Raspberry Lavender Jam Recipes

APRICOT LAVENDER JAM

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup sugar and lavender blossoms in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until the lavender blossoms are finely chopped and the sugar is fragrant.
• Measure apricots; you should have 5 cups prepared fruit. Chop finely and place into a plastic or glass bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Add lavender sugar and lemon; mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Inspect 8 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Mix 1/4 cup of the remaining sugar and pectin together in a bowl; add to apricots. Transfer fruit mixture to a large saucepan and mix well. Slowly bring to a full rolling boil that does not stop bubbling when stirred. Add the remaining sugar and stir well, scraping over the bottom of the pan, to fully dissolve the sugar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Ladle apricot jam immediately into the prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

RASPBERRY LAVENDER JAM

Steps:

• The night before you make this jam put the raspberries into a non-reactive bowl and shred the lavender over the top. Stir to combine and leave covered in the fridge.
• The next day, put the berries and lavender into a pan and cook on a low heat.
• When the juice starts to run from the berries, bring the pan to the boil.
• Once boiling, add the sugar and stir briskly until the sugar has dissolved.
• Once the sugar has dissolved, boil the mixture for about 5 minutes, then pour into sterilised jars.
• Store in a cool dark place - due to the lavender it needs to sit so wait for about 1-2 weeks before consuming.

STRAWBERRY-LAVENDER JAM

Steps:

• For this recipe you need 1.5 kg cleaned and hulled strawberries.
• Cut the strawberries into pieces and put into a suited pot.
• Add sugar and lime juice. Mix and let stand for 2 hours.
• Bind the lavender sprigs with the inflorescences together. Add to the strawberries.
• Bring to a boil over medium high heat stirring all the time.
• Let cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Then remove from heat and remove the lavender.
• Add 4 tablespoons of orange juice. If you like you can mash now the strawberries as you would like them in your jam.
• Fill into twist off preserving jars and close jars. Let stand for 1 minute and then turn up side down. Let stand for 10 minutes and turn over again. Let cool completely.
• NOTE on lavender: I use lavender inflorescences while flowering. I cut the leaving about 15cm of the sprig at the inflorescence. If you can't get fresh lavender you can sub it by about 8 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers (but that is a guess).
• NOTE on "Dr. Oetker's Super Gelling Sugar 3:1". Dr. Oetker is a well known brand in Germany. There are several gelling sugars available. The "3:1" super gelling sugar already contains pectin and you only need 1/3 of sugar. If you can't get it, you could also use Dr. Oetker's 2:1 super gelling sugar.