Fruit Jam with Low Amount of Any Sweetener

Not long ago sugar concerns emerged in my family, thus we have tried to avoid super-refined sugar products whenever we can. Since that time, traditional homemade jams and jellies had been relegated to a once-in-a-while treat.









This was sad news for me because summertime always meant both freezing the bounty of summer fruits, as well as putting up many jars of homemade jam for gifts and to enjoy throughout the year. Apricot, Peach, Cherry, Nectarine, Plum from the trees and fresh berries from our vines would be preserved-- but these days, not so much.

We've tried the commercially prepared sugar-free jams, but honestly they are not very pleasing to my palate. Prior to our sugar restrictions I enjoyed making Fresh Fruit Freezer Jams using less sugar. But still they were sweetened with refined white sugar.









So when I recently discovered Pomona's Universal Pectin I was practically dancing in the aisle of my healthy food store. :D

You see, ordinary fruit pectins call for 55-85% sugar to set firmly but Pomona's Universal is composed of low methoxyl pectin (from citrus peel), and calcium (included in the package) is what activates the jelling properties--not excess sugar.

There is nothing quite like a smear of homemade jam on a slice of toasted whole-grain homemade bread.

And more good news ~ this pectin can be used to make cooked jam and jelly, as well as freezer jam sweetened to just the degree you like it, using honey, sugar, fruit juice, artificial sweetener, agave syrup (my personal favorite), or any other sweetener.

This time I made Nectarine Jam with some just picked-tree ripened

(and still warm from the sun!) fruit.

And as heavenly as it tastes today, it will be treasured even more on a cold, stormy/ snowy morning come this winter ~ a sweet reminder of warm summer days.

If you have trouble finding this brand of pectin in your area you can visit the company website at http://www.pomonapectin.com/ for "where to purchase", and you can also buy directly from the site.

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This is my submission for:

"Simple Lives Thursday"

And

Foodie Friday.

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Thank you for stopping by!

I hope you each have a beautiful weekend.

Disclaimer:

I have received no compensation whatsoever for recommendation of this product.