• Place two small ceramic plates in the freezer so we can use these to test the jam later. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer to check the doneness of the jam.
• Check the berries and remove any bad, discolored, or bruised ones. Give them a quick wash and drain in a colander. Chop large berries like strawberries to make them similar in size.

  Pro tip - Soft berries can be used but discolored and bruised ones will ruin the jam. Also, don't soak berries in water for too long as they do soak up moisture.
• In a heavy bottom pan, combine the berries, sugar, salt, and lemon juice.

  Pro tip - If you are using frozen berries, let the berries macerate in sugar and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. This softens the berry skin considerably.
• Cook on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Then, turn the heat up and let the mixture come to a boil. Let it boil for two minutes on medium-high.

  Pro tip - Boiling the jam is important as it releases pectin from the skin and seed in fruits.
• Then, turn the heat to medium-low. The jam should still be simmering but at a low simmer, not bubbling. Use a vegetable masher to mash the fruit – so you have a smoother jam-like consistency.

  Pro tip - Mashing the fruit is optional, as the fruit will break down into smaller chunks similar to preserve as it cooks. However, mashing will give smoother consistency like jam.
• Continue to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes more stirring often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The jam will continue to thicken as well as deepen in color as it cooks.

  Pro tip - The cooking time will depend on the quantity of the jam as well as the heat applied to it. It's ok to cook a little longer but there must be a simmer for the fruit to release pectin.

Testing the jam

• Remove one of the ceramic plates from the freezer. Place a teaspoon of jam on the cold plate.

  Pro tip - The cold plate will help cool the jam almost instantly and give you a good indication if the jam is ready.
• Set aside for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, test with your finger. Simply move/push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles/crinkles it means the jam is ready. And if not, let the jam cook a couple of minutes more and test again.

  Pro tip - You may need to test the jam on a ceramic plate more than once or a couple of times depending on how early you start checking.
• Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer - the jam should reach 105 C / 221 F.

  Pro tip - I find the thermometer to be the easiest and fool-proof method to check for doneness.
• Optional - Just when you are ready to take the jam off the heat add a teaspoon of butter and stir well. Butter helps dissolve foam that accumulates on top of the jam.

  Pro tip - You don't need more than 1 teaspoon of butter to help with the foam. It will also give you that glossy shine.
• Pour the jam into warm sterilized jars leaving ¼ inch space from the top. Use a clean sterilized knife or spatula to move the jam a bit – this will remove any air pockets.
• Place a piece of wax paper on the top before you place the lid on tightly. Clean the rim of the jar with a clean paper towel. Top the lid.

  Alternatively, use the lid with screw-on rings that come with the canning jars.

The canning process (if you plan to can the jam)

Sterilizing the jars

• Sterilize 4 x 8 oz (250 g) jars by washing them in hot soapy water or cleaning them in the dishwasher with a gentle cycle. Then, place them in the oven for 20 minutes at a low 284 F / 140 C.

  Pro tip- I find the dishwasher does a good job of cleaning and the oven dries any excess moisture in the bottles.
• Note - Leave them in the oven until you are ready to use them (you can turn the oven off). Don’t forget to wash and sterilize the bottle lids as well.

Canning

• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot. Fill half the pot with water. Bring the water in the pot to a boil on high heat.
• Lower the jars over the rack leaving enough space between the jars.

  Pro tip - The level of water should be at least an inch above the top of the jars. So if necessary pour more boiling water.
• Bring the water to a boil again. Cover the pot and process/simmer for 15 minutes.
• Then, carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture. Cool completely.

  Pro tip - The hot jars are very delicate so make sure to use tongs when taking them out and place them on soft towels to prevent them from breaking.
• Press the top of the lid to ensure the seal is tight – the lid should not move at all. Store in a cool dry place.