Cranberry Orange Jam with Crystallized Ginger: A Vibrant, Flavorful Preserve
A tart-sweet preserve blending fruits and spice for breakfast toast or cheese boards.
Cranberry Orange Jam with Crystallized Ginger
If you crave the sparkling tartness of cranberries, the bright notes of fresh oranges, and the spicy warmth of crystallized ginger, this jam delivers a vibrant punch of flavor and color. Homemade cranberry orange jam with crystallized ginger offers a balance of tang and sweetness, making it an ideal preserve for the holidays, gifting, or simply elevating your toast at breakfast. This recipe seamlessly marries seasonal ingredients with classic canning technique for a jam that is both practical and rewarding.
Why Make Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam?
- Seasonal delight: Cranberries and oranges peak in fall and winter.
- Complex flavor: The addition of crystallized ginger gives a gentle heat and depth.
- Gift-worthy: Beautiful color and bold taste make it perfect for sharing.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a spread, topping, or filling year-round.
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients—most of which are easy to find during the colder months when cranberries and oranges are at their best. The crystallized ginger adds not only heat but texture.
Ingredient List
- 2 medium, thin-skinned juice oranges (such as Valencia; peels left on, seeds removed)
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 (1 3/4 ounce) box regular fruit pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon unsalted (or salted) butter
- 4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger
Substitutions and Notes
- Oranges: Valencia or naval oranges work well; ensure peels are fresh and unwaxed.
- Cranberries: If unavailable, combine fewer cranberries with pineapple or more orange, acknowledging the consistency and sweetness may change.
- Pectin: Powdered pectin is recommended, but liquid pectin may be used with adjustments in method (see Tips & Troubleshooting).
- Butter: Helps reduce foaming during the cooking process.
Equipment Overview
- Large heavy-bottomed pot (preserving kettle or Dutch oven)
- Jar rack or a folded kitchen towel for stabilizing jars during water-bath processing
- Food processor (for chopping fruit)
- Wide-mouth canning jars with lids and bands
- Ladle and large spoon
- Jar lifter and magnetic lid wand (for safety)
- Clean towels for wiping jar rims
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Jars and Lids
- Place jars on a rack in a large stockpot or preserving kettle. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let jars sit in the hot water until needed.
- Place lids and bands in a small saucepan; cover with water and bring to a simmer, then leave in hot water until use.
2. Prep the Fruit
- Cut oranges (peel left on) into quarters and remove seeds.
- Pulse orange quarters in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
- Repeat process with cranberries: coarsely chop.
3. Cook the Base
- Combine the chopped oranges and cranberries in your pot.
- Add 2 cups of water and the cinnamon stick.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, then cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Pectin and Sugar
- Remove pot from heat and sprinkle in the pectin, stirring thoroughly.
- Stir in the butter, which helps suppress foam.
- Return mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add the sugar all at once and blend well.
- Bring back to a hard boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
5. Finish and Flavor
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- Take the pot off the heat. Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Fold in the chopped crystallized ginger, ensuring even distribution.
6. Fill and Process Jars
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe rims with a clean, damp towel to remove any jam residue.
- Apply lids and screw on bands until fingertip tight.
- Submerge filled jars back into boiling water, covering with at least one inch of water.
- Boil jars for 10 minutes to process and seal.
- After boiling, turn off the heat and let jars sit in water for an additional 5 minutes.
- Use a jar lifter to remove jars and let them rest on the countertop, undisturbed, for 6 hours or overnight to set.
Visual Texture and Final Consistency
The finished jam has a glossy, ruby-red hue with flecks of candied ginger and visible morsels of cranberry and orange peel. The set is typically thick, but still spoonable, with a tart-sweet balance complemented by spice.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread over buttered toast, scones, or English muffins for a tangy kick.
- Layer into thumbprint cookies or swirl into cheesecake batter.
- Serve as a condiment with holiday meats such as turkey or roasted pork.
- Stir a spoonful into yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair with cheese boards, especially soft-ripened cheeses or mild goat cheese.
Tips, Troubleshooting, and Variations
- Foam Reduction: Butter keeps the surface foam minimal, but if present, skim off just before jarring for a clear finish.
- Pectin Notes: If using liquid pectin, add it at the end of the boiling, after all the sugar has dissolved, and boil hard for the recommend time per the manufacturer.
- Ingredient Swaps: If cranberries are scarce, a mix of pineapple and orange can substitute, though expect a slightly looser jam and different flavors.
- Set Issues: If the jam runs loosely after cooling, it can be recooked with more pectin following the box instructions.
- Flavor Adjustments: Increase ginger for more bite, or swap the cinnamon stick for star anise or clove for different undertones.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Unopened jars stored in a cool, dark place will keep for up to 1 year.
- Once opened, store jam in the refrigerator and use within 1 month for best quality.
- Check for seal integrity: Press on lid centers; a secure seal has no give. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated immediately.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Approximate per tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Sugars | 11g |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV |
| Fat | 0g |
Note: Values are estimates and will vary based on batch and ingredient variations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely. Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. No need to thaw; simply use as directed and adjust simmering time if they release more liquid.
Q: My jam did not set. What should I do?
A: Allow jars to sit overnight as some jams take hours to reach full set. If still too runny the next day, reopen the jars, reheat the jam with a bit more pectin, and process again.
Q: How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?
A: After cooling, lids should be pulled tight and slightly concave. When pressed at the center, the lid should not flex. Any unsealed jars must be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Standard pectin requires a certain minimum amount of sugar to gel. For lower-sugar versions, use pectin formulated for low or no-sugar recipes and follow manufacturer instructions.
Q: Is this jam spicy?
A: The heat level is gentle and aromatic rather than truly spicy. To increase the ginger presence, simply add extra crystallized ginger to taste.
Creative Variations and Flavor Ideas
- Cranberry-Pineapple Jam: Substitute up to half of the cranberries with chopped pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Citrus Jam: Add star anise, clove, or cardamom pods during cooking for additional layers of spice.
- Liqueur Finish: Stir in 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or brandy just before canning to elevate citrus notes.
- Berry Mix-Ins: Add raspberries or blueberries for color and complexity, keeping pectin content high for a good set.
Gift and Serving Presentation
- Label jars for gifting with a personalized note and serving suggestion.
- Tie jars with twine and a cinnamon stick for a festive, aromatic presentation.
- Offer as a part of a breakfast or holiday basket with scones, tea, and clotted cream.
Conclusion: Vibrant, Seasonal Preservation
Making cranberry orange jam with crystallized ginger encapsulates the flavors of winter fruit and holiday warmth into a pantry staple. The process, though requiring careful attention to sterilization and measurements, is accessible to any home cook with basic equipment. Use this jam to brighten your table or to gift a jar of homemade cheer to loved ones. The marriage of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and spicy-sweet ginger makes this preserve a standout addition to your kitchen repertoire.
References
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