This healthy sugar free grape jam is super easy to make, and only requires one ingredient: grapes!
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If you've ever considered making your own jam, this recipe is a great place to start. There are no complicated sugar thermometers or canning processes involved. In fact, the whole process can be summarized liked this: warm grapes in a pot until they are soft, mash until it looks like jam, and it's done!
I love to make homemade jam, because it allows you to enjoy delicious jam without all the added sugar and preservatives which you often find in store bought varieties. This recipe is super easy as well, and you can make a big batch to last you a while if you wish.
🍇 Grapes
Any grapes can be used to make jam. I prefer to use either a combination of different types of grapes, or preferably sweet, red grapes.
You also want to make sure to use ripe grapes. Unripe grapes will not be as sweet or as juicy, and should be avoided.
The purpose of sugar in jam
Sugar is commonly added to jam for two main reasons: to use as a sweetener, and as a preservative.
Sugar is a natural preservative which helps to prolong the shelf life of jam. If you want to make a long-lasting jam, like the jams that you can store in jars for months or even years, you will have to either add sugar, or other added preservatives.
This recipe makes a simple jam without any preservatives. This means that it won't store particularly well in room temperature. You might have heard the expression "freezer jam", which is jam that has to be stored in the freezer. This is a common name for jams that, like this sugar free grape jam, can be stored in a freezer, but will not last if it is canned and stored at room temperature.
Removing the grape seeds
I don't know about you, but I don't really like the idea of seeds in my grape jam. You can obviously quite easily avoid this by making jam with seedless grapes. However, if all you have is seeded grapes, you will have to remove the seeds before you cook the jam.
There are two methods for removing grape seeds.
Sieve method: Peel the skins off the grapes and set them to the side. Add the skinned grapes to a sieve, and use the back of a spoon to press the fruit through. The seeds will be left in the sieve, and you can easily pick them out. Add both the mashed grapes and the grape skins to the pot to make seedless grape jam.
Picking method: Slice the raw grapes in half down the middle. Use your fingers to pick out the grape seeds and discard them. This method is typically quicker than the sieve method, but you might miss a couple seeds.
Choose your preferred method, and remove the seeds from the grapes before you continue making jam from them.
🔪 Instructions
Cut the grapes in half, and add them to a pot. Put it on medium heat, cover with a lid and leave the grapes to warm up. They will simmer as the grapes go slightly mushy.
After about 20 minutes they will have softened significantly. Use the back of a spoon, or ideally a potato masher, to mash the grapes into a jam like consistency.
Leave the jam to simmer for another 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Transfer it to glass containers, or leave it to chill slightly if you plan to store it in plastic containers.
Grape jam vs jelly
Grape jam and jelly are both made from grapes, and therefore taste similarly. The main difference is in how they are made, and their texture.
Grape jelly is made from grape juice, and has a smooth texture without chunks.
Grape jam is made from crushed fruits, and typically includes pulp and chunks of fruit.
In most instances you can use grape jam and grape jelly interchangeably. Grape jelly is usually more popular and more commonly found in supermarkets, but grape jam is a lot easier to make at home!
💭 Top tips
Here are my top tips to make the best grape jam:
- Your choice of grapes will influence the flavor of the jam. Use green sour grapes for a sour jam, and dark red sweet grapes for a sweeter variety.
- You can absolutely add other types of fruit to the jam as well. Try adding finely chopped apples, blueberries or plums to change things up!
- Leave the grapes to soften slowly by simmering them at a medium to low heat. Stir occasionally, especially if you're not using a non-stick pot.
🥗 Serving suggestions
Jam is usually served with crackers, on toast or with sweet baked goods. Serve grape jam on top of croissants, waffles, Greek yogurt pancakes, sweet rolls, English muffins or crumpets.
🍲 Storing
This sugar free grape jam can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 4 days in an air tight container.
If you want to preserve it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. You can make a big batch, and freeze the jam down in portion sizes or small freezer safe containers. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and serve.
As this recipe does not contain any preservatives, it should not be canned and stored at room temperature.
🍴 You might also like these recipes..
If you love jams and spread, you should try any of these recipes:
📋 Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen grapes? - Absolutely. Frozen grapes work perfectly in this recipe!
Does this recipe suit my diet? - This homemade sugar free grape jam is vegan, and suitable for most diets including slimming world, weight watchers, whole 30. They are also low calorie and allergy friendly!
Recipe
Sugar Free Grape Jam
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless grapes (550 g)
Instructions
- Cut the grapes in half, and add them to a pot. Put it on medium heat, cover with a lid and leave the grapes to warm up. They will simmer as the grapes start to soften.
- After about 20 minutes they will have softened significantly. Use the back of a spoon, or ideally a potato masher, to mash the grapes into a jam like consistency.
- Leave the jam to simmer for another 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Transfer it to glass containers, or leave it to chill slightly if you plan to store it in plastic containers.
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