Autumn Olive Jam Recipe | Sweet & Tangy Homemade Jam
Craving something unique, tart, and packed with antioxidants? My Autumn Olive Jam recipe is the perfect way to transform these bright red berries into a sweet-tangy spread. Autumn olives, often overlooked, are nutritional powerhouses with a bold, refreshing taste. By turning them into jam, you’ll have a pantry staple that pairs beautifully with toast, cheese boards, or even desserts.
Preparation Steps
Making Autumn Olive Jam is more straightforward than it sounds. Follow these easy steps for a smooth, flavorful spread:
Step 1: Mix & Boil
Start by combining the autumn olives and water in a large stockpot. Use 1 cup of water per pound of fruit (3 cups of water for 3 lbs of berries). Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the berries soften and release their juices.
Step 2: Strain & Save
Next, strain the cooked fruit through a fine mesh strainer or food mill. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to push the pulp through, leaving the seeds behind. You’ll end up with about 6 cups of thick pulp that will form the base of your jam.
Step 3: Back to the Pot
Return the strained pulp to your stockpot. Please bring it to a boil once again and sprinkle in the low-sugar pectin. Stir thoroughly to avoid lumps. Let it boil for one full minute, making sure the pectin dissolves completely.
Step 4: Sweeten & Boil Again
Now comes the sweet part! Add your sugar gradually between one and 4 cups, depending on how tart or sweet you want your jam. Stir well and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
Step 5: Jar It Up
Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe rims clean before sealing with lids.
Step 6: Can or Cool
- For Pantry Storage: Process jars in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes (15 minutes if above 6,000 ft altitude).
- For Refrigerator Storage: Skip canning, just cool jars on a towel, check seals, and refrigerate any unsealed ones.
And just like that, you have a homemade batch of sweet-tart Autumn Olive Jam ready to enjoy!
Serving and Decoration
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Autumn Olive Jam
This jam is wonderfully versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Classic Breakfast Spread – Slather on warm toast, English muffins, or fresh-baked biscuits.
- Cheese Board Companion – Pair with sharp cheddar, brie, or goat cheese for a sweet-tangy contrast.
- Dessert Upgrade – Drizzle over cheesecake, swirl into yogurt, or use as a filling for pastries.
- Glaze for Meats – Brush over roasted chicken, pork chops, or salmon for a fruity, caramelized glaze.
Suggested Flavor Variations
Autumn olive berries are bold on their own, but you can customize your jam with these tasty add-ins:
- Citrus Zest – Add orange or lemon zest for a bright, refreshing note.
- Warm Spices – Stir in cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg to give it a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Herbal Touch – Infuse with fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory-sweet balance.
- Mixed Berry Blend – Combine with raspberries or blackberries for a deeper, layered flavor.
Decoration & Presentation
For gifting or showcasing your homemade jam:
- Top jars with parchment paper and twine for a rustic, homemade look.
- Add handwritten labels noting the flavor and date made.
- Dust the jar lids with a bit of powdered sugar before wrapping for a festive touch.
By experimenting with flavors and presentation, your Autumn Olive Jam can go from an everyday staple to a show-stopping treat at gatherings.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Autumn Olive Jam Fresh
Once your jam jars have cooled and sealed correctly, you can store them in a cool, dark pantry. Properly canned jars will stay fresh for up to 12 months. After opening, always refrigerate and use within 2–3 weeks for the best flavor.
Freezing Autumn Olive Jam
If you don’t want to process your jam in a water bath, freezing is a great option. Pour the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.
Autumn Olive Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Autumn Olive Jam, the right tools ensure smooth preparation and the perfect texture:- Large Stockpot – For boiling the fruit and cooking down the jam.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Food Mill – To separate seeds from pulp while preserving rich flavor.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Essential for pressing pulp and stirring the mixture.
- Sterilized Jars with Lids – To store your jam safely, whether refrigerated or canned.
- Canning Pot (Optional) – If you plan to process jars for long-term pantry storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do autumn olive berries taste like?
Autumn olive berries have a tart, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor with a hint of cranberry. When cooked into jam, their sharpness balances beautifully with sugar, creating a bold, fruity spread.
Do I need to add pectin when making autumn olive jam?
Yes, pectin helps the jam set correctly. Autumn olives are naturally high in lycopene but low in natural pectin, so adding low-sugar pectin ensures your jam thickens to the right consistency.
Can I make autumn olive jam without sugar?
You can reduce the sugar, but some sweetness is recommended to balance the tartness. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute compatible with low-sugar pectin.
How long does homemade autumn olive jam last?
If canned and sealed correctly, it lasts up to 12 months in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2–3 weeks. Freezer storage can extend shelf life up to 6 months.
Can I use frozen autumn olive berries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen autumn olives work just as well. Thaw them before cooking, and follow the recipe as written.
What can I serve autumn olive jam with?
It’s delicious on toast, muffins, biscuits, pancakes, and scones, but also pairs beautifully with cheese, meats, and desserts. It even makes an excellent glaze for poultry and fish.
Are autumn olive berries healthy?
Yes! They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene, making this jam not only tasty but also packed with health benefits.
Conclusion
Making Autumn Olive Jam is more than just preserving fruit; it’s capturing the essence of the season in a jar. These tart little berries transform into a luscious spread that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with nutrients.
By following this recipe, you’ll have a versatile jam perfect for breakfast spreads, elegant cheese boards, or as a glaze for savory meals. Best of all, you can adjust the sweetness and flavor add-ins to make it uniquely your own.
So, gather your berries, roll up your sleeves, and fill your kitchen with the rich aroma of simmering fruit. Your pantry (and taste buds) will thank you!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
