classic side dish.
6. Spinach Salad
   Toss fresh spinach leaves with nuts, cranberries, and a light dressing mixed with pineapple jam for a vibrant salad experience.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Serve stuffed bell peppers alongside pineapple jam to add sweetness that balances savory fillings beautifully.
8. Mini Quiches
   Mini quiches served warm with a dollop of pineapple jam introduce an unexpected yet delicious flavor pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pineapple jam is a delightful treat, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the perfect pineapple jam.

• Using Unripe Pineapples: Unripe pineapples can result in a jam that lacks sweetness and flavor. Always choose ripe, sweet pineapples for the best taste.
• Neglecting to Measure Sugar Accurately: The sugar-to-fruit ratio is crucial. Too little sugar can affect the consistency of your pineapple jam. Stick to the recommended amounts for optimal results.
• Not Stirring Constantly: If you don’t stir while cooking, your jam can scorch at the bottom. Keep stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Skipping the Water Bath Canning Process: Not processing your jars properly can lead to spoilage. Always use a water bath canner if you plan to store your jam long-term.
• Ignoring Headspace in Jars: Failing to leave adequate headspace when filling jars can cause overflow during processing. Leave 1/4 inch headspace as recommended.
• Not Testing for Doneness: Rushing to jar your jam without testing its thickness can lead to runny results. Use the plate test or spoon test to check for proper consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pineapple jam in airtight containers.
• It lasts up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pineapple Jam

• Use freezer-safe jars or containers.
• Pineapple jam can be frozen for up to 1 year.

Reheating Pineapple Jam

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place jam in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pineapple jam and its uses.

How Do I Make Pineapple Jam?

To make pineapple jam, start by crushing ripe pineapples and mixing them with sugar in a pot. Cook until it thickens and then jar it following proper canning techniques.

Can I Use Frozen Pineapple?

Yes, you can use frozen pineapple chunks instead of fresh ones. Just make sure they are thawed before crushing for your jam.

What Can I Use Pineapple Jam For?

Pineapple jam is versatile! Spread it on toast, use it as a topping on desserts, or mix it into yogurt for added flavor.

How Long Does Pineapple Jam Last?

When stored properly, homemade pineapple jam can last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 1 year in the freezer.

Can I Add Other Fruits to My Pineapple Jam?

Absolutely! You can mix other fruits like mango or passionfruit for unique flavors and textures in your pineapple jam.

Final Thoughts

Making pineapple jam is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. Its bright flavor brings sunshine to any breakfast table and pairs well with various dishes. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding spices or mixing with other fruits for a unique twist!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pineapple Jam

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately three half-pint jars (24 servings) 1x

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Description

Pineapple jam is a vibrant and refreshing way to capture the essence of tropical pineapples in your kitchen. This delightful spread adds a burst of sweetness to your morning toast, enhances desserts, and can be used creatively in various dishes. With its bright color and luscious flavor, homemade pineapple jam not only elevates your meals but also makes for a thoughtful gift. Made with just a couple of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups crushed pineapple (from one 3 lb pineapple)
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar

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Instructions

1. Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping the pineapple into chunks. Use a food processor to crush the chunks until they are finely chopped but not pureed.
2. Pour the crushed pineapple into a jam pot or deep saucepan. Add between 1/2 to 2/3 cup sugar per cup of crushed pineapple based on your preferred sweetness level.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
5. If canning for long-term storage, process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg