Recipe: Spiced Elderberry Jam

Oct 10, 2011 by The Bald Gourmet    1 Comment     Posted under: Other Recipes, Recipes

Spiced Elderberry Jam

I’m just going to say it; this is a weird jam.  It’s very good, but you have to be open minded and a bit adventurous with your concept of jam for this one to work for you.  The elderberries have a unique flavor, but it’s their crunchy little seeds that may throw you.  I personally don’t find them much more obnoxious than raspberry seeds, but others that I’ve let try this jam were put off by the crunch.  Couple this with the star anise and orange zest, and we have a very different little jam.  However, it is truly exceptional spread on fine buttery shortbread cookies, and the combination of the two makes me wish I was a Brit so I could enjoy this everyday for tea.

How to Make Elderberry Jam

• 8 cups Elderberries
• 6 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 8 star anise pods
• zest of a large orange

Place all ingredients in a large saucepot and slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.

Combine Elderberries and other Ingredients in a Large Saucepot

Once the berries have come to a full boil, they will begin to foam and expand up.  Continue stirring.  The jam will begin to reduce back down after about 2 minutes.

Slowly Bring Elderberries to a Boil While Stirring Constantly

Boiling Elderberries

Reaching the Gelling Point when Making Elderberry Jam

After the foaming expansion has reduced back down, continue stirring constantly until the gelling point is reached, roughly 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and test the gelling point by placing a small amount on a plate that has been chilled in the freezer, and then placing in the freezer for about 2 minutes.  Run your finger through the jam on the plate to see if your desired gelling point has been reached.  If not, return the pot of jam back to the heat and cook for another couple of minutes, removing from heat and repeating the plate test until your desired consistency is reached.  You want thick but slightly runny.

Plate Gelling Test

How to Can Elderberry Jam

Once your desired consistency is reached, remove completely from heat and ladle into sterilized hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.  Sterilize your jars by boiling/steaming them in water.

Sterilize Jars

Ladle Hot Jam into Hot Jars

Wipe the rims and threads clean with a damp cloth before adjusting two-piece caps.

Wipe Rims of Elderberry Jam Clean with Damp Cloth

Process in a boiling-water canner for 15 minutes, adjusting appropriately for elevation.  Makes about 6 half-pints.

Process Elderberry Jam in Hot Water Bath Canner

Recipe by Jothan Yeager, October 2011

The Bald Gourmet loves making unique and delicious homemade jams.

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