Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam + Tutorial {Vegan, Gluten Free}

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My gourmande friend J came to visit a few weekends ago. Gourmande as in he spent some time at Leith’s Cookery School, worked in a few London eateries and finally ran his own restaurant in Scotland. The meals he cooks are always so utterly amazing that I felt I had to push out the boat a little bit.

Cue various bits of sticky notes all over the kitchen wall as I wrote down a million and one ideas that somehow always came back to rhubarb. It might have had something to do with the lovely rhubarb patch just next to the swings in the garden. With the recent run of gorgeous weather, the kiddoes and I have been hanging at the swings A LOT.

And so this Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe was born.

My recipe for Basil Strawberry Rhubarb jam is quite easy to make. Plus it is full of strawberry flavour and has a particularly gorgeous colour. I also love that it is not too sweet thanks to the rhubarb and a lower than normal sugar content.

This jam really is perfect for using up the summer bounty of strawberries and rhubarb. And homemade jam recipes like this are especially helpful when you have a batch of strawberries that are slightly going off. No worry about wasting excess produce when you can simply turn it into a lovely jam.

What makes this jam worthy of serving up to a gourmande like J. is that extra WOW flavour from the fresh basil. Unusual, exciting and amaaaaazingly good. Not only is rhubarb strawberry basil jam great for breakfast and sandwiches (talk about taking your usual PBJ to another level), I also love to heat it up a bit and serve on top of ice cream. You’ve got to try it! 

So, are you ready to learn just how to make this Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam? Then gather up those ingredients and let me show you….

How To Make Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

1. Mix rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and basil in a non-reactive bowl and let stand for about one hour.
2. Add mixture to a pot, and cook on medium heat till sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a roiling simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes.
4. Test to see if the jam is cooked by performing the saucer test (see section below for details). If not, then cook for a few more minutes.
5. Remove pot from heat and allow the jam to cool.
6. Pour jam into sterilised jars, seal and store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Tips for Making Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

• Sterilise your jars and lids by submerging them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
• You can add vary the proportions using more rhubarb and fewer strawberries. But you would need more sugar as the rhubarb is rather tart.
• You can freeze this jam for longer term storage. Just remember to leave a half inch of space at the top of the jar to allow room for the jam to expand.

Variations in Strawberry Basil Jam

• Change up the flavour profile by swapping the basil for fresh thyme or adding in a little balsamic vinegar.

Can You Use Frozen Rhubarb And Strawberries To Make This Jam?

Yes, you can. Feel free to buy rhubarb and strawberries when they are in season and freeze them for when they are needed. Defrost when needed and cook.

You may need to boil the jam for an extra few minutes to get rid of the little extra water from defrosting.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Pectin

You can make strawberry rhubarb jam with pectin if you prefer. You would need to add 1 package of pectin to the fruit.

How To Test if Your Jam Has Set

My preferred method for testing jam is to perform the saucer test. Here’s what to do:

• When you start cooking the jam, simply place a small dish or saucer in the freezer.
• Once you think the jam has cooked enough and it appears to have thickened, place a spoonful of the jam onto the cold saucer and tilt it vertically so the jam will run down.
• If the jam is streams down and runs off fairly quickly, it is not ready. And if the jam sticks together and doesn’t immediately run off, it is done.

Weight Watchers Points in Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

There are 4 Freestyle Points in a serving of this Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam.

What To Serve With Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Coconut Plantain Pancakes

5 Minute Yogurt Flatbread

Get The Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe:

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