Strawberry Watermelon Jam: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Homemade Jam

Strawberry Watermelon Jam: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine spreading sunshine on your morning toast, a vibrant burst of summer flavors dancing on your tongue. This isn’t your grandma’s overly sweet, cloying jam; this is a sophisticated, intensely fruity preserve that captures the essence of the season in every spoonful.

While traditional jams often rely on high sugar content for preservation, this Strawberry Watermelon Jam recipe takes a slightly different approach, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine through. Watermelon, though often overlooked in the jam-making world, brings a delicate sweetness and incredible juiciness that perfectly complements the bright tang of strawberries. Think of it as a modern twist on a classic, a celebration of summer’s bounty in a jar.

People adore this jam for its unique flavor profile. The combination of sweet watermelon and slightly tart strawberries creates a taste sensation that’s both refreshing and comforting. The texture is also divine – smooth, spreadable, and bursting with tiny pieces of fruit. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a homemade masterpiece that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience jam like never before!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups prepared watermelon (about 4 pounds), rind removed, seeded and cubed
• 4 cups prepared strawberries (about 2 pounds), hulled and quartered
• 7 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup bottled lemon juice
• 1 (3 ounce) package liquid pectin

Preparing the Fruit:

1. First things first, let’s get our fruit ready! This is the most important step, as the quality of your fruit directly impacts the flavor of your jam. Choose ripe, but not overripe, watermelons and strawberries. Overripe fruit can lead to a mushy jam.
2. Watermelon Prep: Begin by carefully removing the rind from the watermelon. A sharp knife is your best friend here. Make sure to get rid of all the green and white parts, leaving only the red flesh. Next, remove as many seeds as possible. While a few stray seeds won’t ruin the jam, too many can be a bit unpleasant. Cut the watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes. You should end up with about 6 cups of cubed watermelon.
3. Strawberry Prep: Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops. A strawberry huller works great for this, but a paring knife will do the trick too. Quarter the strawberries so they are roughly the same size as the watermelon cubes. This ensures even cooking. You’ll need about 4 cups of quartered strawberries.

Combining and Macerating the Fruit:

1. Now, in a large, non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enamel-coated are ideal), combine the cubed watermelon and quartered strawberries.
2. Add the granulated sugar to the fruit mixture. Gently stir to coat all the fruit with sugar. This step is crucial because the sugar helps to draw out the natural juices from the fruit, creating a beautiful, flavorful syrup that will form the base of our jam.
3. Pour in the lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruit, but it also acts as a natural preservative and helps the jam to set properly.
4. Cover the pot and let the fruit mixture macerate (sit and soak) at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the fruit macerates, the more flavorful your jam will be. You’ll notice a significant amount of liquid accumulating in the pot as the sugar draws out the juices.

Cooking the Jam:

1. After the maceration period, transfer the fruit mixture to your stovetop. Place the pot over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that you can’t stir down. This is important! A full rolling boil ensures that the pectin will activate properly and the jam will set correctly. Stir constantly to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
3. Continue to boil the jam, stirring constantly, until it reaches the setting point. This can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your stove and the moisture content of your fruit.
4. Testing for Setting Point: There are a few ways to test if your jam has reached the setting point:
   • Candy Thermometer Method: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the jam. The setting point is typically around 220°F (104°C) at sea level. Remember that the setting point temperature will decrease slightly at higher altitudes.
   • Cold Plate Test: Place a small plate in the freezer before you start making the jam. Once you think the jam is close to being ready, remove the plate from the freezer and drop a spoonful of jam onto it. Return the plate to the freezer for about a minute. Then, push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and forms a skin, it’s ready. If it’s still runny, continue cooking the jam for a few more minutes and test again.
   • Spoon Test: Dip a cold metal spoon into the boiling jam. Lift the spoon and tilt it sideways. If the jam forms two drops that merge together and “sheet” off the spoon, it’s ready.
5. Once the jam has reached the setting point, remove it from the heat.
6. Stir in the liquid pectin. Stir quickly and thoroughly to ensure the pectin is evenly distributed throughout the jam.
7. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface of the jam. This will help to create a clearer, more visually appealing final product.

Canning the Jam (Optional):

If you plan to store your jam for longer than a few weeks, canning is the way to go. This process creates a vacuum seal that prevents spoilage and allows you to enjoy your homemade jam for months to come.

1. Prepare Your Jars and Lids: Wash your canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly. Sterilize the jars by placing them in a boiling water bath canner filled with enough water to cover them by at least an inch. Bring the water to a boil and boil the jars for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until you’re ready to fill them. You can also sterilize the jars in a dishwasher with a sterilization cycle. Heat the lids in a small saucepan of simmering water. Do not boil the lids, as this can damage the sealing compound.
2. Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot jam into the hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace (the space between the top of the jam and the rim of the jar). Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to remove any spills or drips.
3. Apply Lids and Bands: Place a lid on each jar, and then screw on a band until it is fingertip tight (not too tight, not too loose).
4. Process in a Boiling Water Bath Canner: Carefully lower the filled jars into the boiling water bath canner. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch. Bring the water back to a rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes. Adjust processing time for altitude.
5. Cool and Check Seals: Turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter. Place the jars on a towel-lined surface to cool completely. As the jars cool, you may hear a popping sound, which indicates that the lids are sealing properly. Let the jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. After the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or pop back up, it’s sealed. If a lid doesn’t seal, you can either reprocess the jar with a new lid, or store the jam in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.
6. Store Your Jam: Remove the bands from the sealed jars and wash the jars. Label the jars with the date and contents. Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Properly canned jam can be stored for up to a year.

No-Canning Option:

If you don’t want to go through the canning process, you can still enjoy this delicious jam! Simply pour the hot jam into clean jars, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2-3 weeks.

Serving Suggestions:

This Strawberry Watermelon Jam is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:

• Spread it on toast, bagels, or English muffins.
• Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or pastries.
• Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Serve it with cheese and crackers.
• Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork.
• Give it as a homemade gift!

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Watermelon Jam! It’s a taste of summer in every bite.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Strawberry Watermelon Jam recipe isn’t just another jam; it’s a burst of summer sunshine bottled up and ready to brighten your day. The unique combination of sweet strawberries and refreshing watermelon creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and surprisingly sophisticated. It’s the kind of jam that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient!

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously! Even if you’ve never made jam before, this recipe is foolproof. The simple steps and readily available ingredients mean you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover watermelon you might have from your summer barbecues. Talk about reducing food waste and creating something delicious at the same time!

And the possibilities are endless! While it’s absolutely divine spread on a warm, crusty piece of bread or a freshly baked scone, don’t limit yourself. Imagine swirling a spoonful into your morning yogurt for a fruity twist, or using it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork. It would also be amazing as a filling for thumbprint cookies or even as a topping for cheesecake. For a truly decadent treat, try layering it with whipped cream and crumbled shortbread in a parfait. The sweet and tangy flavor of the jam cuts through the richness of the cream perfectly.

Looking for variations? I’ve got you covered! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the jam is simmering. A squeeze of lime juice at the end will brighten the flavors even further. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist. You could also experiment with different types of berries, like raspberries or blueberries, to create your own unique blend. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly, as some berries are sweeter than others.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spread on toast, bagels, or croissants.
• Stir into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Use as a glaze for meats.
• Fill cookies or pastries.
• Top ice cream or cheesecake.
• Give as a homemade gift.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Strawberry Watermelon Jam for yourself. It’s a labor of love that yields a truly special and versatile condiment. Once you taste it, I guarantee you’ll be making it every summer!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create something amazing. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how your jam turned out, what variations you tried, and how you’re enjoying it. Leave a comment below and let me know. Happy jamming!

I can’t wait to see all the delicious creations you come up with using this recipe. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Enjoy!

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June 27, 2025 by Melissa