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For this jam, you need 2 cups of fresh cranberries. Rinse them well to remove dirt. Fresh cranberries bring a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. You can find them in the store during fall and winter. Look for bright, firm berries for the best taste. You will also need 2 medium apples, peeled and diced. I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness. They add a nice bite to the jam. Next, use the zest and juice of 1 large orange. The zest adds a fragrant aroma while the juice gives a bright, citrusy flavor. Both apples and orange make the jam burst with flavor. You will want 1 cup of granulated sugar. Adjust it based on your taste. If you like less sweetness, you can use less sugar. Additionally, add 1/2 cup of water to help with cooking. For spices, use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices warm up the flavor profile. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a hint of tartness. This helps to brighten the jam and enhance the fruity notes. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - Zest and juice of 1 large orange - 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust if you prefer less sweetness) - 1/2 cup water - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Rinse the cranberries under cold water. Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. Zest the orange before juicing it. This prep makes the cooking process smooth. In a large pot, combine the cranberries, diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Bring this mix to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Watch as the cranberries burst and soften. Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Keep simmering for another 20-25 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. The jam will thicken as it cooks. To check if your jam is ready, take a teaspoon of it and place it on a plate. Let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it. If it holds its shape, then it’s ready! If not, simmer it a bit longer. Once ready, remove the pot from heat. Let it cool slightly, then pour the jam into sterilized jars. Seal them tightly. Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. To adjust the sweetness of your jam, you can change the sugar amount. If you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Taste the mix before adding all the sugar. You can also add more lemon juice for a tangy kick. This balances the sweetness well. Sticking can ruin your jam. Stir often while it simmers, especially as it thickens. If you notice it starting to stick, lower the heat. Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps too. This type of pot spreads heat evenly, reducing the chance of sticking. Sterilizing jars is key for safe jam storage. Start by washing jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well. Next, place them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let them dry upside down on a clean towel. This step keeps your jam safe and fresh for longer. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For a balanced sweetness and tartness, opt for Granny Smith apples. Their firmness will help maintain texture in the jam. Adjusting Sweetness: Taste your jam as it cooks! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or a bit of honey, depending on your preference. Store in Sterilized Jars: Make sure your jars are properly sterilized to extend the shelf life of your jam. This prevents bacteria from spoiling your delicious creation. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or allspice to customize the flavor of your jam. A little experimentation can lead to delightful surprises! {{image_2}} You can switch up the fruits in this jam. Try using pears or berries. Both will add new flavors. If you want a tropical twist, add mango or pineapple. Just keep the cranberries for tartness. Play with the ratios to find what you like best. Each mix will give you a unique jam. Nuts can add a nice crunch. Try adding chopped walnuts or almonds. Just a small amount will make a big difference. You can also experiment with spices. Cardamom or ginger can give the jam a warm flavor. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Start with a pinch. You can make this jam without sugar. Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. They add sweetness without the sugar. If you want it tart, skip sweeteners altogether. The fruit will shine through. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may thicken faster. To keep your cranberry apple orange jam fresh, start with clean jars. Fill them with hot jam, leaving some space at the top. Seal the jars tightly. Store them in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard works great. Once opened, keep your jam in the fridge. Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out. This keeps the jam safe and tasty. When stored properly, your jam lasts about one year in the pantry. Once you open a jar, it stays good in the fridge for about three weeks. If you see mold or it smells funny, throw it away. Always check before you eat it. Trust your senses to keep you safe. Freezing is a smart way to keep your jam even longer. Make sure to use freezer-safe jars or containers. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Label your jars with the date. Your jam can last for up to a year in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. It will taste just as good! To make this jam less sweet, start by cutting the sugar. You can use 3/4 cup of sugar instead of 1 cup. This will keep the flavor but lower the sweetness. You can also add more citrus juice to balance the taste. Try adding more lemon juice or orange juice. Taste the jam as it cooks. Adjust the sugar to your liking while you cook. This way, you can create a jam that suits your taste buds. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this jam. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the pot. Frozen cranberries may take a bit longer to cook. They might release more liquid than fresh ones. This can change the texture, but the taste will still be great. If you use frozen cranberries, keep an eye on the cooking time. Check the consistency often so you get the right thickness. Gifting homemade jam is fun and easy! First, pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars. Make sure they are warm to avoid cracking. Seal the jars tightly to keep the jam fresh. You can add a nice touch by tying a ribbon around the jar. A label with the jam name and date adds a personal touch. Pair the jam with fresh bread or scones for a perfect gift. It shows you care and makes a tasty treat for anyone! Cranberry apple orange jam is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered the ingredients needed, from fresh cranberries to spices. The cooking steps ensure your jam turns out perfectly thick and tasty. Use tips to adjust sweetness and prevent sticking. Explore fun variations for unique flavors and know the best ways to store your jam for long-lasting enjoyment. Homemade jam is a delight in every bite. You’ll impress friends and family with your tasty creations, sharing a piece of joy with every jar.

Cranberry Apple Orange Jam

A delightful jam combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the citrusy flavor of orange.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 1 large orange, zest and juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust if you prefer less sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, combine the cranberries, diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Bring to a medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries should start to burst and soften.
  • Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Continue simmering the jam over low heat for another 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The mixture should thicken significantly.
  • To test the consistency, place a teaspoon of jam on a plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it’s ready.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the jam into sterilized jars while it's still warm, sealing tightly.
  • Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Serve the jam in a small jar with a ribbon tied around it for gifting. Pair with fresh bread or scones for a wonderful breakfast treat!
Keyword apple, cranberry, homemade, jam, orange