Pomegranate Jam
Tart, crunchy pomegranate seeds speckle this sweet jam that is bursting with flavor and antioxidants.
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What is pomegranate jam?
Similar to pomegranate jelly, pomegranate jam is a condiment made from the juice of pomegranate seeds. It differs from jelly because the seeds themselves are also cooked in with the juice to add texture. Whereas Pomegranate jelly is smooth, pomegranate jam is textured with a little bit of crunch from the seeds.
What do you do with pomegranate jam?
There are many ways to use pomegranate jam.
For breakfast - spread pomegranate jam on toast, add it to yogurt or overnight oats,
For lunch - add it to a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich!
For snack - make space for it on your charcuterie board, it pairs well with cheese such as brie or chévre.
For dessert - sandwhich it between linzer cookies or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream.
What pairs well with pomegranate?
Cinnamon - warm and spicey cinnamon pairs well with the acidic and zesty flavor of pomegranate
Citrus - bright acidic citrus such as oranges, lemons, and limes pair nicely with the tart flavor of pomegranate
Can I swap granulated sugar with a different kind of sugar to make jam?
I would suggest using granulated sugar. Other sugars such as brown sugar have too dark and rich of flavor and don’t balance well with the flavor of pomegranate.
Can I use less sugar than the recipe calls for?
The short answer is no. Pectin requires a certain amount of sugar to activate and thicken, and in this recipe I have used the bar minimum amount of sugar required. You can add more sugar if you would like a thicker consistency.
How much sugar is needed to activate the pectin in jam?
Follow the directions on your box of pectin. Standard pectins require more sugar, while other pectins are designed for use in low sugar recipes. I used a standard pectin for this recipe. If you’d like to make this recipe with less sugar, you can buy a low sugar pectin such as Pomona’s Pectin.
Do pomegranates have a lot of pectin?
No, pomegranates do not have a lot of pectin. This means that your jelly or jam may be a little runnier than with other fruits.
Why is my jam runny?
You may need to add more sugar to activate the pectin, or add additional pectin if you think there is enough sugar added already. Pomegranates contain little if any pectin in their seeds, so more pectin and sugar may be required to jell the jam than other fruits that contain pectin
How to Store Pomegranate Jam
Freezer jam - store pomegranate jam in sealed canning jars such as a ball jar in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. You can also freeze pomegranate jam easily. Just place (fully cooked and cooled) in an air tight canning jar.
Canning method - follow canning method instructions. I like Martha’s step by step instructions.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
medium size pot
spatula
stainless steel funnel
How to Make Pomegranate Jam
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
Seeds from 2 pomegranates (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 packet fruit pectin
3 cups granulated sugar, additional sugar as needed
Directions
Add pomegranate juice and seeds, lemon juice, and sugar to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until sugar has melted.
Add the pectin and stir until pectin is well mixed. The mixture should become thicker. If the mixture looks too runny, add additional sugar 1/4 cup at a time until it reaches a consistency you like.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove from the stove and set aside to cool. Once cooled, add it to mason jars (a stainless steel funnel is helpful for pouring into the jars). Twist the lids on tightly.