Sweet and slightly tart and full of fresh pineapple, small-batch pineapple jam needs no special canning equipment or even pectin to yield a delicious fresh jam. No pressure canning or special equipment required.
1cupsugaror a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda.
2tbspfresh lemon juice[See Note 1]
5cupsfresh pineapplepeeled and cut into chunks [See Note 2]
Instructions
Peel and cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks; discard the fibrous core and outer peel.
Add all ingredients into a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil. Do not cover.
Reduce heat simmer over LOW heat. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pineapple is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated; Stirring occasionally. Do not Cover.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
With an immersion blender or potato masher, crush the fruit to small bite-sized (or smaller) pieces.
The natural sugars in the fruit will thicken the jam.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container like a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Alternatively, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Notes
For an added punch of lemon flavor, stir in 1 tsp of lemon zest after cooking (more or less to taste) to balance out the sweetness.
The typical fresh pineapple yields about 5 to 6 cups of fresh pineapple chunks.
Frequently Asked Questions :I get asked a lot of questions about pineapple jam so I will try and sort through the FAQs here: Does Pineapple Jam need Pectin? Like strawberries, pineapples are very low in natural pectin, so if you wanted a traditional "stiff" jam or jelly, you would need to add pectin. However, you can make a natural pineapple jam and have it thicken considerably simply by adding sugar and reducing the juices into a jam-like consistency.Can I Freeze Pineapple Jam? Absolutely! Freeze jam in air-tight containers for up to one year. How Long Does Pineapple Jam Last? Pineapple jam lasts in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 year. Can I use Canned Pineapple? Yes, Start with 3 cans of crushed, chunks or tidbits plus the natural juices in the can and follow the recipe. Depending on which type of pineapple you begin with tidbits, chunks, or crushed, you may or may not need to blend at the end.Can I use Frozen Pineapple Chunks? Yes, start with 4 to 5 cups of frozen chunks and then follow the recipe.
Serving SuggestionsServing this jam as a topping on toast, English muffins, croissants, biscuits, or scones is an obvious choice. But there are many other ways to use this easy pineapple jam.
Coleslaw - mix the desired amount into coleslaw with raisins and make a sweet Hawaiian-style coleslaw for your next Kalua pork or luau-themed party food or BBQ.
Ice cream - This topping is fabulous on vanilla or easy No-churn Rum Raisin ice cream. Add some chopped toasted macadamia nuts for a luau-themed dessert. Of course, it's also great at topping for a classic banana split-inspired dessert as well.
Mojitos - Add pineapple jam into the mojito mix for a new twist on the classic mojito. You'll be so glad you did!
Cheese - If you love a good melting brie cheese with its classic fruit topping, you'll love the combination of tangy brie cheese with this sweet pineapple jam topping. Of course, it's also amazing on crostini paired with Homemade Ricotta Cheese as well. Try it. It's amazing!
Compote/Sauce - Warmed Pineapple Jam compote pairs very well with roasted pork tenderloin or chops for a tropical flair.
Cheesecake - Pineapple jam is also a great topping for cheesecake. Try a tropical-themed cheesecake with a coconut base. Garnish with toasted macadamia nuts for a divine dessert that is sure to please your guests.
Pancakes - Pancakes are perfectly served with a sweet pineapple jam. Warm the jam in a saucepan and serve alongside pancakes with syrup or whipped cream.
Cupcakes - For a tropical theme, add a dollop of pineapple jam to the center of a cupcake or as a topping to Pineapple Cupcakes.
Barbecue Sauce (BBQ Sauce) - Stir pineapple compote into a basic barbecue sauce to create a tropical or Caribbean flare. This is great on pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even ribs.
Rice Pudding - Add a dollop of jam over the top of rice pudding for a play in Thai sticky rice pudding. It's amazing.
Oatmeal - Stir a dollop into a bowl of cooked oatmeal and garnish with bananas and toasted macadamia nuts for a tropical-themed breakfast.
Host/Hostess Gifts - It's also perfect for gift-giving. I cannot think of a host or hostess who would not appreciate a fresh jar of this bright and tangy jam, a wheel of brie, and a box of fancy crackers as a thank you gift for having guests over.