Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Helene Dsouza

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (1)Helene Dsouza

Homemade preserve with fresh or frozen lingonberries and without artificial pectin. Better than the one you get in ikea!

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

70 servings

4.6 from 12 votes

VIDEO RECIPE

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (2)

Homemade Lingonberry Jam prepared with 2 ingredients.

My preserve recipe is without artificial pectin and it's all natural!

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (3)

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (4)

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Jump to:
  • 📕 What are Lingonberries?
  • 🔪 How to make Lingonberry jam?
  • 🥣 Serving Ideas
  • 💭 FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

📕 What are Lingonberries?

Lingonberries are bright red hard berries, native to Scandinavia and the Austrian/Swiss/North Italian Alps.

They grow in a certain height only and they resemble cranberries.

However, cranberries are larger, native to the American continent and they can be eaten raw.

Lingonberries on the other hand need to be cooked. Well, you can eat them raw but they don't taste that great raw.

I have dedicated a whole post to the humble lingonberry with more infos, tips to collect, and much more.

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (5)

🔪 How to make Lingonberry jam?

Preparing a lingonberry preserve isn't that complicated if you know how.

I have outlined the process in 3 main steps. This should help you to get going.

Detailed ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1

Combine clean lingonberries and sugar in a large pot and heat up.

Bring to a rolling boil.

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (6)

Step 2

Cook down jam until translucent. That can take 30 minutes.

Blend jam (optional) and test to see if jam is set.

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (7)

Step 3

Pour jam into jars.

Drop some liquor into the lids to kill remaining germs, close jar with lid and turn upside down to create vacuum.

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (8)

🥣 Serving Ideas

Lingonberry jam can be enjoyed like any other jam OR it can be used as a sauce with meats in a main course meal, just as you would use cranberry sauce.

In fact, you might know this jam thanks to IKEA. They advertise it with Swedish meatballs.

In Sweden, lingonberry jam is served with wild game and well, with meatballs.

In various alpine regions in Austria, Bavaria (South Germany) and South Tyrol (Northern Italy), preserved lingonberries are served with Wiener Schnitzel, pork roast, baked savory doughnuts, Sauerkraut and Wild Game Goulash.

It's also used as a sweet cake and doughnut filling. Yet people mainly use it as a breakfast bread spread with butter.

You can serve your lingonberry jam either way you like. Don't limit yourself.

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (9)

💭 FAQs

Can you use frozen berries?

Yes, you can use frozen lingonberries to make this jam too. Just follow the recipe as instructed

I want less sugar in my jam. Can I reduce the sugar?

Sugar helps in preserving and sets the jam. If you reduce the sugar, you will reduce the shelf life. You may decrease the sugar quantity of your jam but you will need to consume all your jam soon after.

What's pectin and why is this recipe without pectin?

Pectin helps jams to set and preserve. Artificial sugar pectin is added to jams but that can change the flavor of your jam. This lingonberry jam is without pectin because lingonberries contain enough natural pectins.

How long does the jam last?

If you follow all instructions and work in a clean manner, your jam will last for over 12 months, if stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep in the fridge after you unsealed it!

Can I can the jars in a water bath canner?

Yes you can if you want. You don't have to because the European technique with turning the jars upside down is safe too, but to add another layer of safety, do the water bath canning technique.

Do lingonberries have health benefits?

Yes! A tablespoon of lingonberry jam (just like cranberries) is consumed to get relieve from urinary tract problems. I get urinary tract infections all the time and I can tell you out of my own experience that lingonberry jam has helped me every time without fail for years!

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (10)

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (11)

Global Food Recipes

with Spices and Herbs

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📖 Recipe

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (12)

Lingonberry Jam Recipe

Homemade preserve with fresh or frozen lingonberries and without artificial pectin. Better than the one you get in ikea!

4.59 from 12 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Austrian, French

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 70 servings

Calories: 47kcal

Recipe by: Helene Dsouza

Ingredients

  • 2.2 Pounds Lingonberries fresh or frozen
  • Cups Sugar

US - Metric

Instructions

  • Rinse your lingonberries and pick out any impurities.

  • Place clean lingonberries into a large cooking pot.

    Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (13)

  • Stir in sugar and keep over medium to high heat.

    Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (14)

  • Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes or until it looks set. The jam will appear translucent.

    Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (15)

  • Test if the jam is set by dropping some on an ice cold plate, the jam is ready if it doesn’t run. If it runs, keep for some more time to cook over low heat and repeat the test until it doesn't run anymore. AND/OR use a candy thermometer to determine if it's set, 220° Fahrenheit/ 105° Celsius.

  • Drop some rum into the lids. That will keep it clean.

    Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (16)

  • Fill your jars with the hot lingonberry jam, close well with the lid and turn the jars upside down to create a vacuum.

    Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (17)

  • When cooled, store in a cool and dry place.

Notes

  1. 1 serving = 1 Teaspoon, 70 servings = about 3 jam jars
  2. Store them in a dry and cool place and keep away from direct sunlight. If you live in a humid tropical climate, please store the jam in the fridge. Also, store in the fridge once you opened your jar.
  3. The jam will always appear liquid when cooking hot. It will set when it cools down, hence why we test with an ice-cold plate.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Lingonberry Jam Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 47Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Sodium 1mg0%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Sugar 10g11%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 13IU0%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 4mg0%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb (2024)

FAQs

Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb? ›

The secret ingredient to making jam without pectin is time. The fruit and sugar need plenty of time to cook and thicken. A long, slow boil drives the moisture out of the fruit, helping to preserve and thicken it at the same time. Fruit varies in water content as well, and some fruits may take longer to jam up.

How can I thicken jam without pectin? ›

The secret ingredient to making jam without pectin is time. The fruit and sugar need plenty of time to cook and thicken. A long, slow boil drives the moisture out of the fruit, helping to preserve and thicken it at the same time. Fruit varies in water content as well, and some fruits may take longer to jam up.

What can I use instead of pectin for jam? ›

Cornstarch - Another plant-based thickening agent, cornstarch is a great substitute for pectin. Gelatin - For non-vegan menu items, you can substitute gelatin for pectin, but it will yield a different consistency.

Is jam better with or without pectin? ›

Some people have reservations about using pectin, but it's incredibly helpful, especially for someone new to the process. It's totally possible to make jams and jellies without using store-bought pectin, but it's much harder to get the right consistency and it takes longer, too.

Does lemon juice thicken jam? ›

Lemon juice contains natural pectin, a substance found in the cell walls of fruits that helps to thicken and set the jam or jelly. Pectin is crucial for achieving the desired consistency and texture in jams and jellies.

How do you fix jam that didn't set without pectin? ›

To remake cooked jam or jelly without added pectin, for each 1 L (4 cups) jam or jelly add 25 mL (2 tbsp) bottled lemon juice. Heat to boiling and boil jam or jelly hard 3 to 4 minutes, then test for signs of gelling.

What is a natural thickener for jam? ›

Apples: Apples contain natural pectin and can be used to help thicken jams and jellies. Simply peel and core the apples, chop them into small pieces, and add them to the fruit mixture.

How did people make jam before pectin? ›

The earliest fruit preserves would be made by mixing fruit pulp with honey and allowing it to dry in the sun, creating a texture more like that of a jellied sweet. The high-pectin quince lent itself to making this well-set fruit preserve.

What is a natural alternative to pectin? ›

Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain pectin, and the zest and juice can be added to the fruit mixture to help it set. 3. Chia seeds: Chia seeds can be used as a natural thickener for jams and jellies. Simply mix them with water to form a gel, and add the gel to the fruit mixture.

How do you thicken jam without pectin or sugar? ›

Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for every cup of syrup in a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Reduce heat and drizzle the mixture into the jam pot, stirring constantly. Gently simmer for 30 seconds, remove from heat, bottle and cool. Store in the refrigerator.

What happens if you don't add pectin to jam? ›

You don't have to, but proceed carefully. "If you are really anti-pectin, you can omit it, but you'll need to cook the jam longer. Doing so will remove most of the water content in order to get it to set up properly and in turn, will result in a smaller yield," adds Wynne.

What happens if you add sugar before pectin in jam? ›

Do not vary the sequence in which the ingredients are added. For example, powdered pectin does not dissolve in a sugared solution, so if you add the sugar and then the dry pectin, the jam will not be firm. Be sure you use a kettle large enough to accommodate the preserves when they are brought to a full rolling boil.

What happens to jam without pectin? ›

Preserve fresh flavor.

Strawberry jam with added pectin can be cooked in as little as ten minutes, preserving that fresh berry flavor and quality. Strawberry jam without added pectin needs to be cooked up to four times longer to reach the gel stage, resulting in a much sweeter, less fresh-tasting jam.

What happens if you don't put lemon juice in jam? ›

Unfortunately, now that the pectin is dissolved and free, the strands of pectin repel each other because they carry an electric charge that is negative. Without a little help, the pectin strands can't come together to form a network that will set your batch of jam — that's where the lemon juice comes into play.

Can I use bottled lemon juice in jam making? ›

Generally, it's advised to add one tablespoon of lemon juice per pound of fruit. However, if you follow the jam recipe closely, you may wish to use bottled lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice has a standardized level of acidity, so there'll be no question whether you've added enough.

Why put lemon juice in homemade jam? ›

Adding acid in the form of fresh lemon or lime juice is important for two reasons: First, it makes for a more well-balanced jam, returning some of the acidity lost with the addition of sugar. Second, pectin needs acid to properly activate, or firm up.

What ingredient thickens jam? ›

If you simply take fruit and cook it with some sugar to sweeten it a little, it will get thick enough to turn into jam by the naturally occurring pectin in the fruit and the process of reduction. Reduction occurs when we simmer the fruit, and the liquid turns to steam and evaporates, which thickens the jam.

How do you thin stiff jam? ›

If it isn't scorched though, here are some ideas to try: Slowly heat it in the microwave a few seconds at a time and then use it as usual. If it is still too thick, add some water while heating it in the microwave and then use it as a delicious and unusual pancake or ice cream syrup.

How do you make jam thinner in consistency? ›

My preserves were also overcooked and extremely thick and rubbery but the flavor was perfect. So I emptied every jar back into my boiler and added about 1/2 to 1 cup of water and heated the mixture over low to medium heat. That loosened up the original preserves nicely and thinned down the consistency.

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